Munster's campaign to retain their Heineken Cup crown begins next week, which may explain their shaky performance.

Playing with the wind, the Gunners pinned the hosts in their own half for much of the opening period, although Eoghan Hickey did give Munster an early lead.

Edinburgh's pack drove Alasdair Dickinson over in the 21st minute and Chris Paterson grabbed an opportunistic try. Paterson converted both, bringing the score at the break to 3-14.

Simon Webster's 46th-minute try all but ended the contest, although Denis Leamy replied in kind four minutes later.

But Munster failed to use the breeze as their opponents had done, and the Gunners left Thomond with the points, and a winning run extended to five Magners League games.