For more than 170 years, the Limerick Arms Hotel has stood on the corner of Clarendon and Park Streets in South Melbourne—first as a gold‑rush pub run by an Irish farm servant named Matthew Toohey, later as the birthplace of the Tooheys brewing dynasty, and now as a modern gastropub serving everything from $30 Sunday roasts to $8 pots of Guinness. This profile covers the pub’s layered history, current menu and happy‑hour deals, and what first‑time visitors should know before booking a table.
Last checked: 2026-08-05
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Name: Limerick Arms Hotel · Location: 364 Clarendon St, South Melbourne, Victoria 3205, Australia · Type: Historic corner pub and gastropub · Key Feature: 170 years of community service; modern pub fare and live sports
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-05.
Sources reviewed: official property website, TripAdvisor reviews, historic‑hotels PDF from Melbourne Walks, 3AW radio review, user reviews on Yelp and Quandoo, industry journalism, reservation platform.
We did not conduct an on‑site visit or staff interview; menu prices and hours reflect publicly available information and may have changed.
The Limerick Arms at a glance
- 1855, when Irish farm servant Matthew Toohey became the first publican (Melbourne Walks historic hotels PDF)
- 364 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 (TripAdvisor listing)
- Mon–Thu 12 pm–midnight, Fri–Sat 12 pm–1 am, Sun 12 pm–11 pm (TripAdvisor attraction page)
- Site of the first gazetted cabstands in Emerald Hill (1870s) (Melbourne Walks historic hotels PDF)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Limerick Arms Hotel |
| Street address | 364 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 |
| Type | Historic pub / gastropub |
| Year established | 1855 |
| First publican | Matthew Toohey (later co‑founder of Tooheys brewing) |
| Weekly happy hour | Reported daily, 4 pm–6 pm (or 8 pm – conflicting sources) |
| Sunday roast price | $30 AUD with trimmings |
| Guinness pint price | $16 AUD (as of early 2025) |
| Recent ownership event | Celtic Club investment (per industry journalism) |
| Online booking partner | SevenRooms (via official site) |
What is the history of the Limerick Arms Hotel?
170 years of community service
The Limerick Arms opened in 1855, when Irish immigrant Matthew Toohey—then a farm servant—took the license and became the pub’s first publican (Melbourne Walks). Toohey later moved to Sydney with his brothers John and James, launching the Darling Brewery in 1872 that evolved into the Tooheys brand still sold across Australia. In the decades that followed, the pub served as the birthplace of the Emerald Hill branch of the Australian Natives Association in 1874, hosted the first official cabstands in the area, and underwent at least two major renovations—a billiard‑room addition in 1873 and further alterations in 1883.
The Celtic Club investment: recent ownership changes
In the 2020s the Celtic Club, an Irish‑Australian social organisation, invested in the Limerick Arms, according to industry reporting. This brought fresh capital and a renewed focus on the pub’s Irish heritage, though the exact date and terms of the deal are not publicly detailed. The historic fabric—Victorian architecture, open fireplaces, and timber bars—has been preserved.
The bottom line: The Limerick Arms’ 170‑year timeline is tightly woven with Melbourne’s brewing history and community organising, making it one of the oldest continuously operating pubs in South Melbourne.
Does Limerick Arms Hotel in South Melbourne have happy hour?
Current happy hour offerings
Yes, the Limerick Arms runs a daily happy hour. The most detailed current listing, from the aggregator Eat Drink Cheap (updated early 2025), reports a window from 4 pm to 6 pm offering $10 pints, $8 wines, and select spirits. A separate mention on the same page extends the window to 8 pm and lists even lower prices: $6 pints, $6 basic spirits, and $6 wines. The discrepancy suggests the promotion may vary by day or season; it is best to confirm directly with the venue.
Top 5 Happy Hours in South Melbourne context
South Melbourne has a tight cluster of pubs with early‑evening deals, but the Limerick Arms stands out for running happy hour seven days a week rather than only weekdays. Nearby venues such as the Emerald Hill Hotel and the Station Hotel also offer discounted drinks, though the Limerick Arms’ range of $6–$10 options (depending on the listed special) makes it competitive for budget‑conscious drinkers.
The pattern: Regular happy‑hour deals, combined with a consistent Sunday roast, give the Limerick Arms a clear value pitch for locals and visitors alike.
Who owns the Limerick Arms Hotel?
Recent ownership change
As noted, the Celtic Club became involved in the Limerick Arms in the 2020s. The West Melbourne‑based social club, founded in 1887, has a portfolio of Irish‑themed venues and brought a new operational focus to the pub. The exact ownership structure is not publicly listed, but the association aligns with the pub’s historic Irish identity.
Celtic Club’s role
Beyond investment, the Celtic Club has used the Limerick Arms as a gathering space for members and events. A profile on BestRestaurants.com.au describes the venue as “steeped in over 150 years of history” with “strong Irish roots,” which the current ownership has reinforced with live Irish music and seasonal events.
The catch: While the Celtic Club’s involvement lends cultural authenticity, it has not yet resulted in major menu or service overhauls—the pub still operates as a classic Aussie gastropub rather than a dedicated Irish bar.
What is on the Limerick Arms Hotel menu?
Pub classics and modern dishes
The menu follows what 3AW’s Tony Leonard called “the road more travelled” of pub food. Entrées include mushroom croquettes, lemon pepper calamari, and lamb ribs with BBQ sauce (around $14 each as of early 2022). Mains centre on parmas, burgers, and steaks. The signature “Rodriquez” chicken parma—topped with ham, mixed cheeses, jalapeño, guacamole, and sour cream—was priced at about $30 in 2022. Desserts such as sticky date pudding are around $12.
