117-564: The Crescent Shopping Centre is a major shopping centre serving Limerick , Ireland. It is located in Dooradoyle , on the southern outskirts of the city. The complex in its original form was opened in 1973, making it one of the earlier shopping centres to open in Ireland. It has an estimated 100,000 m (1,100,000 sq ft) of space, 2,500 free car parking places and 94 shops (including stalls). The shopping centre takes its name from
234-474: A historical walking tour, and boat tours along the River Shannon . The city centre is divided between the traditional areas of "English Town" on the southern end of King's Island, which includes King John's Castle; "Irish Town", which includes the older streets on the south bank; and the current economic centre further south, called " Newtown Pery ". Newtown Pery was built in the late 18th century before
351-540: A large number of multinational companies to the region. A long campaign for a third-level educational institute to be located in the city finally bore fruit with the establishment of NIHE Limerick in 1969 which eventually became the University of Limerick in 1989. Limerick is the third-largest city in the Republic of Ireland (after Dublin and Cork ), with a population of 102,287 in the urban area and 104,952 in
468-518: A long period of persecution against the Catholic majority, many of whom lived in poverty. In spite of this oppression, however, the famous Maigue Poets strove to keep alive their ancient Gaelic Poetry in towns like Croom and Bruree . The Great Famine of the 1840s set in motion mass emigration and a huge decline in Irish as a spoken language in the county. This began to change around the beginning of
585-524: A masterpiece of metalwork, which was found in a west Limerick fort in 1868. It is believed that the chalice had been taken by raiding Danes during the 9th century, ending up in the territory of their Irish allies, the O'Donovans of the Ui Fidgenti. Following the establishment of the Ui Fidgenti circa 377 a.d., there were few significant changes in political control until the arrival of the Vikings in
702-632: A meeting place for the arts; and Limerick Printmakers Studio and Gallery, which provides printmaking facilities, a venue for exhibitions and events and an education programme. The Lime Tree Theatre officially opened at the Mary Immaculate College campus in October 2012. The venue hosts theatre, music, comedy, traditional arts, schools' performances, and conferences. The Belltable on O'Connell Street hosts local playwrights and drama productions. The University Concert Hall located in
819-549: A plain, its topography consists of hills and ridges. The eastern part of the county is part of the Golden Vale , which is well known for dairy produce and consists of rolling low hills. This gives way to very flat land around the centre of the county, with the exception being Knockfierna at 288 m high. Towards the west, the Mullaghareirk Mountains ( Mullach an Radhairc in Irish, roughly meaning "mountains of
936-550: A prominent local businessman. The park is dominated by the Thomas Spring Rice memorial (MP for the city 1820–1832) and has a large collection of mature deciduous and evergreen trees. Limerick city centre changed significantly with the construction of several modern high-rise buildings in the early 2000s, in particular as part of the regeneration of the former docks area along the Dock Road. The suburban areas, where
1053-594: A range of writing activities in the city. Limerick natives include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt, and novelists Kate O'Brien, Michael Curtin, Kevin Barry and Donal Ryan. Poets from Limerick include Michael Hogan, Desmond O'Grady, and John Liddy. The city is the setting for Frank McCourt 's memoir Angela's Ashes and its film adaptation . The Frank McCourt Museum situated in McCourt's former school on Hartsonge Street opened in 2011, and contains artefacts from
1170-602: A secondary route travels from Limerick City along the Shannon Estuary through Clarina , Kildimo , Askeaton , Foynes & Glin and continues towards Listowel in County Kerry . It is the main road linking the Port of Foynes with Limerick city, although plans are in place to upgrade this road to motorway status. The county's regional/national bus hub is located beside Colbert Station and connects most parts of
1287-559: A terminal was begun in 1935. The first transatlantic proving flights were operated on 5 July 1937 with a Pan Am Sikorsky S-42 service from Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador on the Bay of Exploits and a BOAC Short Empire service from Foynes with successful transits of twelve and fifteen-and-a-quarter hours respectively. Services to New York, Southampton, Montreal, Poole and Lisbon followed, the first non-stop New York service operating on 22 June 1942 in 25 hours 40 minutes. All of this changed following
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#17327833301811404-561: A transfer of power from the Ui Fidgenti's leading families (O'Donovan and Collins) to the new landholders. The ancestors of both Michael Collins and the famous O'Connells of Derrynane were also among the septs of the Uí Fidgenti. As the Ui Fidgenti were the ruling clan in Limerick after 400 a.d., the Uí Fidgenti still made a substantial contribution to the population of the central and western regions of County Limerick. Their capital
1521-474: A variety of artistic and cultural events occurring at locations around the city throughout the year. The Limerick City Gallery of Art on Pery Square is the city's chief venue for contemporary art exhibitions. It is home to a permanent collection of Irish art , which shows works from the early 18th to 20th century. The gallery houses the National Collection of Contemporary Drawing founded by
1638-959: A wide variety of artistic and cultural events occurring at various locations around the city. The Limerick City Gallery of Art on Pery Square is the city's chief venue for contemporary art exhibitions. Theatres include the Limetree Theatre, Mary I; the University Concert Hall and the Millennium Theatre, LIT all in the city. Others include the Friar's Gate in Kilmallock and the Honey Fitz in Lough Gur. The city has an active music scene, which has produced bands such as The Cranberries . The Limerick Art Gallery,
1755-520: Is Colbert station , named after West Limerick man Con Colbert who was executed following the Easter Rising of 1916. Limerick has three operational railway lines passing through it, In addition, a line exists leading to Foynes however the last revenue service was in 2000. The M7 is the main road linking Limerick with Dublin . The M/N20 connects the county with Cork . The N21 road links Limerick with Tralee and travels through some of
