Limerick

Limerick (Irish: Luimneach) is a city in Ireland's Shannon Region.

Limerick Halal Explorer

King John's Castle in Limerick - King John's Castle on the River Shannon

Riverside city

Limerick is a riverside city of modest size, and is Ireland's third most populated city. Limerick is in the heart of Ireland's beautiful Shannon Region. The city overlooks the majestic and historic King John's Castle which is perched on its Shannon river bank. A city of many contrasts, it has managed to successfully blend the modern with the historic. It offers many cultural attractions, including cinema and theatre, museums, concerts, walking tours, boat rides and a wide variety of sports amenities. There is the lively atmosphere in traditional pubs, discos and restaurants. Being centrally located between the major attractions of Cork and Galway it is not as popular with tourists in the region.

History

A Viking town

The city was founded by the Vikings in 922 AD. The Vikings thrived in the village but they were overthrown in 968 AD. The Vikings fought the city back again in 969 AD. It wasn't until the 1020 AD, that native Limerick folk again recaptured and claimed their town. From that time period and the Vikings became part of the fabric of the town and integrated into the Irish society. Limerick of today benefits from their artistry, technological skills and seamanship.

Through the Middle Ages

The English (Anglo-Normans) colonised the city in 1172 AD and changed everything. Street Mary's Gothic Church was built in 1194 AD. Limerick's architecture boomed, King John ordered the construction of his fortress King John's Castle in 1205 AD, a fine specimen of fortified Norman architecture and Thomond Bridge which was for centuries the only bridge crossing the River Shannon.

Treaty-Stone-Limerick-2012 - The Treaty Stone perched on Thomond Bridge

The English settled in King's Island, called "Englishtown". The Irish were moved to "Irishtown", on the other side of the Abbey River. A huge stonewall was erected around "Englishtown" in this period, known as "the walls of Limerick" and now is a famous traditional Irish dance. Limerick developed and became a very prosperous port and trading center exporting and importing all around Europe. 1171 AD a nunnery was founded. The Trinitarian Abbey was built in 1230 AD, this was the Trinitarian order's only established monastery in Ireland. The Scottish clans in 1315 AD attempted to invade Limerick and around 1320 AD Edward Bruce took Limerick once again. This occupation was defeated by the English in 1318 AD. A few hundred years later another historic moment occurred in Limerick, The Treaty of Limerick was signed to end the Irish war between the Jacobites and the supporters of William of Orange and it also ended the Siege of Limerick. They were signed on the Treaty Stone, which is perched now on a pedestal at the foot of Thomond Bridge.

Modern times

Limerick of the early 20th century was very much a growing agricultural town. The Peoples Park was developed in 1876 and later tourism became a major focus and technology industries flourished. A state library and museum was built in 1906 with the Limerick Art Gallery being constructed in 1948. In 1972 the University of Limerick opened. In 1976, The Hunt family offered their collection to the nation to what has become the Hunt Museum. In 1981 and the Beltable Arts Centre opened its curtains for everyone. In 1984, Limerick's National Technology Park opened its doors. During the late 20th century and early 21st century a great investment went into refurbishing and restoring Limerick's historic buildings. The 'renaissance' continued in 1989, Arthur Quay was refurbished and a new walkway waterfront constructed. In 1987 O'Halloran Bridge was built and in 1989 Arthurs Quay Shopping Centre opened to the public.

During the 1980s and the Potato Market, and the Milk Market were refurbished and the Milk Market will have another upgrade in 2010. The old Bishops Palace was totally rebuilt to its former glory. In 1991, a tourist information office was commissioned and tied in nicely with a new visitors centre to showcase King John's Castle. In 1994, Kings Island and Steamboat Quay were refurbished, and a new hotel and apartments were built in the region. In 1999 and the new Abbey Bridge opened to the public. In 1999 and the Georgian House was opened in Pery Plaza region of the city.

The stunning Living Bridge was constructed in 2007 by the Eiffel Engineering of Paris (the team behind the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty), it's a 350-m-long footbridge over the River Shannon at the University of Limerick. There are plans to refurbish and renew the Park Canal and upgrade all amenities on the Shannon river.