Lunch and dinner are served seven days a week, and a separate Sunday roast with all the trimmings costs $30. The drinks list features Guinness ($8 pot, $12 schooner, $16 pint), a rotating selection of local ales (Fixation IPA, Little Creatures Pale Ale), and lagers including Hahn Super Dry, Heineken, and XXXX Gold.
What this means: The menu is solid, reliable pub fare at mid‑range prices; the Sunday roast and daily happy hour are the stand‑out value plays.
Where is the Limerick Arms Hotel and how to get there?
Address: 364 Clarendon St, South Melbourne
The Limerick Arms occupies the corner of Clarendon and Park streets, about 2 km south of the Melbourne CBD. Clarendon Street is a main thoroughfare with trams, buses, and limited street parking.
Nearest transport options
Tram route 12 stops within a two‑minute walk; routes 96 and 109 stop on nearby Victoria Avenue. The nearest train station is South Melbourne (St Kilda line), roughly 1 km away. For drivers, metered parking is available on Clarendon Street after 6 pm and on weekends.
Limerick Arms Hotel specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Limerick Arms Hotel |
| Corner address | 364 Clarendon Street & Park Street, South Melbourne |
| Year first licensed | 1855 |
| Current ownership association | Celtic Club (since 2020s) |
| Cuisine style | Australian pub classics (parmas, steaks, roasts) |
| Weekly happy hour | Reported daily 4 pm–6 pm (or extended to 8 pm on some listings) |
| Pint price range (2025) | $6–$16 depending on beer and happy hour |
| Sunday roast price | $30 AUD |
| Bookings accepted | Via SevenRooms (online) and walk‑ins |
| Nearest tram stop | Route 12 on Clarendon Street |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rich, well‑documented history dating to 1855 with direct ties to Tooheys brewing.
- Daily happy hour and $30 Sunday roast offer genuine value.
- Consistent positive feedback on staff friendliness and open‑fire ambience.
- Central South Melbourne location, easy tram access.
Cons
- Menu described as “road more travelled”—not innovative or fine‑dining.
- Some customers report unexpected surcharges (e.g., $3 for extra sauce).
- Happy‑hour details vary across sources; may confuse first‑time visitors.
- Limited outdoor seating (only a small front area; no beer garden).
Pricing band
Based on the 2022–2025 menu data:
- Entrées: $12–$16
- Mains: $20–$30
- Sunday roast: $30
- Happy‑hour pints: $6–$10
- Standard pint: $13–$17
This places the Limerick Arms in the mid‑range bracket for Melbourne pubs—neither budget nor premium.
Location & transport
364 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205. Tram 12 stops outside; on‑street parking available after 6 pm weekdays and all day weekends. The venue is a 25‑minute walk from Flinders Street Station.
Alternatives in South Melbourne
Other historic pubs within a 1 km radius include the Emerald Hill Hotel (built 1853) on Bank Street and the Station Hotel on Ferrars Street. Both serve similar pub‑food menus but lack the direct Tooheys‑brewing connection. For a craft‑beer focus, the Local Taphouse on Carlisle Street offers a rotating selection but operates more as a specialist bar.
Our pick: Who should visit
- History buffs: The 1855 origin and Tooheys lineage make this a must‑see for Melbourne history enthusiasts.
- Pub‑goers: Daily happy hour and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere suit casual drinkers.
- Local foodies: The $30 Sunday roast and parma‑centric menu appeal to those seeking classic pub grub without pretension.
Timeline
- 1855 – Matthew Toohey becomes first publican; pub opens at 364 Clarendon Street.
- 1865 – License passes to Joseph Glaysher (formerly of Volunteer Arms Hotel).
- 1870–1880 – James Laing holds the license; Emerald Hill branch of Australian Natives Association founded at the pub (1874).
- 1873 – Architects Powell & Whitaker call tenders for painting and a new billiard room.
- 1883 – Further alterations under architects Wilson & Beswicke.
- 2020s – Celtic Club becomes involved as investor/operator.
Related reading:
tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com
For those interested in another historic pub with a similar story, the historic Hagen Arms Hotel in Echunga offers a menu and history that parallel the Limerick Arms experience.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Limerick Arms Hotel opening hours?
Does the Limerick Arms Hotel serve breakfast?
Can I book a table at the Limerick Arms Hotel?
Is there live sports at the Limerick Arms Hotel?
What is the price range of meals at the Limerick Arms Hotel?
Is the Limerick Arms Hotel family-friendly?
Does the Limerick Arms Hotel have outdoor seating?
What type of cuisine does the Limerick Arms Hotel offer?
Sources cited
- Melbourne Walks – South Melbourne Hotels historic PDF (tier 1)
- TripAdvisor – The Limerick Arms restaurant listing (tier 2)
- TripAdvisor – Limerick Arms attraction page (tier 2)
- 3AW – Pub of the Week review by Tony Leonard (tier 2)
- Limerick Arms official menu (tier 1)
- BestRestaurants.com.au – Limerick Arms profile (tier 2)
- Eat Drink Cheap – Sunday specials / happy hour listing (tier 3 – noted discrepancy)
- Quandoo – The Limerick Arms Hotel reviews (tier 2)
- Yelp – Limerick Arms Hotel reviews (tier 3)
- ParmaDaze – Limerick Arms parma review (tier 3)