1872-731: Is a city in western Ireland, in County Limerick . It is in the province of Munster and is in the Mid-West which comprises part of the Southern Region . With a population of 102,287 at the 2022 census , Limerick is the third-most populous urban area in Ireland , and the fourth-most populous city on the island of Ireland . It was founded by Scandinavian settlers in 812, during the Viking Age . The city straddles
1989-500: Is a western county in Ireland . It is in the province of Munster and is located in the Mid-West which comprises part of the Southern Region . It is named after the city of Limerick . Limerick City and County Council is the local council for the county. The county's population at the 2022 census was 209,536 of whom 102,287 lived in Limerick City , the county capital. Limerick borders four other counties: Kerry to
2106-615: Is an 1880 reference, in a Saint John, New Brunswick , newspaper, to a well-known tune. RTÉ lyric fm , a state-run classical music radio station and part of RTÉ , broadcasts nationally from studios in the city centre on Cornmarket Square which opened in 1994. Limerick's local radio station is Live 95FM , broadcasting from 'Radio House', near the waterfront at Steamboat Quay. Spin South West , owned by Communicorp , broadcasts to Counties Kerry , Clare , Limerick , Tipperary and southwest Laois from its studios at Landmark Buildings in
2223-529: Is approximately 25 km from Shannon Airport . Tourist attractions in the city centre include Limerick City Museum , King John's Castle (1210), St Mary's Cathedral (1168), the Hunt Museum , The People's Museum of Limerick , the University of Limerick , Georgian houses and gardens and the Treaty Stone . There are several seasonal tours, including Angela's Ashes walking tour of Limerick City,
2340-474: Is broadcast from Newcastle West . The national broadcaster, RTÉ , has radio and television studios in the city, which are periodically used to broadcast programming from Limerick. Several local newspapers are published in the city, including The Limerick Post and The Limerick Leader and magazines include the Limerick Event Guide , Business Limerick , and Limerick Now . Limerick city
2457-491: Is divided into 3 local electoral areas: Limerick City East, Limerick City North and Limerick City South which elect eight, six and seven councillors respectively. Following the 2024 local elections , Fine Gael is the largest party on the authority with 13 seats followed by Fianna Fáil with 10, Labour and Sinn Féin with 3 each, and Independent Ireland and the Social Democrats with 2 each, and Aontú and
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#17327833301812574-476: Is illustrated by Placenames Orders made since 2003, where official Irish names of baronies are listed under "Administrative units". Limerick City is the county town and is shown in bold . One possible meaning for the county's name in Irish Luimneach is "the flat area"; this description is accurate as the land consists mostly of a fertile limestone plain. Moreover, the county is ringed by mountains:
2691-577: Is more popular in west Limerick, particularly along the Shannon Estuary west of Askeaton and along the Kerry border. There are also football strongholds in the southeast of the county and on the eastern edges of the city. Although one of the strongest teams in the country during the early years of the GAA, the game in the county was overshadowed by hurling throughout the 20th century and its last success in
2808-464: Is one of the oldest in Ireland. St John's Cathedral is more modern. The Hunt Museum is based in the historic 18th-century former Custom House. The museum was established to house a collection of approximately 2000 works of art and antiquities formed by John and Gertrude Hunt during their lifetimes. The main park in Limerick is the People's Park which was opened in 1877 in memory of Richard Russell,
2925-523: Is owned by the Limerick Leader and is primarily a city paper. The Weekly Observer serves the western half of the county while the Vale Star covers South Limerick and North Cork. The song "Limerick You're a Lady" is traditionally associated with the county. It is sometimes heard at sports fixtures involving the county. " Seán South from Garryowen " is another popular Limerick song and tells
3042-410: Is several kilometres west of the city, at Foynes . Limerick City is the county town and is also Ireland's third-largest city. Newcastle West , Kilmallock and Abbeyfeale are other important towns in the county. There are fourteen historic baronies in the county. While baronies continue to be officially defined units, they are no longer used for many administrative purposes. Their official status
3159-403: Is the cloudiest city in the country, averaging only 1,295 sunshine hours annually, 3.5 hours of sunshine every day. There are on average 62 days of no recordable sunshine, 6 days of thunder, 22 days of hail, 32 days of fog and 11 days of snow per year. Shannon Airport is located by the ocean at an elevation of 14 metres. In 2014, Limerick became Ireland's inaugural National City of Culture , with
3276-723: The Act of Union and, unusually for an Irish city and unique in Limerick, is laid out on a grid plan . The Limerick Museum (formerly aka the Jim Kemmy Municipal Museum), is located in the Old Franciscan Friary in Henry Street. It contains displays on Limerick's history and manufactures. The Georgian core of the city, with its Georgian architecture in the Newtown Pery, was developed from
3393-742: The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship , was in 1896. However, Limerick footballers have seen a reversal of fortunes in recent years and contested successive Munster Senior Football Championship finals in 2003 and 2004. Treaty United play in the FAI First Division , the second tier of Irish soccer. The club has won the Premier Division twice in 1960 and 1980. They have also won the FAI Cup twice in 1971 and 1982. They currently play in
3510-612: The Desmond Rebellions , laid waste to the province and ended with confiscation of the vast estates of the Geraldines and other Irish families that had participated in the ten years of war. The county was to be further ravaged by war over the next century. After the Irish Rebellion of 1641 , Limerick city was taken in a siege by Catholic general Garret Barry in 1642. The county was not fought over for most of
