One of Ireland’s main tourist centers, Limerick is built on the river Shannon that crosses the city, passing under its bridges. To many, this could be the city of contrasts that when analyzed in depth shows several cultural layers over the medieval core. The most important addition to the Middle Age spirit in the buildings comes from the later Georgian alterations. Furthermore, if you like open air expeditions, then there are plenty of nature escapes to explore and very much within close reach to the city.
The main attraction of old Limerick is the Norman fortress on the banks of the Shannon river. This is a great example of the Norman architecture that marked the evolution in that part of Ireland. Known as the King John Castle, it features eight hundred year old traditions, and completes the image provided by the excavated pre-Norman houses and siege mines. The Castle is open for visitation from April to November, and it is usually a great idea to go there on an organized tour, as an explained experience is much more valuable.
River Shannon and King John Castle, Limerick
Very close to the Castle there is the famous Castle Lane, providing an original Irish urban landscape with an architectural heritage that charms every tourist. You’ll find a retail outlet here and even a Lane Tavern that has the reputation of one of the best Irish pubs in the area. Visitors enjoy not just the nice food and beer, but there are also informal musical sessions and many types of concerts, all contributing to a very friendly atmosphere that will make you feel more than welcome.
The Irish landscape here has the great advantage of displaying the rare coexistence of past and present. For instance Lough Gur Center in Limerick is the most important Stone Age site in Ireland with a five thousands years history. There is a visitor center by the side of the lake where you find audio-visual shows that explain to you in detail the true story of the locality. It is well preserved and occupies a special place in the national heritage of Ireland.
A number of treasures are on display at the Limerick Hunt Museum. The museum has the finest collection of antiquities in Ireland. Visitors are delighted to find all kinds of artifacts here from Greece, Egypt, Rome or the local Irish treasures that were exposed by the archaeological digging in the area. The exhibits vary from Neolithic flints to late Christian objects such as the Antrim cross dating from the 9th century. You’ll discover the charm of the medieval artwork in the jewels, the wood and stone-carved statues as well as the exquisite ceramics.
For those who prefer looking for unique paintings, there are names that speak for themselves: Picasso, Renoir, Robert Fagan or Henry Moore, as part of the same Hunt Museum collection. But let’s move on to the green parts of the county. Limerick has the great advantage of making you want to discover more, meaning that you’ll definitely want to push exploration beyond the city walls in the beautiful Shannon region. There are fairy-tale meadows, castles, hills, lakes and valleys at the backdrop of the Atlantic.