Local Area

Local Area

Limerick is Ireland’s third largest city and is located in the mid west of Ireland, near to the Atlantic coast.

The city dates from around 812 BCE when it was settled by the Vikings, however, there is strong evidence of earlier settlements in the area which surrounds King’s Island. This island was originally included in a map from 150 BCE by Ptolemy, where it was named ‘Regia’. The city was transformed in the 12th Century, when King John’s Castle (1200) and St Mary’s Cathedral (1168) were built. These two magnificent buildings are open to the public as visitor attractions and are well worth a visit.

In the 17th century, Limerick became one of Ireland’s major ports and Georgian Limerick began to evolve. The fine Georgian quarter still retains the wonderful architecture of that time.

Limerick has grown into a diverse and culturally exciting city with a population of 94,193 (2016). The city offers a wide range of visitor attractions, restaurants, bars and shops. It is known for being Ireland’s Sporting Capital and is the home of Munster Rugby. It is also home to three educational institutions and attracts many multinational companies, who are drawn here by the ease of doing business in Ireland.