3627-651: The Dublin–Cork railway line in 1848 and to Waterford in 1853. The opening of a number of secondary railways in the subsequent decades developed Limerick as a regional centre of communications. However, the economic downturn in the European conflicts of the French Revolution and Napoleonic eras, and following the Act of Union 1800 , and the impact of the Great Irish Famine of 1848 caused much of
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3744-574: The EMEA . Dell remains one of the largest employers in the mid-west with over 1,000 people employed in service and support. Analog Devices has its European manufacturing base in Raheen, 3 km south-west of the city centre. The site employs more than 1,000 people. Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Vistakon (the world's largest manufacturer of contact lenses ) has a large facility in Castletroy in
3861-407: The Golden Vale , to Britain and America. This increase in trade and wealth, particularly amongst the city's merchant classes saw a rapid expansion of the city as Georgian Limerick began to take shape. This gave the city its present-day look, including the extensive terraced streets of Georgian townhouses which remain in the city centre today. The Waterford and Limerick Railway linked the city to
3978-671: The Green Party with 1 seat each, and independents and other parties the remaining 5 seats. For elections to the Dáil , Limerick City is in the Limerick City constituency. From 2011, the constituency boundaries changed in accordance with the proposals of the Constituency Commission and the subsequent Electoral (Amendment) Act 2009 . This changed the electoral boundaries from Limerick East and Limerick West to Limerick City and Limerick . Limerick city encompasses
4095-671: The Irish Confederate Wars , of 1641–53, being safely behind the front lines of the Catholic Confederate Ireland . However, it became a battleground during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland in 1649–53. The invasion of the forces of Oliver Cromwell in the 1650s included a twelve-month siege of the city by Cromwell's New Model Army led by Henry Ireton . The city finally surrendered in October 1651. One of Cromwell's generals, Hardress Waller
4212-528: The Limerick School of Art and Design , and Ormston House cater for painting, sculpture and performance art of all styles. Limerick is also home to comedians The Rubberbandits , D'Unbelievables (Pat Shortt and Jon Kenny) and Karl Spain. Its most famous acting son is Richard Harris . The city is the setting for Frank McCourt's memoir Angela's Ashes and the film adaptation. A limerick is a type of humorous verse of five lines with an AABBA rhyme scheme:
4329-776: The Limerick Soviet was a self-declared soviet that existed from 15 to 27 April 1919. A general strike was organised by the Limerick Trades and Labour Council, as a protest against the British Army 's declaration of a "Special Military Area" under the Defence of the Realm Act, which covered most of Limerick city and a part of the county. During the strike a special strike committee was set up to print their own money, control food prices and publish newspapers. By
4446-776: The Markets Field . The city also has one of Ireland's two 50-metre (55 yd) swimming pools, at the University of Limerick Sports Arena, as well as one of Ireland's top basketball teams, the UL Eagles . The team plays in the Irish Premier League . Their home is also at the University Campus. Limerick is also the hometown of WBO World Middleweight boxing Champion Andy Lee , who defeated Matt Korobov on 13 December 2014, in Las Vegas. He became
4563-570: The National Technology Park and also employs close to 1,000 people. It is Vistakon's only production facility outside the United States and one of the largest contact-lens manufacturing plants in the world. Cook Medical, the world's largest privately owned Medical Devices company, employs over 800 people in Limerick at the National Technology Park . County Limerick County Limerick ( Irish : Contae Luimnigh )
4680-536: The O'Donovans , resulted in significant conflicts with neighbouring clans, principally the O'Briens of Dál gCais , who raided into the Limerick area on a regular basis. The O'Briens retained their political power until late in the 1100s. The establishment of King John's Castle in Limerick, and the granting of formerly Ui Fidgenti lands to the FitzGeralds , both circa 1200, and the resultant competition for Ui Fidgenti lands by other Anglo-Norman families resulted in
4797-481: The Raheen Industrial Estate . Student radio station, Wired FM, broadcasts on 99.9FM from Mary Immaculate College . Wired FM also has studios at Limerick Institute of Technology. Limerick City Community Radio broadcasts on 99.9FM every Saturday and Sunday. University Hospital Limerick has a radio station on 94.2FM, but this can be heard only in the hospital and surrounding area. West Limerick 102
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4914-592: The River Shannon , with the historic core of the city located on King's Island , which is bounded by the Shannon and Abbey Rivers. Limerick is at the head of the Shannon Estuary , where the river widens before it flows into the Atlantic Ocean . Limerick City and County Council is the local authority for the city. Limerick is located on the River Shannon with four main river-crossing points near
5031-672: The Slieve Felims to the northeast, the Galtees to the southeast, the Ballyhoura Mountains to the south, and the Mullaghareirk Mountains to the southwest and west. The highest point in the county is located in its southeast corner at Galtymore (919 m), which separates Limerick from County Tipperary . Limerick shares the 3rd-highest county peak in Ireland with Tipperary. The county is not simply
5148-570: The University of Limerick is a 1,000 seat venue and provides a large venue for national and international acts to visit the city. Limerick is also the home of street theatre companies, including "The Umbrella Project". There is also the Impact Theatre Company, and Bottomdog Theatre Company. Limerick's literature scene is supported by projects like the Limerick Writers' Centre, which was established in 2008 and runs
5265-472: The University of Limerick , Limerick Institute of Technology , Shannon Airport in County Clare and Shannon Development (an economic development agency), whose precursor was SFADCO (Shannon Free Airport Development Company), an economic agency that provided tax incentives to companies locating in the area surrounding Shannon Airport. Limerick Chamber of Commerce, a representative body for businesses in
