Tomás Quinn was Dublin's saviour as they scraped to their first win of the new NFL campaign on a scoreline of 0-14 to 1-10 at the Gaelic Grounds.
Substitute Quinn belted over a '45', two minutes into injury-time, to end the Shannonsiders’ hopes of a shock victory.
David O'Callaghan pointed twice as the Dubs moved into an early lead, but a cracking 25th-minute goal from Limerick full-forward Darren Horan pegged the Leinster champions back.
0-09 to 1-05 down at the break, Limerick levelled on 41 minutes through Pat Ahern and although Gareth Noonan squared up the game again with a late '45', Quinn had the last word.
O'Callaghan, showing some of his O’Byrne Cup form, and big midfielder Darren Magee got off the mark early as the Dubs moved impressively into a 0-03 to 0-01 lead.
Defensively, Dublin were shaky at times and Stephen Cluxton had to produce a good save in the third-minute to deny John Galvin.
And despite further points from Diarmuid Connolly (free) and Conal Keaney, with a sweet left-footed drive, Paul Caffrey's visitors could only play in patches – just as did last week against Tyrone.
Michael Reidy's opener gave Limerick the confidence to set about their task. Horan’s goal, which came from a Galvin set-up, and an inspiration score from Pa Ranahan had them right in touch at the break.
After Ahern had squared up the game, the Dubs missed a good goal chance with Mike Jones parrying a drive from Kevin Bonner.
Caffrey's decision to bring Quinn, who came in for the injured Connolly, and team captain Collie Moran on saw the Dubs up the tempo and get what could turn out to be a vital win.
Quinn looked to rediscover some of his old form as he kicked four second half points – three from placed balls – to guide Dublin home.
However, there are concerns about the shoulder injury Connolly sustained – he is a serious doubt for the Dublin U-21s' Leinster championship clash with Meath at Parnell Park next Saturday.
Limerick: M Jones; D Carroll, J McCarthy, S Gallagher; P Ahern (0-01), P Browne, P Ranahan (0-02); T Cahill, J Galvin; J O’Brien (0-01), J Ryan, J Cooke; M Crowley (0-02, 2f), D Horan (1-01), M Reidy (0-01, 1f).
Subs used: S Cronin for Crowley, A Lane for Carroll, G Noonan (0-02, 1 '45') for Cooke, N Mulvihill for O’Brien, G Collins for Cronin.
Dublin: S Cluxton; D Henry, N O’Shea, P Griffin; P Casey, B Cullen, G Brennan; D Magee (0-02), R McConnell; D Murray, A Brogan (0-02), D Connolly (0-01, 1f); D O’Callaghan (0-03), K Bonner, C Keaney (0-02, 2f).
Subs used: T Quinn (0-04, 2f, 1 '45') for Connolly, B Brogan for Murray, D Lally for Bonner, C Moran for Keaney, C Goggins for O’Shea.
Referee: Michael Collins (Cork).
