County Limerick boasts a vibrant bustling city and a charming rural environment.
Limerick city has an interesting, colourful history and its castles, ancient walls and museums bear witness to this. Limerick’s City Charter is older than that of London’s and in 1997 the city celebrated the 800th anniversary of its signing. Architectural buildings of note in the city are King John’s Castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. John’s Cathedral, at over 800 years old, is one of the oldest in Ireland.
One of Ireland’s most celebrated museums, the Hunt Museum is based in the historic 18th-century former Custom House. The museum was established to house an internationally important collection of approximately 2000 works of art and antiquities formed by John and Gertrude Hunt during their lifetimes. On display are the 9th century Antrim Cross, a sketch by Picasso and a bronze sculpture of a horse, said to be from a design by Leonardo da Vinci
The city has undergone a facelift in recent years and is now an excellent centre for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Limerick is also considered the sporting capital of Ireland because of its passionate devotion to rugby and its excellent sports facilities.
The surrounding countryside is dotted with picturesque towns and villages like Castleconnell on the banks of the Shannon and Adare with its old world thatched cottages and medieval churches. Activities like horse-riding, golf, game and coarse angling are readily available.