5382-431: The 19th century to be a more troubled period. The Limerick boycott was an economic boycott waged against the small Jewish community for over two years in the first decade of the 20th century. It was accompanied by a number of assaults, stone-throwing and intimidation, which caused many Jews to leave the city. It was instigated in 1904 by a Redemptorist priest, Father John Creagh . During the Irish War of Independence ,
5499-462: The 20th century, as changes in law from the British Government enabled the farmers of the county to purchase lands they had previously only held as tenants, paying high rent to absentee landlords. Limerick saw much fighting during the War of Independence of 1919 to 1921 particularly in the east of the county. The subsequent Irish Civil War saw bitter fighting between the newly established Irish Free State soldiers and IRA "Irregulars", especially in
5616-431: The 9th century, which ultimately brought about the establishment of the city on an island on the River Shannon in 922. The death of Domnall Mór Ua Briain , King of Munster in 1194 resulted in the invading Normans taking control of Limerick. In 1210, the County of Limerick was formally established as Ui Fidgenti lands were granted to what would become the Fitzgerald dynasty. Over time, the Normans became " more Irish than
5733-424: The Dock Road is a venue specialising in live music, established in 1998. Baker Place was a nightclub that held mainly local underground nights until its closure in 2011. In 2020, it was announced that the Dromkeen-based Shiloh Trust was seeking planning permission to convert the former premises of Baker Place into a bible school. A limerick is a type of humorous verse of five lines with an AABBA rhyme scheme :
5850-447: The Dooradoyle mall in 2005. A playground was planned on the grounds of the centre in 2013. Building of the playground began in May 2014, and it officially opened in July 2014. The Crescent Shopping Centre is at times the subject of criticism due to the out-of-town nature of the development. The development mirrors the American model of large retail centres on the outskirts of towns with ample parking and easy access for customers. While
5967-430: The EU is 162,413. The ethnic diversity in Limerick's population, which includes a large immigrant community, saw rapid growth during the Celtic Tiger and the following decade. As of the 2016 census the Polish community was one of the largest demographic groups in the Municipal District, with approximately 4,000 living and working in the area. In late 2006, it was proposed that Ireland's first Polish bank could open in
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#17327833301816084-723: The Foynes Flying Boat Museum, approximately 35 km (22 miles/30 minutes) from Limerick City along the scenic coastal N69 route from Limerick to Tralee, are also attractions. Bunratty Castle in County Clare is another local attraction, and is situated 15.4 km north of the city. Limerick is in the region dubbed " the Midwest ". Also known as the "Shannon Region", this is primarily an economic and social concept. The region encompasses County Limerick , County Clare, North County Tipperary , Northwest County Kerry and south County Offaly , with its focal point centred on Limerick and its environs within an 8-kilometre (5 mi) radius. The city's economic development has been driven in part by
6201-436: The Irish themselves " as the saying goes. The Tudors in England wanted to curb the power of these Gaelicised Norman Rulers and centralise all power in their hands, so they established colonies of English in the county. Distrust by England of the leading Fitzgerald families, and the execution of several of the Fitzgeralds of Kildare, precipitated a revolt against English Rule in 1569. Th resultant savage war in Munster, known as
6318-500: The Raheen Industrial Estate. West Limerick 102 is broadcast from Newcastle West and is a community station for the west of the county. The national broadcaster, RTÉ, has radio studios in the city, which are periodically used to broadcast programming from Limerick. The two main newspapers that service the city and county are the Limerick Leader and the freesheet Limerick Post . The Limerick Leader prints three different editions: City, County and West Limerick. The Limerick Chronicle
6435-401: The Shannon drainage basin located in the county include the rivers Mulcair , Loobagh , Maigue , Camogue , Morning Star , Deel , and the Feale . It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC. The arrival of the Celts around 400 BC brought about
6552-404: The Shannon estuary. It is a general-purpose facility port. Plans to close the port and relocate all activity to the deepwater facility further downstream at Foynes have been abandoned. The plans included a major regeneration of the dockland area. Foynes is the main deepwater commercial port. SFPC is the second largest port facility in Ireland, handling over 10 million tonnes of cargo annually through
6669-402: The Treaty protecting Catholic rights were not passed by the Protestant Irish Parliament which rather updated the Penal Laws against Catholics which had major implications for Irish history . Reputedly the Treaty was signed on the Treaty Stone, an irregular block of limestone which once served as a mounting block for horses. This stone is now displayed on a pedestal at Clancy Strand. Because of
6786-498: The Williamites in the 1690s. The Treaty of Limerick ended the Williamite war in Ireland which was fought between supporters of the Catholic King James II (Jacobites) and the Protestant King William of Orange (Williamites). The treaty offered toleration to Catholicism and full legal rights to Catholics that swore an oath of loyalty to William III and Mary II . The Treaty was of national significance as it ensured closer British and Protestant dominance over Ireland. The articles of
6903-415: The adjacent Crescent College , whose original building was in The Crescent in the city centre. The main original part of the centre was built with a cross-type layout, with four malls (City Mall, Dooradoyle Mall, Garryowen Mall and Shannon Mall) running from a central atrium. It opened in 1973, one of the early contemporary shopping centres in the country (the earliest 'modern' shopping centre in Ireland
7020-405: The area during 2007. Limerick has a large stock of local authority housing. Before the amalgamation of Limerick City and County Council, 41% of all housing within the old Limerick City Council boundary was local authority , which was the highest in Ireland. This figure is however no longer accurate given the larger metropolitan district of the city. As of the 2022 census, the ethnic makeup of
