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Visiting Limerick

© Irene Togher

Limerick's reputation has suffered some extreme lows and great highs over the years. From once being the inspiration for the song, "Limerick, You're a Lady," to irreverently being referred to as "Stab City," Limerick has bounced back once again to a vibrant and lively city. It is the third largest city in Ireland and rests beautifully on the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland. The city has been more recently associated with Frank McCourt's novel, "Angela's Ashes" and the subsequent movie. However, travellers should note that the Limerick of today has come a long way from the 1930's city portrayed in the novel and film.

The Limerick of the 2000s offers the traveller just about anything you could seek - great architecture, fine restaurants, reputable museums, cultural and historical sites, interesting parks and gardens and plentiful nightlife.

Limerick's history can be traced back to Stone Age time, so you can expect to find a veritable feast of historic sites to visit. There are some great Stone Age remains in the parkland around Lough Gur Lake, some dating as far back as 4,000 years ago. St. Mary's Cathedral is the oldest building in the city and has a particularly impressive original Romanesque western door that's worthy of note. King John's Castle dates back to the early 1200s and although it is not exactly pretty to look at it is certainly interesting from the historic point of view.

Nearby Adare also offers a selection of historic castles and Churches - the most famous being Desmond Castle, dating back to about 1200. For something unashamedly touristy but definitely fun why not try a medieval banquet in the famous Bunratty Castle castle 8 miles from Limerick?

Anyone interested in parks and gardens won't be disappointed. The Celtic Theme Park and Gardens is dedicated to preserving Ireland's Celtic past with structures dotted around the park that remind us of days gone by. An unspoiled lake surrounded by 600 acres of parkland awaits you at the Curraghchase Forest Park.

Something easily accessible from Limerick is taking a cruise on the river Shannon. You won't need a license to hire a boat and you can dock as often as you like along the river. In this way you can travel through a large section of Ireland in a most relaxing way.

Museum lovers aren't ignored in the city either. Celtic and medieval artifacts can be found in plentiful supply at The Hunt Museum. For a full history of Limerick itself check out the Limerick Museum. Also of interest is the National Self-portrait Museum with its collection of about 194 artists' self-portraits.

Limerick City

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