Swimming is a fantastic skill to have and as it can be both a form of exercise or recreation!
Yes, it might be scary at first because of the new environment, but with a great coach and the proper equipment, swimming can be as easy as counting numbers.
In this article, we take a look at some of the best places for swimming lessons in Limerick.
How much do swimming lessons cost?
Swimming lessons are usually broken down for different age groups but can be also categorized for different skill sets. There are also sometimes unique arrangements to choose from such as swim camps and “baby with parent” lessons.
Below is a table of possible swim lesson costs according to the lesson type. Do take note that these prices are estimates and may vary.
Top Swimming Lessons in Limerick
We assessed the swimming lessons according to the following criteria:
1. Diana’s Swim Academy
| Quality of lessons | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Range of lessons | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Depth of programs | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Additional services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer satisfaction | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Schedule availability | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Instructor’s approach and staff service | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
Diana Swim Academy is a great facility that provides a wide selection of swim classes for all ages.
Diana herself has a background in swimming competitions as well as tutoring. The coaches and facilitators make sure to approach these classes with top safety and expertise in mind.
What we like about them is that they offer a caring approach, seen best in their baby/toddler and parent lessons. These lessons accept babies from birth until 3.5 years old and there is no need to worry because they are fully guided.
They also do offer children swimming lessons where they make sure to track the child’s progress from lesson to lesson and provide feedback.
More uniquely, they also offer swim float lessons. These swim float lessons focus on easing the individual out of using floatation devices and we like that it is a more targeted lesson that not many other swimming facilities offer.
Other more unique programs they provide include swim camps and aqua natal yoga. Exercises in aqua natal yoga help relax the mother with the extra weight she has been carrying through her pregnancy
Swim camps condense the lessons in a shorter time frame and include fun games to make sure that the children are engaged.
It is a great option for those looking for arrangements that are not as lengthy but are still substantial.
It should be noted that there are no pay-as-you-go lessons so make sure to call ahead if you’re interested in any of their lessons. Also, as it is a popular place, finding a schedule might prove to be difficult during certain periods.
If you’re looking for a great place for lessons that accommodates both children and adults check out Diana’s Swim Academy.
Pros
- Sell swimming gear like swim caps and towels
- Has a swim float lesson focusing on floating
- Has a range of swimming lessons for babies, toddlers, children and adults
- Offers swim camps
Cons
- No pay-as-you-go lessons
- May be difficult to schedule a lesson due to popularity
Customer Reviews
A Fantastic Bonding Experience
Myself and my little boy have been attending classes with Diana’s Swim Academy since my toddler was only a few weeks old, it has been such a fantastic part of our routine, and such a positive experience on so many levels. Not only has my son developed his abilities in water with an experienced teacher who is a mammy herself and understands child development but it has also been a fantastic bonding experience for both of us as mother and son, he has developed full trust with me throughout the lessons and this trust has deepened over time. We have also made lots of friends from attending the classes and my little boy looks forward to meeting all his buddies every week. Overall I am so glad we attended and continue to attend Diana’s classes and I would highly recommend these classes to anyone thinking about it. – Laura Flanagan
Confidence Building Lessons
I would highly recommend these lessons. My son has been going swimming with DSA since he was a baby, he absolutely loves the lessons, its great to have him not fear water and know what to do in water. The small classes and the attention he gets from the instructors is brilliant. – Mara Hough
2. Bubbles Limerick
| Quality of lessons | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Range of lessons | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Depth of programs | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Additional services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer satisfaction | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Schedule availability | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Instructor’s approach and staff’s service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
At Bubbles Limerick, you may find great options for swimming lessons that focus not only on age groups but also consider your skill and progress. The depth they offer for each type of swimming lesson is very thorough.
For children’s swimming lessons, although there are no private lesson options, they have five main categories and we like that the class size is kept relatively small.
Within each category they designed the programs to really fit the age group, allowing for more technical progress and confidence the older the child is. Confidence and fun are the aim for children around three to four years old while older children are taught proper strokes and breathing technique.
They also provide water safety classes and lifeguard training for teens aged 16 and up. We like that these classes offer a more specialized type of swim lessons.