Literature

Limerick has spawned many great writers and poets. Among those were Michael Hogan and the Bard of Thomond to Jim Kemmy and Maureen Sparling to the late and great writer Frank McCourt whose Pulitzer prize winning Angela's Ashes, 'Tis and Teacher Man were huge international bestsellers.

Music and film

Limerick has a very active music scene, which has produced such popular bands and musicians from as Dolores O'Riordan, The Cranberries, and Noel Hogans' MonoBand, The Hitchers, world-renowned electronic musician Richard D. James, known as Aphex Twin. It is also home to comedians D'Unbelievables (Pat Shortt & Jon Kenny) which entertained with many TV shows and Christmas specials, other famous personalities include the Hollywood actor Richard Harris and TV presenter Terry Wogan.

A number of films and movies have been produced and recorded in the city including the Alan Parker's Hollywood adaptation of Angela's Ashes starring Robert Carlyle and Emily Watson. It is the setting for the contemporary coming-of-age drama Cowboys & Angels and Robert Cunningham's gritty Somebody's Daughter.

Travel to Limerick

By plane: Shannon Airport (IATA Flight Code: SNN)], 25 kilometers west of Limerick along N18, has flights across Europe, UK, New York, Newark and Chicago.

To town, Bus Eireann # 343 runs between 06:30 and midnight, every 30 mins, taking an hour, fare 8 euro. Expressway Bus 51 between Galway and Limerick also stops at the airport every couple of hours.

All the main vehicle rental firms have offices at the airport.

By bus: Limerick City is served very well by Bus Eireann who operate services to and from Limerick city to Athlone, Balbriggan, Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway, Navan, Killarney, Sligo and Waterford.

From Galway and Cork is served by Citylink's bus service . Dedicated public coach hire services to Concerts, Festivals and Sporting Events .

By train: There are hourly train services from Dublin Heuston Street, taking just over two hours to Limerick Colbert Street. Some are direct, most involve a change at Limerick Junction (which is near Tipperary and about 25 kilometers east of Limerick). Change there also for Cork (connections hourly, 90 mins). Direct trains run from Colbert Street to Ennis every couple of hours, taking 40 mins.

How to get around in Limerick

Public bus services are available in Limerick but the city is quite contained and everything is within walking distance. Quite easy to get from Downtown out to UL/Castletroy Area and back via the public bus.

Bikes need to be rented weeks in advance. There is only one bike rental shop in town.

What to see in Limerick

Limerick has a host of attractions. See the Limerick Coordination Office for a full events guide

King John's Castle - 52.670, -8.626 on King's Island Opening Hours: November - Feb 10:00-17:00, March - Oct 09:30-18:00; limited access 15-21 June 2019 Adult €8 King John's Castle (Limerick) Built 13th C by King John over an earlier Viking fortification. The walls, well bashed about over the centuries, enclose a large courtyard.

Street Mary's Gothic Church - Bridge Street 52.668, -8.623 on King's Island ☎ +353 61 416 238 Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-16:45| price=Suggested donation €5 Anglican cathedral founded in 1168, with the tower added in the 14th C. Note the ceremonial Great West Door and the limestone-slab original altar, and the chandeliers. Notable burials include the last High King of Munster, within the nave.

St. John's Gothic Church - Gothic Church Place corner of Garryowen Road This impressive RC cathedral is in neo-Gothic style and has the tallest spire in Ireland at 94 m (308 ft). Built in 1861 and designed by the architect Philip Charles Hardwick, it has been in continuous use since. Six bishops are buried here.
The Hunt Museum - Rutland Street ☎ +353 61 312 833 +353 61 312834 Opening from Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday 14:00–17:00 Adults €5, Concessions €3.50, Children €2.50. Free admission every Sunday

Limerick City Gallery of Art - Carnegie Building, Pery Sq 52.659, -8.628 Opening Hours: Monday - West & Friday Saturday 10:00-17:00, Thursday 10:00-19:30, Sunday 12:00–17:00 Free Displays all Irish artists, plus large collections of posters and contemporary drawings.

