County Limerick

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Situated at the mouth of the River Shannon, Limerick is a vibrant hub of the educational, economic, social and recreational activities in the mid-western region. With breath taking views of the river and Lough Derg, coupled with many historical landmarks, Limerick boasts a strong and varied past.

In contrast, County Limerick is a place of rural charm and beauty, with a gently undulating landscape that varies from the mountains of Ballyhoura to the Golden Vale to the Shannon estuary. It can also boast of attractive towns like Castleconnell, Kilmallock and Adare, whose thatched cottages and mediaeval churches make it probably Ireland’s prettiest village.

History and Heritage

A Viking City dating back to the 9th century, Limerick became a trading port when the Norsemen settled there. Its castles, ancient walls and museums are testament to its dramatic past.

Particularly worth viewing is King John’s Castle in its Heritage precinct and the magnificent Hunt Museum in Limerick’s Custom House which houses an internationally important collection of some 2,000 original works including pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Renoir and Picasso.

Today it is a progressive and thriving City, with a charter older than that of London.

Sites to see

Heritage Centre & De Valera Museum, Bruree. Adare Heritage Centre. King John’s Castle. The Hunt Museum. Georgian House & Garden, 2 Pery Square, Limerick. Lough Gur, habitat of Neolithic man and one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites.

Sports and Leisure

Limerick is absolutely sports mad and is regarded as the home of Irish rugby as well being to the fore in a host of other sports such as GAA, soccer, hockey to name just a few.

And when it come to sports, Limerick also has a wide array of top class sporting facilities, including a 50m swimming pool, a new racecourse and many fine golf courses.

The riverside location and Lough Derg nearby gives ample opportunity for anglers as well as boating enthusiasts.

Eat, Drink and Stay

Limerick is rapidly building a reputation for great dining. Moll Darby’s, Auburs, Brulees, Copper & Spice and The green gOnion (Limerick City), The Wild Geese and The Blue Door (Adare), The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge (Ballingarry) are all highly regarded as top restaurants in County Limerick.

Limerick has an abundance of bars and nightclubs, and The Locke, Trinity Rooms, Dolan’s and Nancy Blake’s are ranked among the most atmospheric while elsewhere in the county Sean Collin’s (Adare), O’Shaughnessy’s (Glin) are similarly regarded.

As one of the gateways to Ireland through Shannon Airport, Limerick is well served in the visitor accommodation stakes and B&Bs feature strongly throughout the county.

Festivals

May: Limerick River Fest

August: Galbally Village of Tradition & Garden Fete Kilmallock Medieval Festival Limerick Agricultural Show at Patrickswell

April & September: Eigse Michael Hartnett Literary Festival, Newcastle West

October: Cuisle International Poetry Festival, Limerick City

Things you have to see or do

Foynes Flying Boat Museum – a Return to the nostalgic era of the flying boats

Lough Gur Interpretive Centre – tells the story of Pre-Celtic Ireland dating back to 3000 BC

Limerick Garden Trail – award winning Irish gardens

Limerick City Museum – first opened in 1916 as part of the City Library

Curraghchase Forest Park – located approximately 4km from the village of Adare

King Johns Castle – on Kings Island

Useful links

Limerick Tourist www.limericktourist.com

Shannon Region Tourism www.shannonregiontourism.ie