Limerick, Maine: A Quaint Countryside Haven in York County

Nestled amid rolling hills and lush farmland, Limerick, Maine offers visitors and residents a peaceful rural retreat with all the charm of classic New England. From winding rivers and forested trails to small‐town hospitality and local eateries, Limerick embodies a timeless Maine spirit. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, quiet reflection, or a taste of authentic community life, discover why Limerick is a must‐visit stop in York County.

Overview of Limerick, ME

• County: York County

• ZIP Code: 04048

• Population (2020 Census): Approximately 3,160 residents

• Land Area: 33 square miles

• Location: Situated in southwestern Maine, bordered by the towns of Waterboro (northeast), Shapleigh (south), Newfield (southwest), Parsonsfield (west), and Limington (northwest). Limerick is roughly a 20‐minute drive from Sanford’s commercial district and 30 minutes from the coastal city of Saco.

How Limerick Got Its Name

Chartered in 1787, the town was named by early settlers in honor of Limerick, Ireland—an homage to their ancestral homeland. Originally part of Shapleigh, Limerick grew around agriculture and water‐powered mills along the Mousam and Saco Rivers. Over time, farms gave way to forests and lakeside retreats, but the sense of close‐knit community endures.

Main Points from the Most Recent Census (2020)

• Total Population: ~3,160

• Median Age: About 42 years old (reflecting a balance of young families, working‐age adults, and retirees)

• Households: Approximately 1,200 households, with an average household size near 2.6 people

• Median Household Income: Roughly $55,000 per year

• Housing Units: Around 1,400 total housing units, including single‐family homes, seasonal cottages, and a small number of multi‐unit residences

• Racial & Ethnic Composition: Predominantly White (over 95%), with small percentages of other racial and ethnic groups

• Education Level: More than 90% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 25% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher

• Commuting Patterns: Many residents commute to nearby Sanford or Biddeford for work, while others work locally in agriculture, small business, or tourism

Top 10–20 Things to Do in Limerick, ME

1. Lake Arrowhead Community

   • Relax on the sandy beaches of Wendell’s Beach or Crystal Beach.

   • Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore Lake Arrowhead’s 6 miles of shoreline.

   • Picnic along Arrowhead’s walking trails or fish for bass and pickerel in the summer months.

2. Mousam River Canoe & Kayak Trips

   • Launch near Route 202 for a peaceful paddle through wooded riverbanks.

   • Look for local outfitters offering guided tours and canoe rentals.

3. Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village (just north in New Gloucester)

   • Walk through the last active Shaker community in the U.S.

   • Visit the historic meetinghouse, shop for handcrafted Shaker furniture, and learn about 19th‐century communal living.

4. Limerick Historical Society & Museum

   • Located on Main Street, explore one‐room schoolhouse displays, local artifacts, and exhibits detailing Limerick’s agricultural and mill heritage.

5. Dead River Natural Area

   • Hike or snowshoe a network of trails through pine forests and wetlands.

   • Ideal for birdwatching and seeing beaver ponds in spring.

6. Mountain View Golf Course (just south in Waterboro)

   • A scenic 9‐hole course with well‐maintained fairways and views of nearby hills.

7. Cascade Falls Recreation Area (in Kezar Falls, a short drive to Parsonsfield)

   • Swim under the cascade in summer, hike riverside trails, or picnic by the falls.

   • Photo opportunities at the granite cliff plunging into a clear pool.

8. Local Farm Stands & U‐Pick Operations

   • Sample seasonal produce—strawberries in early summer, blueberries mid‐summer, apples in fall.

   • Visit family‐run farms for homemade jams, honey, and fresh vegetables.

9. Farmington Fairgrounds (across the river in Farmington, NH)

   • Attend local fairs, antique tractor shows, and 4‐H events during late summer.

10. Snowmobiling & ATV Trails

    • In winter, Limerick’s trails link with the York County Trail Blazers ATV Club network.

    • Cross‐country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities abound on backroads and in public conservation lands.

11. Fishing on the Saco River (nearby in Cornish or Hiram)

    • Anglers can try for trout, salmon, and bass.

    • Local guides and tackle shops are available in adjacent towns.

12. Farmington Boulder Gorge

    • A short day trip to New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch State Park (just under an hour’s drive), where you can see the famous Boulder Gorge and Flume.

