About Limerick
About Limerick
Limerick is the gateway to Ireland's scenic West. An ancient city, with a charter predating that of London, Limerick epitomises Ireland's industrial and cultural renaissance. Limerick city is the capital of the Shannon Region and the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland. Its City Charter was granted in 1197. 1691 saw the capture of the city and the signing of the Treaty of Limerick. Its colourful and fascinating history is evident everywhere and proudly maintained. Although small enough to offer a sense of intimacy, Limerick, with its university, museums, citadel and cathedral is undoubtedly a cosmopolitan metropolis.
The city of Limerick boasts galleries, theatre, excellent restaurants and a world class museum housed in the restored Custom House. King John's Castle bestrides the Shannon at one of its many bridges while St Mary's Cathedral is a small scale gothic masterpiece dating from the 12th century. Only a few miles from the city, the University of Limerick has played a major part in Ireland and Limerick's rebirth. Set on a magnificent parkland campus, beside the Shannon, the University is the centrepiece of the National Technological Park. Above all, Limerick is a haven for Irish traditional music and you can find a lively 'session' on any night of the week. For more information on Limerick visit VisitLimerick.com.
Tangible remains of the past inhabitants go back 800 years to the building of King John's Castle. Nearby is the medieval St. Mary's Cathedral, and preserved on the opposite bank of the river is the Treaty Stone. Limerick boasts a fine crescent of splendid Georgian town houses built in the late 18th century. The Hunt Museum contains a unique collection of archaeological material and works of art, which were assembled by John Hunt, and housed in the renovated Custom House. And, of course, a city that contains all this also provides a generous selection of the best shops, restaurants, hotels, pubs and sporting activities.
A brief taste of what may be found in Limerick City would include:
King John's Castle
King John's Castle is situated in the heart of Limerick's Medieval Heritage Precinct, on the River Shannon at "Kings Island". The Castle was built between 1200 and 1210 and was repaired and extended many times over the following centuries. King John's Castle remains a most impressive Anglo-Norman fortification. It retains many of the pioneering features which made its construction unique for its day.
Hunt Museum
The Hunt Museum exhibits one of Ireland's greatest private collections of arts and antiquities. Donated to the people of Ireland by John and Gertrude Hunt, their generosity ranks highly in the nations history. Housed in the elegant 18th century Custom House, the Hunt Collection reflects not only the celtic past but also includes important pieces such as the Leonardo da Vinci horse, the Mary Queen of Scots cross and one of the original "30 pieces of silver". Paintings in the collection include works by Renoir, Picasso, Gauguin, O'Conor, and Yeats.
- Website: www.huntmuseum.com
St. Mary's Cathedral
The Cathedral of St Mary Blessed Virgin has had a long and eventful history. It was founded in 1168 on the site of a palace donated by Donal Mor O'Brien King of Munster. Experts believe that parts of the palace are incorporated into the present structure of the Cathedral. The Cathedral has seen many changes as the city expanded around it and it remains today the oldest and most historic building in Limerick.
- Website: www.cathedral.limerick.anglican.org
The Treaty Stone
Limerick City's most famous monument, the Treaty Stone, gets its name from the tradition that The Treaty of Limerick was signed on the stone itself. The Stone is decorated with the image of the castle opposite surmounted by a dome and cross, showing that Limerick was a cathedral city.
- History of the Treaty Stone Website: www.teachnet.ie/mmorrin/castle/sieges.htm
Further Information
For further information on what to do and see when in Limerick, contact the Tourist Information Centre, located in Arthur's Quay in the City Centre. The centre is open all year round and is the ideal starting point for visitors to the city. Telephone: +353 - 61 - 317 522
About the University of Limerick
The University of Limerick campus, with the River Shannon at its centre, is located 5km from Limerick City and 20km from Shannon International Airport. Adjacent to the University is the National Technology Park, Ireland's first science/technology park (350 acres), which is home to over 80 organisations employing almost 3,000 people.
UL has an abundance of cultural resources including the second largest art collection in the Irish University sector, Ireland's first purpose built concert hall and a range of galleries, exhibition and performance spaces and public sculptures. The University is home to the Irish Chamber Orchestra, the National Self Portrait Collection and other private and public art collections.
The Sports Complex, the UL Arena has significantly enhanced the range of indoor sporting opportunities and facilities on campus. The Arena's diverse range of sport and fitness options is unmatched anywhere in Ireland. People from Olympic class athletes to those taking their first steps into health and fitness are all making the University Arena their sporting paradise.
Facilities include:
- A four Court Sports Hall suitable for Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Indoor Soccer, and many other activities
- A 60m six lane Sprint track
- A 45 station fitness suite with free weights and warm-up area
- A 225m suspended three lane jogging track
- An aerobics studio
- An Elite Training Facility
- 50m Olympic sized swimming pool
- Extensive indoor and outdoor changing facilities
For general enquiries with regard to the ETNA 2011 Conference, please contact inbound@limericktravel.ie.
Tourism
GOLF
Ireland is a haven for golfers, being home to 40 of the world's 150 links courses and some of the world's oldest established parkland courses. The South West of Ireland is now recognised as one of the most popular golf destinations in the world, offering the best combination of world-class links courses such as Lahinch, Doonbeg, Ballybunion, Tralee, Dingle, Dooks, Old Head and Waterville and traditional parkland courses of Cork, Dromoland, Adare, Killarney, Ring of Kerry and Fota Island.
Should you require information on Golf or golfing packages in Ireland, please contact Limerick Travel at inbound@limericktravel.ie
FESTIVALS/EVENTS
The 2011 festival calendar is currently not available, but will be uploaded as soon as possible.
GREYHOUND RACING
Limerick has long been the home of greyhound racing in Ireland, with the Irish Greyhound Board (Bord na gCon) Head Office located in Limerick since the 1950's. With a 190-seater restaurant, two private suites, fast food outlets and plenty of bars, the stadium is one of Limericks best night time entertainment venues. Limerick Greyhound Stadium will race two nights per week, Friday and Saturday. For further information log onto www.igb.ie
HORSE RACING
Limerick races host 19 horse race meetings each year, a mixture of national hunt and flat meetings all year round. Our fixtures are made up of weekend, bank holidays and evening fixtures, providing the racing enthusiast every opportunity to enjoy an outing at Greenmount Park. Twilight racing on Friday 17th of June. www.limerickraces.ie
MARKETS
Milk Market, Cornmarket Row, Limerick City
The Saturday Food Market | Every Saturday | 08.00 - 16.00
The Saturday Food Market is the region's most famous market which has been operating for over 150 years. It's a real 'buzzy' market and a source of exceptional produce. Here you'll discover the very best of fresh, natural produce from great farmhouse cheeses and chutneys, just-caught fish and artisan meats, organic fruit & vegetables, to delicious healthy breads and fresh pressed juices. You'll also be able to snack on gourmet sandwiches, wraps, pastries, chocolates, delicious crepes, soups and freshly brewed teas & coffees or buy fresh flowers and vibrant plants.
The Sunday Riverside Variety Market
Every Sunday | 11.00 - 16.00
The Riverside Market has 36 stallholders offering a broad range of arts, crafts, clothes, jewellery, antiques, bric-a-brac and curiosities. For the kids there are often face painters, magicians, jugglers, mime artists and buskers, all providing an atmosphere that the family will surely enjoy. www.milkmarketlimerick.ie
RESTAURANTS
Click here for a list of restaurants in Limerick.
