Limerick

Limerick is located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary and is the fourth largest city in Ireland. This medieval city with a charter older than London’s has recently revamped itself to dump its reputation as a dull and dreary city.

Most of medieval Limerick is located on King’s Island. The impressive King John’s Castle dominates the city’s riverside. Over 800 years old, it was built to keep the Irish out of Limerick. There are now interesting multi-media presentations on the history of the city in the interpretive centre inside the castle. Across Thomond Bridge, you can see the Treaty Stone, upon which, 300 years ago, the defenders of the city signed a treaty that ultimately betrayed them. On the other side of King’s Island is St. Mary’s Cathedral. Although the original medieval church was rebuilt in later centuries, there are still tombs and crypts dating from early Norman times inside.

At the north end of O’Connell Street, Limerick’s main thoroughfare, are some fine examples of Georgian architecture, in particular the O’Connell Crescent and Pery Square areas.

The Hunt Museum, located in the old Customs House building, is home to a famous collection of art and antiques donated by the Hunt family to the city.