13. Local Craft & Artisans’ Studios

    • Scattered pottery studios and woodworking shops showcase Maine craftsmanship.

    • Keep an eye out for open‐studio weekends in nearby towns like Waterboro and Shapleigh.

14. Seasonal Community Events

    • Summer Concerts in the Commons and Harvest Festivals often held in Waterboro and Parsonsfield attract Limerick residents.

    • Holiday craft fairs and farmers’ markets pop up in fall and early winter.

15. Nearby Antiquing & Flea Markets

    • Route 202 and Route 5 host a handful of antique stores, flea markets, and collectible shops for a leisurely treasure hunt.

16. Hiking at Ossipee’s Castle in New Hampshire

    • A 30‐minute drive north, featuring scenic overlooks and a return route through Shaker Village—perfect for a day hike.

17. Historic Barn Tours

    • During select weekends, local historical societies in York County open classic New England barns, allowing visitors to see restored post‐and‐beam construction and learn about old‐time farm life.

18. Riverside Picnics & Birdwatching at Tyler Brook

    • A quiet spot for families to enjoy lunch and spot belted kingfishers, great blue herons, and wild turkeys along the banks.

19. Craft Brewery Crawl

    • While Limerick itself doesn’t have a brewery, within a 15‐minute drive you can visit Oxbow Brewing Company in Newcastle and Biddeford’s Shipyard Brewing, sampling creative seasonal ales.

20. Fall Foliage Scenic Drives

    • From late September through October, loop through Limerick’s country roads—Routes 11, 202, and 160—for vibrant reds, oranges, and golds.

Where to Stay in and Near Limerick, ME

Because Limerick is primarily residential and rural, lodging is limited within town limits. Here are nearby options:

• Airbnb & Vacation Rentals in Limerick

  • Choose from lakeside cabins on Lake Arrowhead, rustic farmhouses, or modern cottages tucked in the woods.

  • Perfect for families who want a homey setting with kitchen access and outdoor fire pits.

• Inns & B&Bs in Sanford (10 miles southeast)

  • Sanford Inn – Affordable rooms close to Route 202, with nearby dining.

  • Palace Diner & Inn – Quaint lodging adjacent to a classic diner serving hearty breakfasts.

• Boutique Lodging in Waterboro (12 miles east)

  • Maple Ridge Inn – Country bed & breakfast with homemade breakfasts and serene grounds.

  • Mountain View Inn & Suites – Clean, modern guest rooms just off Route 202.

Where to Eat in and Near Limerick, ME

While Limerick’s dining scene is modest, nearby spots deliver plenty of local flavor:

• Lebanon House of Pizza (in Lebanon, 5 miles southeast)

  • Family‐owned pizzeria serving fresh, hand‐tossed pies, subs, and wings.

• Crystal Lake Café (in Shapleigh, 7 miles south)

  • Breakfast all day, classic diner fare, and homemade specialties like blueberry pancakes.

• Dale’s Ice Cream Barn (just over the border in Cornish, 8 miles southwest)

  • Hand‐dipped ice cream, seasonal specials, and a rustic barn setting on Route 25.

• Hackett’s Family Restaurant (in Sanford, 12 miles southeast)

  • A beloved local spot for comfort food—meatloaf, pot roast, seafood platters—and generous portions.

• Riverside Rolling Pin Bakery & Café (in Waterboro, 10 miles east)

  • A charming bakery with fresh breads, pastries, and hearty soups perfect for take‐out picnics along Lake Arrowhead.

• Local Farmstands (seasonal)

  • Cedar Beach Farm (Shapleigh) and Sleepy Hollow Farm (Parsonsfield) offer sandwiches, maple syrup, baked goods, and locally grown produce.

Top 10 Search Queries About Limerick, ME

1. Where is Limerick, Maine located?
   Limerick sits in southwestern York County, bordered by Waterboro, Shapleigh, Newfield, Parsonsfield, and Limington. It’s about 15 miles northwest of Sanford and 30 miles from the Maine coast.

2. What is Limerick, Maine known for?
   Limerick is known for its rural landscape, Lake Arrowhead recreation, small‐town charm, and proximity to Shaker history at Sabbathday Lake.

3. How many people live in Limerick, Maine?
   According to the 2020 Census, about 3,160 residents call Limerick home, with modest growth over the past decade.