7137-454: The artist Samuel Walsh in 1987. Limerick's major contemporary art event is EVA International , Ireland's Biennial of Contemporary Art. EVA International, centered mainly in the Limerick City Gallery of Art, is curated by varying guest curators and includes contemporary artworks by both international and Irish artists. Other Limerick arts groups include Contact Studios, which provides individual studio spaces for visual artists; Ormston House ,
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#17327833301817254-591: The book. Limerick has also been the setting or location for the dramas The Real Thing (2002), Cowboys & Angels (2003) and Lost & Found (2015), among other films. The Irish Chamber Orchestra and the Irish World Music Centre are both based in the University of Limerick . The university has a thousand-seat state-of-the-art concert hall that hosts visiting performers. The city's music scene has produced bands such as The Cranberries , guitarist Noel Hogan 's MonoBand, and The Hitchers . Electronic musician Richard D. James, more commonly known as Aphex Twin ,
7371-509: The centre has been one of the most successful in Ireland, its success has come at a cost to the older established retailing areas within Limerick city centre, which have seen decline due to dropping footfall and subsequent lack of spend and investment, resulting in high levels of vacancy, with centres like the Crescent partly supplanting the city centre as key shopping districts. The well-documented potential negative knock-on effects to high levels of out-of-town development include increased sprawl of
7488-445: The chief of the Ui Fidgenti (who, though hosting St. Patrick, had his horses stolen as he journeyed into their territory) but was embraced by the brother of the chief. The adoption of Christianity resulted in the establishment of important monasteries in Limerick, at Ardpatrick , Mungret and Kileedy. From this golden age in Ireland of learning and art (5th – 9th Centuries) comes one of Ireland's greatest artefacts, The Ardagh Chalice ,
7605-471: The city (See Irish Free State offensive ). The local government area of Limerick City and County is under the jurisdiction of Limerick City and County Council . The council has responsibility for local services such as sanitation, planning and development, libraries, collection of motor taxation, local roads and social housing in the city. The council comprises elected councillors with an appointed full-time CEO as both city and county manager. Until June 2014
7722-543: The city and car dependency , a reduction in tourism and appeal of the city as a potential destination area (tourism & living) and a decline in the socioeconomic profile of the city centre impacting negatively on the overall city economy. Although the Crescent centre is not the only cause for the city centre's decline it is often cited as one of the main reasons for Limerick's ' doughnut effect '. Limerick Limerick ( / ˈ l ɪ m ər ɪ k / LIM -ər-ik ; Irish : Luimneach [ˈl̪ˠɪmʲ(ə)nʲəx] )
7839-415: The city and county. Although, no commercial airports are situated in County Limerick, the region's needs are serviced from Shannon Airport situated 25 km over the border in County Clare which has many flights to Europe and North America. However, some in the south of the county may also use Kerry Airport and Cork Airport which are also within 1 hour's drive. Coonagh Aerodrome located just outside
7956-418: The city centre. To the south of the city is the Golden Vale , an area of rich pastureland . Historically, much of the city's industry was based on this agricultural hinterland. On 1 June 2014, following the amalgamation of the separate local government areas of the county of Limerick and the local government area of the city of Limerick to form Limerick City and County, a new Metropolitan District of Limerick
8073-545: The city close to the Clare border is used for light pleasure craft. Foynes , a village in the west of the county, had a unique part to play in the development of aviation. During the late 1930s and early 1940s, land-based planes lacked sufficient flying range for Atlantic crossings. Foynes was the last port of call on its eastern shore for seaplanes. As a result, Foynes would become one of the biggest civilian airports in Europe during World War II. Surveying flights for flying boat operations were made by Charles Lindbergh in 1933 and
8190-433: The city in County Clare . Shannon Airport records an average of 977 millimetres of precipitation annually, most of which is rain. Limerick has a mild climate, with an average daily maximum in July of 20 °C (68 °F) and an average daily minimum in January of 3 °C (37 °F). The highest temperature recorded was 32.0 °C (89.6 °F) in June 2018, and the lowest −11.4 °C (11.5 °F) in 2010. Limerick
8307-420: The city is a growing recipient of foreign direct investment. Dell had its main European Manufacturing Facility at the Raheen Business Park however in January 2009 Dell announced that it would close its Limerick computer manufacturing plant and move the production lines to Poland. The facility was the largest Dell manufacturing plant outside the United States and produced 30,000–60,000 units per day for export to
8424-577: The city was 76.53% white total, including 67.47% white Irish and 8.53% other white people, 13.52% not stated, 5.48% Asian, 2.31% other and 2.14% black . The city's religious makeup in 2022 was 61.31% Catholic , 14.11% no religion, 13.91% not stated, and 10.66% other religions. Limerick city is under the jurisdiction of Limerick City and County Council , which is based at City Hall, Limerick . The council has responsibility for local services such as sanitation, planning and development, libraries, collection of motor taxation, local roads and social housing in
8541-526: The city, the suburban areas of Castletroy and as far east as Murroe . It also includes part of North County Tipperary . The Limerick county constituency takes in most of the rest of the county. For European Parliament elections, Limerick is in the South constituency. Limerick's climate is classified as temperate oceanic ( Köppen Cfb ). Met Éireann maintains a climatological weather observation station at Shannon Airport , 21 kilometres west-northwest of
