Limerick city lies in what is known as the mid-west of the country, or alternatively the Shannon Region. The Shannon, the longest river in the British Isles, ends its journey to the sea at Limerick City on the Shannon Estuary basin, which extends to Foynes Port.

With a population of 91,000, Limerick has established a reputation over the years for being the Silicon Valley of Ireland. Many of the world’s high-tech multinationals are based there and employ thousands of highly skilled workers. Limerick University is credited with being to the forefront of cutting-edge technology education innovation giving the city an advantage when foreign industry is deciding where to locate.

The city dates back to a Viking settlement in 812 and became an important trading city in the 13 th and 14 th centuries. Norman influence is obvious in many of the old buildings in the city, such as St Johns Castle.

The city has reputation for a range of top quality shopping with a number of peripheral shopping centres and retail parks. In the centre, the main street, O’Connell Street, as well as William Street provide a selection of all the tops shops you would find in any British or European city. One of the reasons for that is that Limerick benefits greatly from the tourism trade being located about 20 kilometres from Shannon International Airport.

It is the first port of call for many visitors to the west and south of Ireland.

Shannon is vital to the both the tourist and industrial interests of Limerick. In 2008, Aer Lingus axed the Shannon-London route to the consternation of the business community in Limerick. Under the new Open Skies trans-Atlantic agreement, Shannon faces serious loss of passengers passing through it because compulsory stops at the airport will become outdated as US airlines fly directly to Dublin. Even allowing for those two calamities, Shannon is a massive asset to the city in the number of tourists that use the facility to kick-start a holiday.

In Limerick, you will find plenty to do. The Limerick City Art Gallery on Pery Square and the wonderful Hunt Museum are just highlights of many other attractions to keep the visitor occupied. St Marys Cathedral, built in 1168, is stunning in the detail of the architecture and stained glassed windows.

Probably more than other city in Ireland, Limerick is a glowing cauldron of sport. Rugby, GAA and soccer dominate the landscape. Rugby is sometimes perceived as an upper-class sport in the Dublin and the east of the country but in Limerick, it is completely classless. Thomond Park is both the geographical and spiritual home of the heroic Munster rugby team, which won European Heineken Cups in 2006 and 2008.

In 1978, Munster made history at Thomond Park by being the first provincial team in any country to beat the New Zealand All-Blacks. That day will forever be remembered in Limerick folklore and it is said that if everybody who said they were at the game were actually there, the stadium had a capacity of 250,000!

The social scene in Limerick is tarnished unfairly by gangland violence that is out of control in a couple of deprived areas on the outskirts of the city. ‘ Stab City’ is a moniker that has unfortunately stuck to the image of what really is a prosperous and welcoming city.

Pubs and clubs together with theatres and concert venues offer the visitor the opportunity to be spoilt for choice. The city had a great music tradition and The Cranberries are the most famous group to emerge when they hit the big-time in America. The area is a hot bed of traditional music and song.

Ample hotel and guesthouse accommodation allows you to be pampered by 5-star establishments or go the budget route.

In whatever capacity you visit Limerick you will find a welcoming, modern and thriving city that will leave you with pleasant memories.

Consult our Services Directory for details of various activities and amenities.