For adult swimming lessons, they are open to adults of all ages but focus on more advanced swimming skills. They do start with beginners but begin with technical skills first such as leg kicks and position.
Within the adult swimming lesson, they also have boot camps which are like more intensive aquatic workouts perfect for those training for triathlons. The range within each category, whether children or adult swimming lessons, is very impressive and we like that it follows the journey of an improving swimmer.
We do advise that you check their timetable and operating hours beforehand, as some of their schedules are much shorter or more limited.
Pros
- Fantastic depth of lessons
- Provides a bootcamp option for intensive exercises
- Offers safety classes and lifeguard training
- Lessons for younger students focus on confidence building
Cons
- Limited options for private lessons
- Shorter operating hours during Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
Customer Reviews
Friendly Tutor
brought my daughter and niece as a friend won the prize of it on this the girls had a fantastic day and the tutor was unbelievable friendly definitely going to send my daughter back – Jean Blake
Great Results
I genuinely couldn’t recommend these people highly enough. After going from swimming lessons to more swimming lessons with other instructors, unsuccessfully, my boys have absolutely flourished at Bubbles swim & sport academy. I am beyond happy with the results. They are so confident now and look forward to their lesson every week. I would highly recommend them – Mandy O’Loughlin Frawley
3. Snámh Linn
| Quality of lessons | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Range of lessons | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Depth of programs | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Additional services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer satisfaction | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Schedule availability | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Instructor’s approach and staff’s service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Snámh Linn offers a safe and excellent tidal exercise pool facility for swimming lessons. The business owner, Orla Leddin, has solid backgrounds in both physiotherapy and swimming instruction.
What we like about Snámh Linn is that they emphasize full attention during their swimming classes. They have multiple options for one-on-one classes to one-on-three classes with different alternatives as well for lesson durations.
In their children’s swimming lessons, they make sure to tailor the lessons to your child’s needs, whether they are a beginner or not. We like that they can even design a program for your child to learn alongside a friend if that would make them more comfortable.
They also take it a further step by offering swimming and water safety lessons for those in their senior year. For these services in particular, it is important to note that this is done at the University of Limerick’s sports campus for a larger pool area.
They do offer adult swimming lessons with as much focus and dedication. No matter the adult’s intended objectives or starting skillset, Snámh Linn is open to teaching all.
What we most appreciate about Snámh Linn, is that they use The Halliwick Concept for an inclusive approach, especially for people with physical or learning difficulties. They are open to teaching people with additional needs and recognize the advantages their lessons can have for them.
Take note however, that their schedules on weekdays are short. Appointments are required for all sessions so make sure to contact them in advance.
Pros
- Options for different sizes and durations of classes
- Has options for intensive swimming lessons
- Great flexibility for children’s and adult’s swimming lessons
- Use The Halliwick Concept for an inclusive approach
Cons
- Short operating hours during weekdays
- Appointment required
Customer Reviews
Loved the Lessons
We recently completed four day intensive swim lessons for 3 children aged 11, 9 and 7, all of varying levels of ability, including one child who was very nervous in the water. The swim instructor Orla was fantastic with them, they all improved in their level and became more confident in there ability. They loved the lessons and looked forward to going each day, it was well worth doing and we will be back! On holiday now and the benefits of the lessons can be clearly seen in the pool. When I asked the youngest and the nervous swimmer how did you get so confident in the water? he said it was because Orla thought me. Facilities were super clean and well organised. Thanks Orla!! – Martina Burke
High Praise for the Teachers
Snámh Linn – what can I say – Orla made the impossible happen – after spending hundreds on group lessons for our daughter she still wouldn’t put her head in the water, week 2 with Orla, Sally had her head in the water and is now a very confident young girl in the water. Sally has had lessons with Orla and other teachers at Snámh Linn and I cannot praise them all high enough, Snámh Linn has a great way with children to make the lessons fun and at ease. The 1 to 1 lesson makes a huge difference for both young and old – I say young and old because when I saw Orla succeed with Sally, I too took up swimming lessons with Snámh Linn, I was allergic to a swimming pool before this but after a few weeks with Orla I actually started to enjoy the lessons. To sum it up, you will go far and near to find a better service than Snámh Linn when it comes to swimming lessons. – Martina Burke
4. Swim Max
| Quality of lessons | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Range of lessons | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Depth of programs | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Additional services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer satisfaction | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Schedule availability | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Instructor’s approach and staff’s service | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
Swim Max The Academy has some great choices out there if you’re looking for programs for different age groups and different needs.