8658-539: The city. The council comprises elected councillors with an appointed full-time CEO as the city (and county) manager. Local elections are held every five years and the councillors annually elect a Cathaoirleach or chairperson to chair the council. The 21 councillors from the 3 local electoral areas in the City Metropolitan Area also elect a mayor to represent the city. The Mayoral position is largely ceremonial and has much reduced responsibility following
8775-627: The construction and opening in 1942 of Shannon Airport on flat bogland on the northern bank of the Estuary. Foynes flying-boat station closed in 1946. Originally Limerick port was located near the confluence of the Abbey and Shannon rivers at King's Island. Today the port is located further downstream on the Shannon alongside the Dock Road and is operated by the Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) who operate all marine activities in
8892-468: The county was divided into two separate local government areas, administered by separate authorities: Limerick City Council and Limerick County Council . In October 2012 the Government of Ireland published Putting People First: Action Programme for Effective Local Government which set out Government policy for reforms across all the main areas of local government in Ireland. Among the recommendations
9009-608: The county. Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) games are more popular in the parts outside of the city. Hurling is popular in east, mid and south Limerick. Limerick GAA board plays its home games at the Gaelic Grounds in the city. The county hurling team has won the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship twelve times, the last in 2023. The county has also won 20 Munster Championships , last in 2019 and 12 National Hurling Leagues ,
9126-617: The division of the county into petty kingdoms or túatha . From the 4th to the 11th century, the ancient kingdom of the Uí Fidgenti was approximately co-extensive with what is now County Limerick, with some of the easternmost part the domain of the Eóganacht Áine . The establishment of Limerick as a town and base by the Danes in the mid 900's, and their alliance with Irish families, including their alliance with Donnubán mac Cathail of
9243-591: The first Irishman to win a world title on American soil since 1934. RTÉ Lyric FM, a state-run classical music radio station and part of RTÉ, broadcasts nationally from studios in Limerick city centre. Limerick's local radio station is Live 95FM, broadcasting from 'Radio House', near the waterfront at Steamboat Quay. Spin Southwest, owned by Communicorp, broadcasts to Counties Kerry, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and southwest Laois from its studios at Landmark Buildings in
9360-515: The first bishop of Limerick died in 652, indicating the settlement was a place of some note then. In 812 the Vikings sailed up the Shannon and pillaged the city, burned Mungret Abbey but were forced to flee when the Irish attacked and killed many of their number. The Normans redesigned the city in the 12th century and added much of the most notable architecture, such as King John's Castle and St Mary's Cathedral . In early medieval times Limerick
9477-472: The general area along the banks of the Shannon Estuary known as Loch Luimnigh . The earliest settlement in the city, Inis Sibhtonn , was the original name for King's Island during the pre-Viking and Viking eras. This island was also called Inis an Ghaill Duibh , 'The Dark Foreigner's Island'. The name is recorded in Viking sources as Hlymrekr . The city dates from 812; however, history suggests
9594-565: The implementation of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 . By the 1960s onwards the city had outgrown its boundary considerably; the city boundary was only altered slightly and never reflected the overall urban area of the city. A limited boundary extension on the city's north side in 2008 enlarged the city boundary by 1,020 hectares increasing the city's area by almost 50% and raising the population by an estimated 7,000. The previous boundary, encompassing 2,086 hectares,
9711-675: The last success coming in 2019. The Limerick Senior Hurling Championship is also one of the strongest club championships in the country. Historically it has been dominated by two clubs, Ahane and Patrickswell . Clubs from the county have won the Munster Senior Club Championship six times, with Na Piarsaigh becoming the first team from the county to win the All-Ireland Senior Club hurling final when they beat Cushendall of Antrim 2–25 to 2–14 on 17 March 2016. The other GAA sport of Gaelic football
9828-592: The late 1980s, early 1990s, and the addition at one stage of shop units in the central atrium. A major plan was drawn up in the late 1990s to expand the centre. A first step was the moving of the Limerick County Council library to a purpose built building separate from the main centre. A new section of mall was added to the Garryowen mall, creating a modern shopping space similar to those in the new large Dublin shopping centres. An underground car park
9945-547: The main county towns such as Adare , Rathkeale , Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale . The N/M18 road links the county to Ennis and Galway while the N24 continues southeastwards from Limerick towards Waterford travelling through villages such as Pallasgreen and Oola . The R513 is a spur road off the N24 and links up with the villages of Caherconlish , Hospital and Ballylanders before continuing on to Mitchelstown . The N69 ,
10062-420: The main suburban thoroughfares leading towards the city (North & South Circular, Ballinacurra Road, O'Connell Avenue). Limerick city's nightlife is supported by a number of nightclubs and pubs which offer music. For example, Dolan's Warehouse is a small music venue that hosts local, national, and international folk, indie, jazz, rock, and traditional Irish music acts. In County Limerick, Adare village and
10179-507: The majority of the population now live, have grown out from the centre along the main roads to Ennis (North Circular and Ennis Road areas/ Caherdavin ), Dublin ( Castletroy and the university) and Cork (Ballinacurra/Dooradoyle/Raheen). Suburban houses are generally two-floor semi-detached homes for single families. These were built from the 1950s onwards in large estates by government projects and commercial developments, although there are many examples of Edwardian and older 1930s suburban homes on
10296-443: The merger of the Limerick local authorities. As of mid-2021, the mayor was Councillor Daniel Butler. Former well-known mayors include TDs Donogh O'Malley , Stephen Coughlan , Michael Lipper , Jim Kemmy and Jan O'Sullivan . Throughout most of the city's history, from 1197 when it gained its first charter, Limerick City had its own local government authority, Limerick Corporation later known as Limerick City Council . The council