4. Is there lodging in Limerick, Maine?
   Limerick itself has limited commercial lodging. Visitors often stay in nearby Waterboro, Lebanon, and Sanford (within a 10–15 mile radius), or rent lakeside cabins on Lake Arrowhead.

5. Are there beaches in Limerick, Maine?
   Yes—Lake Arrowhead boasts two sandy beaches (Wendell’s and Crystal), boat launches, and picnic areas. For ocean beaches, the Maine coast is about a 30‐minute drive.

6. Does Limerick, Maine have hiking trails?
   Limerick offers informal trails around lakes and rivers. For more established hiking, neighboring Parsonsfield’s Cascade Falls and Newfield’s Sunset Pond Preserve are popular.

7. What schools serve Limerick, Maine?
   Limerick is part of RSU 57 (Regional School Unit 57). Elementary students attend Limerick Community School (K–8) and high schoolers typically go to Massabesic High School in Waterboro.

8. Can I fish in Limerick, Maine?
   Absolutely—Lake Arrowhead is stocked with bass and pickerel. The Mousam River offers trout fishing. Nearby rivers and ponds provide additional fishing opportunities.

9. Is Limerick dog‐friendly?
   Yes. Most lakeside beaches allow well‐behaved, leashed dogs outside of peak summer hours. Many local trails and farm roads welcome leashed pets year‐round.

10. When is the best time to visit Limerick, Maine?
    Late spring through early fall is ideal for lakeside recreation, farmers’ markets, and hikes. Fall foliage (October) transforms the forests with vibrant colors. Winter brings snowmobiling and cross‐country skiing on local trails.

Historical Highlights

• Early Settlement (1760s–1780s): First settlers arrived from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, establishing farms and small sawmills along rivers.

• Incorporation (1787): Officially separated from Shapleigh and named Limerick after Limerick, Ireland.

• 19th‐Century Growth: Small industries—gristmills, sawmills, and tanneries—sprouted along the Mousam and Saco River tributaries. Local roads connected farmsteads, fostering a self‐sufficient agrarian economy.

• Lake Arrowhead Development (1950s–1960s): Originally a private retreat, Lake Arrowhead was transformed in the 1960s into a four‐season community with campgrounds, beaches, and recreational properties, drawing visitors from southern New England and beyond.

• Modern Era: While farming decreased in the late 20th century, Limerick embraced outdoor tourism. The arrival of Shaker Village tourism, small breweries, and seasonal events has helped preserve local heritage while offering new activities.

Nearby Towns & Regional Attractions

• Sanford, ME (12 miles SE)

  • A bustling service center with diverse dining, shopping at Main St. boutiques, and arts at the Goodall Memorial Library. Visitors can explore the historic Union Square and the Staceyville Covered Bridge.

• Waterboro, ME (10 miles NE)

  • Home to southwestern Maine’s largest freshwater lake, featuring campgrounds, lakeside cabins, and the Saco River Canoe Company.

• Shapleigh, ME (7 miles S)

  • Quaint rural town with local farmstands, the serene Shapleigh Wildlife Management Area, and easy access to Route 11 scenic drives.

• Cornish, ME (8 miles SW)

  • Known for its antique shops, Mollyockett galleries, and Saby’s Restaurant & Hard Cider—a local cidery and eatery in a restored barn.

• Parsonsfield, ME (12 miles W)

  • Home to Cascade Falls, Kezar Lake, and the Spirit of America Farm (family‐run petting farm and bakery).

• Limington, ME (10 miles NW)

  • Offers hiking at Pleasant Mountain and unique dining at Bonnie’s Blueberry Farm during blueberry season.

Why Limerick Is Worth Exploring

Limerick, Maine is a true countryside escape—far from urban bustle, yet brimming with small‐town warmth and natural beauty. Whether you’re casting a line on Lake Arrowhead at dawn, paddling the Mousam River in late summer, or taking in fall foliage along quiet backroads, Limerick’s unhurried pace invites you to unwind and reconnect with nature.

With easy access to neighboring towns for dining, shopping, and cultural events, Limerick serves as both a peaceful basecamp and a gateway to southwestern Maine’s best attractions. Discover Limerick’s history in the local museum, taste farm‐fresh produce at a seasonal stand, or simply find a shaded picnic spot along the lake—every visit promises simple pleasures and lasting memories.

Plan your trip to Limerick, Maine today and experience a slice of rural New England hospitality where the countryside meets community—and adventure awaits just around the bend.