They assure you that their programs for babies are both safe and fun, having a selection of both private hydrotherapy sessions and “baby and parent swim lessons.”
We also really like their variety in choices for kids swimming lessons. They offer private lessons, group lessons and swim camps.
We especially appreciate that they make sure to track the kids’ progress and encourage a positive and open environment. Most feedback has pointed to this being effective especially for younger age groups as customers praise how much their kids enjoy the classes.
Another program they do have are swim camps, which are for children aged 3.5 and up. We admire that these swim camps have a smaller teacher to student ratio for a more personalized experience.
What’s more is that the kids are grouped according to swimming ability which makes it great for any child of any skill level.
For adult swimming lessons at Swim Max, they do take as much care for each customer but they also add some unique services into the mix. Swim Max has aqua aerobics classes, an aqua fit lesson and a postnatal aqua yoga program for adults looking for more targeted exercises.
We would advise that anyone interested, take a look at the timetables on their website as vacancies and schedules may differ from program to program. A 48-hour cancellation policy is enforced for private sessions but they do accommodate rescheduling at no additional cost before the 48-hour period.
Pros
- Clean facilities
- Positive customer feedback particularly on kids’ swimming lessons
- Good depth of programs
- Have upcoming new lessons such as float classes
- Longer and more consistent operating hours
Cons
- Some negative feedback on customer service
- Need to check their online timetables for availability
Customer Reviews
Fantastic Resource and Clean Venue
What a fantastic resource to have to learn and improve swimming techniques. The venue is spotless and maintained very well. I did a session with Bernard Cahill and would highly recommend for all experienced swimmers to benefit stroke and correct habits! – Mags Connelly
Great Results
Would highly recommend Swim Max! My little guy has been having lessons for 20 months now and loves the water. Diana is fantastic with him, he loves her and he is improving every few weeks. – Bet Halpin
5. West Limerick Sports Complex
| Quality of lessons | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Range of lessons | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Depth of programs | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Additional services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer satisfaction | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Schedule availability | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Instructor’s approach and staff’s service | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
The West Limerick Sports Complex has many spaces for different types of fitness activities. Their swimming programs, especially, do have a great range and depth for different age groups.
Because it is a sports complex, they have multiple swim instructors and lifeguards on decks so you can be assured that this would be a very safe space.
We were very impressed by their commitment to accessibility and inclusion for all of their programs including swimming. They are registered with the Sports Inclusion Disability Charter and all of their staff receive CARA Inclusive Training.
The swimming pool is an 18-meter deck level swimming pool, and although it includes only two lanes with an open area, they do offer good lessons.
Aside from the standard adult, child, and private swimming lessons, they also have a separate program for building confidence in the water for those aged between three to five. We appreciate this as it gives more focus to younger kids who have no experience in the water.
They also provide swimming lessons for school groups which not many facilities offer outside. It would be a great option if any school staff are looking for a premade program for their students.
Their additional facilities include a sauna, gym and injury clinic, perfect for those looking to choose between various wind down and active selections.
Keep in mind however, of their policies on entrance fees and memberships as some customer feedback has expounded on some negative experiences with this.
If you are looking for a facility that has a variety of amenities as well as a great place for swimming lessons, West Limerick Sports complex is a good place to start.
Pros
- Open seven days a week with long operating hours
- Has multiple facilities for different physical activities
- Offer unique swimming programs for water confidence and school groups
- Range of swimming lessons caters to all ages
Cons
- More limited space for pool
- Previous negative customer feedback on entrance policies
FAQs about Swimming Lessons
We hope this list helped you check out some options for the best places to have swim lessons in Limerick. If you would like to read more, check out our article on the best places for swimming lessons in Dublin.