10413-511: The metropolitan district, according to the 2016 CSO census. the 2011 census had reported a large population decline in central city areas due in part to the Limerick regeneration process where in these areas the largest reduction was reported nationally and also to outward migration following the collapse of the local and national economy from 2008 onwards. The population of the Limerick Larger Urban Zone as defined by
10530-564: The mid-18th century. This core includes O'Connell Street (George Street before independence) from the Cecil Street intersection running to the southwest end of the Crescent, and southeast to Pery Street including Glentworth Street and Barrington Street. Other buildings of architectural note in the city are St John's Cathedral , designed by the notable Victorian architect, Philip Charles Hardwick . St Mary's Cathedral, at over 800 years old,
10647-475: The mid-20th century, Limerick was characterised by economic stagnation and decline as many traditional industries closed or left the city. However, there were some success stories. In 1942 Shannon Airport (located in County Clare, 20 km west of the city) opened for the first time offering transatlantic flights. In 1959, Shannon Airport enabled the opening of the Shannon Free Zone which attracted
10764-551: The most fertile tracts in Ireland known as the Golden Vale as well as produce from the surrounding counties. The city was one of the main meat processing areas in Ireland, and industries included confectionery and flour production. The city was known for its bacon industry, including the production of Limerick ham – however this went into decline in the mid-20th century. The fishing industry in Limerick, based on Clancy's Strand opposite King John's Castle and at Coonagh nearby, once employed hundreds of men. The boat most commonly used
10881-496: The north of the city are governed by Clare County Council . Following the merger of the two authorities in 2014, a new Metropolitan District of Limerick City was set up that included the city urban area and also settlements close to the city such as Patrickswell and Castleconnell . The Metropolitan district returns 21 councillors to Limerick City and County Council which in total has 40 councillors returned from across Limerick City and County. The Limerick City Metropolitan District
10998-585: The other LEAs forms its own municipal district. The county is part of the South constituency for European elections . For elections to Dáil Éireann , the county is part of two constituencies: Limerick City (4 seats), and Limerick County (3 seats). There are 2,322 Irish speakers in County Limerick attending the six gaelscoileanna (Irish language primary schools) and three gaelcholáistí (Irish language secondary schools). In 2014, Limerick became Ireland's inaugural National City of Culture, with
11115-479: The poem's connection with the city is obscure, but the name is generally taken to be a reference to Limerick city or County Limerick , sometimes, particularly to the Maigue Poets , and may derive from an earlier form of nonsense verse parlour game that traditionally included a refrain that included "Will [or won't] you come (up) to Limerick?" The earliest known use of the name "Limerick" for this type of poem
11232-567: The poem's connection with the city is obscure, but the name is generally taken to be a reference to Limerick city or County Limerick, sometimes particularly to the Maigue Poets who were based in Croom and its environs, and may derive from an earlier form of nonsense verse parlour game that traditionally included a refrain that included "Will [or won't] you come (up) to Limerick?" Riverfest is an annual summer festival held in Limerick. The festival
11349-812: The population, had eagerly supported the Jacobite cause, however, the second siege of Limerick resulted in a defeat to the Williamites. Sarsfield managed to force the Williamites to sign the Treaty of Limerick , the terms of which were satisfactory to the Irish. However, the Treaty was subsequently dishonoured by the English and the city became known as the City of the Broken Treaty. The 18th and 19th centuries saw
11466-445: The presence of earlier settlements in the area surrounding King's Island, the island at the historical city centre. Antiquity's map-maker, Ptolemy , produced in 150 AD the earliest map of Ireland, showing a place called Regia at the same site as King's Island. History also records an important battle involving Cormac mac Airt in 221 and a visit by Saint Patrick in 434 to baptise an Dál gCais king, Carthann Finn. Saint Munchin ,
11583-427: The redevelopment of the old part of the shopping centre. New modern lighting, flooring and decor was added to the centre, and shop fronts were redesigned to conform to a standard fashion. The result was the reverse-engineering of a 1970s shopping complex into a centre similar to modern developments elsewhere in Ireland. The shopping centre for now remains the largest shopping centre in Limerick after further expansion of
11700-440: The region, celebrated its bicentennial/bicentenary in 2015. As of 2015, Limerick had the highest disposable income per person in Ireland outside Dublin . Historically Limerick was an agricultural commodity-driven economy, due to its position as the first major port along the River Shannon. By the middle of the 18th century, Limerick Port grew to become one of Ireland's principal commercial ports, exporting agricultural produce from
11817-470: The six terminals currently operational. Rugby union is popular in the county. Some of Ireland's most celebrated teams are situated in the city; Garryowen, Shannon, Old Crescent, Young Munster and UL Bohemians. Bruff RFC , another AIL team, are located near the village of Bruff in the south of the county. Thomond Park is the home of the Munster Rugby team, who enjoy enthusiastic support throughout
11934-530: The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries was sometimes called the most beautiful city in Ireland. The English-born judge Luke Gernon , a resident of Limerick, wrote in 1620 that at his first sight of the city he had been taken by its "lofty buildings of marble, like the Colleges in Oxford ". During the civil wars of the 17th century the city played a pivotal role, besieged by Oliver Cromwell in 1651 and twice by
