Essential Ireland > County Limerick > Limerick
Located in the mid-west of Ireland on the River Shannon, Limerick is the fourth largest city in Ireland after Dublin, Cork and Galway. The first recognised settlement on the site of modern Limerick was founded by the Vikings in 812, although much of the city’s notable architecture is of 12th century Norman construction, such as St. Mary’s Cathedral and King John’s Castle. Limerick has played a central role in the pivotal events of Irish history, having been besieged by both Oliver Cromwell in 1651 and twice by the forces of King William in the 1690s.
The city became one of Ireland’s main trading centres during the late 18th century, but this economic boom was short lived, with the 1800 Act of Union and the Potato Famine contributing to a long period of economic decline. In recent times Limerick has once again become one of the economic powerhouses of Ireland, thanks primarily to the development of Shannon Airport. Whereas once Limerick’s economy was largely agriculturally based, many multi-national firms are now located in the city, making Limerick one of the major manufacturing centres in Ireland.
As a result of Limerick’s rolling periods of prosperity and economic decline, the city has developed a unique and tangibly diverse architecture. The city centre is clearly divided into the traditional areas of ‘English Town’ to the south of King's Island, which includes King John’s Castle and St. Mary’s Cathedral, Irish Town’ which includes much of the older city on the south bank of the Shannon, and the city’s current economic heartland called ‘Newtown Pery’.
While English Town and Irish Town are of older construction, much of Newtown Pery was built during the late 18th century prior to the Act of Union and retains a Georgian ambience. This architectural diversity combined with the city's fascinating history make Limerick one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland.
Among Limerick's most popular attractions are King John’s Castle, dating from 1212, St. Mary’s Cathedral, constructed in 1168 and one of the oldest in Ireland, walking tours of the city taking in many of the sights featured in the hit film Angela’s Ashes, the Hunt Museum housing many internationally renowned works of art and as well as boat tours of the River Shannon.
From the Georgian beauty of Newtown Pery, to the formidable and imposing battlements of King John’s Castle, Limerick is truly one of the jewels of Ireland.
The city became one of Ireland’s main trading centres during the late 18th century, but this economic boom was short lived, with the 1800 Act of Union and the Potato Famine contributing to a long period of economic decline. In recent times Limerick has once again become one of the economic powerhouses of Ireland, thanks primarily to the development of Shannon Airport. Whereas once Limerick’s economy was largely agriculturally based, many multi-national firms are now located in the city, making Limerick one of the major manufacturing centres in Ireland.
As a result of Limerick’s rolling periods of prosperity and economic decline, the city has developed a unique and tangibly diverse architecture. The city centre is clearly divided into the traditional areas of ‘English Town’ to the south of King's Island, which includes King John’s Castle and St. Mary’s Cathedral, Irish Town’ which includes much of the older city on the south bank of the Shannon, and the city’s current economic heartland called ‘Newtown Pery’.
While English Town and Irish Town are of older construction, much of Newtown Pery was built during the late 18th century prior to the Act of Union and retains a Georgian ambience. This architectural diversity combined with the city's fascinating history make Limerick one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland.
Among Limerick's most popular attractions are King John’s Castle, dating from 1212, St. Mary’s Cathedral, constructed in 1168 and one of the oldest in Ireland, walking tours of the city taking in many of the sights featured in the hit film Angela’s Ashes, the Hunt Museum housing many internationally renowned works of art and as well as boat tours of the River Shannon.
From the Georgian beauty of Newtown Pery, to the formidable and imposing battlements of King John’s Castle, Limerick is truly one of the jewels of Ireland.