About Limerick County

Limerick is one of the major cities of Ireland, located in Munster province in the south of the country. Limerick is a compact old town known for the medieval-era. Limerick is a place full of surprises! Ireland’s third largest city but also a friendly and welcoming destination; a cultural hotbed and National City of Culture in 2014.

Limerick has a pace and dynamism you’ll find almost nowhere else in Ireland. Situated on the majestic River Shannon, Limerick City is a vibrant hub of education, economic recreational and social activity in Ireland’s Mid-West region.

Limerick is commonly referred to as ‘Ireland’s Sporting Capital’; and while we are the economic core of Ireland’s Mid-West, we are also widely known for our warmth and home-town feel.

Few regions offer the magical blend of City and County quite like Limerick. Famed for the friendliness of its people and with a whole host of superb accommodation options, family fun festivals, cultural events and exciting arts and attractions, Limerick has something for everyone to enjoy!

In the city centre the medieval glories of King’s Island sit comfortably alongside modern pedestrian plazas lined with colourful boutiques, upmarket hotels, legendary pubs and nightclubs and award-winning restaurants and cafes. The City’s environs are also home to some fantastic sights including: neolithic Lough Gur, Ballyhoura Country, Foynes, the birthplace of the Irish Coffee and Adare, whose medieval churches and thatched cottages make it Ireland’s prettiest village.

Limerick is home to an eclectic cultural scene and was designated the first ever National City of Culture in 2014. Limerick is also synonymous with sport, with the “spiritual home” of Munster Rugby, Thomond Park Stadium, just outside of the city centre. Gaelic football, hurling, golf, cycling, rowing and horse-racing are also particularly popular pursuits in Limerick. Limerick is extremely proud to have been awarded the prestigious title of European City of Sports 2011.

Limerick is a cosmopolitan and sophisticated city but it has often been said that perhaps Limerick’s biggest attraction of all is the people themselves who are warm, witty and welcoming!

Fun Facts about Limerick to learn more visit www.limerick.ie

10. The University of Limerick has the longest footbridge in Ireland and one of the longest footbridges in Europe – it is called the Living Bridge!
11. King John’s Castle is the westernmost Norman castle in Europe!
12. In 1651 after Cromwell’s forces captured the City, St. Mary’s Cathedral was used as a stable for the army’s horses!
13. Some of Limerick’s well-known sons and daughters include actor Richard Harris, rock legends The Cranberries, broadcaster Terry Wogan, novelist and playwright Kate O’Brien and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt! (The above photo is of Terry Wogan in Limerick in 1974)
14. Limerick is known as the Treaty City after the Treaty of Limerick was signed here in October 1691!
15. Irish Coffee, a brew infused with Irish whiskey, was invented in Limerick village Foynes in 1943!
16. There are 10 places in the USA called Limerick: Limerick, Georgia, Limerick, Illinois, Limerick, Louisville, Limerick, Maine, Limerick, Mississippi, Limerick, New York, Limerick, Ohio, Limerick, South Carolina, Limerick Township, Pennsylvania, and New Limerick, Maine!
17. Former US President, John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather, Thomas Fitzgerald (the man who gave them the ‘F’ in their name), hails from the town of Bruff in east Co. Limerick!
18. Limerick is home to the largest Georgian Quarter in Ireland outside Dublin!
19. Limerick, Ireland’s third largest city, was founded by the Vikings in 812. Limerick is one of Ireland’s oldest cities, with a Charter of Incorporation older than that of London’s, dating back to 1197!

If you are look of a Luxury, Friendly warm Stay while you are visiting Limerick, Why not book your stay at Ballyhoura Hostel.

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