12051-574: The treaty, Limerick is sometimes known as the Treaty City. This turbulent period earned the city its motto: urbs antiqua fuit studisque asperrima belli (an ancient city well studied in the arts of war). The peaceful times that followed the turmoil of the late 17th century allowed the city to prosper through trade in the late 18th century. During this time Limerick Port established itself as one of Ireland's major commercial ports exporting agricultural produce from one of Ireland's most fertile areas,
12168-448: The view") push across the county offering extensive views east over the county and west into County Kerry . Volcanic rock is to be found in numerous areas in the county, at Carrigogunnell , at Knockfierna, and principally at Pallasgreen / Kilteely in the east, which has been described as the most compact and for its size one of the most varied and complete carboniferous volcanic districts in either Britain and Ireland. Tributaries of
12285-489: The west, Clare to the north, Tipperary to the east, and Cork to the south. It is the fifth-largest of Munster's six counties in size and the second-largest by population. The River Shannon flows through the city of Limerick into the Atlantic Ocean at the far western end of the county. Below the city, the waterway is known as the Shannon Estuary . Because the estuary is shallow, the county's most important port
12402-570: Was Dún Eochair , the great earthworks of which still remain and can be found close to the modern town of Bruree , on the River Maigue . Bruree is a derivation of Brugh Righ, or Fort of the King. Catherine Coll , the mother of Éamon de Valera , was a native of Bruree and this is where he was taken by her brother to be raised. St. Patrick brought Christianity to Limerick area in the 5th century. Various annals record that St. Patrick quarrelled with
12519-529: Was at the centre of the Kingdom of Thomond which corresponds to the present day County Clare, the Kingdom also included North Kerry and parts of South Offaly . One of the kingdom's most notable kings was Brian Boru , ancestor of the O'Brien Clan of Dalcassians. The word Thomond is synonymous with the region and is retained in place names such as Thomondgate , Thomond Bridge and Thomond Park . Limerick in
12636-795: Was begun in 2004. Other festivals include the Knights of Westfest in Newcastle West , Fleadh by the Feale in Abbeyfeale and the Ballyhoura International Walking Festival. The west of the county is known for its Irish music, song and dance and is part of the Sliabh Luachra area of traditional Irish music along the borders of County Cork and County Kerry . The main railway station in Limerick
12753-514: Was born in Limerick in 1971. The Limerick Art Gallery and the Art College cater for painting, sculpture, and performance art. The Limerick International Band Championship is an annual competition featuring marching bands from Limerick, the rest of Ireland, and the rest of the world. It is typically held around just after Saint Patrick's Day , with the bands parading through the city centre, and attracts large crowds. Dolan's Warehouse on
12870-456: Was built below this to compensate for the above-ground parking taken up by the new development. Other developments in association with this included the opening of a new 12-screen cinema, the Omniplex . Limerick County Council also acquired land next to the development for their new headquarters (previously their headquarters was in the city on O'Connell Street ). The final stage of the work was
12987-475: Was delineated in 1950. Newer suburban districts such as Dooradoyle , Castletroy – including the University , Gouldavoher, and Raheen were continually administered to by Limerick County Council until the merger of the two authorities in June 2014. This local government structure in Limerick caused a number of inefficiencies, most notably in the area of planning. A number of suburbs such as Westbury and Parteen to
13104-563: Was formed within the united council, which extended the city area. The Metropolitan District includes the city urban area and extends outwards towards Patrickswell in the west and Castleconnell in the east. The City Metropolitan Area however excludes city suburbs located within County Clare . At the 2016 census , the Metropolitan District of Limerick had a population of 104,952. Luimneach originally referred to
13221-537: Was granted lands at Castletown near Kilcornan in County Limerick. During the Williamite War in Ireland (1689–1691) the city was to endure two further sieges, one in 1690 and another in 1691 . It was during the 1690 siege that the infamous destruction of the Williamite guns at Ballyneety, near Pallasgreen was carried out by General Patrick Sarsfield . The Catholic Irish, comprising the vast majority of
13338-527: Was one of the oldest in Ireland and was only exceeded in age by Dublin City Council . In October 2012 the Government of Ireland published Putting People First- Action Programme for Effective Local Government which set out government policy for reforms across all the main areas of local government in Ireland. Among the recommendations was the merging of Limerick City Council with Limerick County Council . The changes came into effect on 1 June 2014 following
13455-567: Was opened in 1966 at Stillorgan in Dublin , followed by Northside Shopping Centre in Coolock). The main anchor stores have been Quinnsworth (now Tesco ) and Shaws (a department store) located near the central area, and Penneys , located on one of the malls. The other units in the centre have varied over the years, although some shops and eateries have maintained a long presence. The centre remained largely unchanged but for some redecoration in
13572-570: Was the Gandelow which was also used as a small Lighter (barge) to ferry goods to and from larger ships in the port. In the 1920s the construction of a dam at Ardnacrusha severely impacted salmon breeding and that, and the introduction of quotas, had by the 1950s caused salmon fishing to diminish. By 2006, most fishermen had relinquished their drift net licences and the industry can now be said to be dormant. As with other cities in Ireland, several multinational companies are based in Limerick, and
13689-424: Was the merging of the city and the county of Limerick into a single local government area. The Local Government Reform Act 2014 implemented this change, which came into effect on 1 June 2014. This change saw a reduction in five in the total number of councillors representing the city and county. The current local electoral areas are: The three city LEAs form the Metropolitan District of Limerick City. Each of
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