Frank McCourt Museum on Lower Hartstonge Street depicts the author's life and times. It's open Monday to Friday 11:00-16:30, Saturday Sunday 14:00-16:00. Tis. They also organise "Angela's Ashes" walking tours.
The fine 19th C Potato Market, on the Quays, is nowadays just a vehicle park.

Daniel O'Connell monument - It's perched at the top of O'Connell street in the Georgian neighborhood.

The Treaty Stone Thomond bridge

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Limerick

St Johns Gothic Church Limerick Ireland - Street John's Gothic Church: The tallest spire in Ireland

Watch Rugby Union at
Munster Rugby - Thomond Park, Cratloe Road 52.674, -8.643 a mile west of downtown They play in the Pro14 and the professional pan-European league, and in the European Rugby Champions Cup. They usually play at Thomond Park, capacity 25,000, but some games are played in Cork.

Limerick Football Club. The city's football team play in Markets Field, which is in the downtown. Matches are played on Friday nights and tickets are generally available on match night. tickets cost between €12 to stand, and €15 to sit in the main stand.

Belltable | | O'Connell Avenue Performing arts theatre.

University Concert Hall
Stroll in The Peoples Park, south of the centre by the Gallery of Art.
UL Arena is a large sports facility on the University campus east of the city.
Go to the races at
Limerick Races Greenmount Park, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick V94 K858 6 kilometers southwest of city, from M20 take exit 4 ☎ +353 61 320000 . Opened in 2001 and staging both flat-racing and National Hunt; the previous course at Greenpark closed in 1999.

Study in Limerick

University of Limerick - Ollscoil Luimnigh - University

Limerick Institute of Technology - Institúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh - University

Mary Immaculate College - Coláste Mhuire Gan Smál - University

Language Travel Ireland - LTI - English instruction.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Limerick

Cruise's Street, pedestrianised, is the main shopping mall.

The Milk Market - Opening Hours: weekend only Located down in the Market House in Mungret Street, you can buy there fresh local and in season products directly from the producers. But it's not just shopping and buying: people also gather there to drink a tea/coffee and talk about the daily things of life!

O'Mahony's - Booksellers, O'Connell Street

Halal Food & Restaurants

Azur - 8 Georges Quay
Bella Italia - 43 Thomas Street
Bon Appétit - The Milk Market - Fantastic food.

Copper and Spice - Mill Bar, Garraunykee, Annacotty Opening from Monday to Saturday 17:00-22:30, Sunday 14:00-22:00 Indian restaurant. The downtown branch in Cornmarket Row has closed.

The Cornstore - 19 Thomas Street
The Grove 11 Upper Cecil Street - For yummy Vegetarian food.

Jasmine Palace - O'Connell St. Beautiful restaurant.

The Locke Cafe - George's Quay
Milano - Harvey's Quay
La Piccola Italia 56 O'Connell Street

Texas Steakout - O'Connell St.
Nancy Blake's Pub - Denmark Street - Popular and crowded. Live Music most weeks.

The Old Quarter | Denmark Street
Flannerys Cafe Denmark Street - There are quite a few 'Flannery's pubs in Limerick.

Smyths - Denmark Street - Late night café. Great atmosphere. Live music. Cosy traditional Irish pub.

Molly Malones Ellen Street - Be careful with the bouncers. Late Cafe and dance floor. Gets crowded. Great Muslim Friendly place to end a night of partying.

Costello's Tavern Dominic Street - GPS: - Alternative music venue.

Jerry Flannerys Cafe Catherine Street
Micky Martins Augustinian Lane - Tucked away in an L shaped alley (Augustinian Lane) with a nice outdoor area when the weather permits. Good organic juice decent organic juice selection for Limerick. Hoegaarden on tap.

Tom Collins's Oyster Saloon Cecil Street - Genuine old man's pub.

Dolans Pub - Dock Road - Traditional Irish bar with traditional Irish live music. Wharehouse in back which houses techno parties.

The White House - Gleeson's - O'Connell Street - Open Mic nights and Poetry nights.

The Still House Thomas Street
Charlie Chaplin's Cruises Street
Charlie Malone's - Charlie's - Wolfe Tone Street Near Bowman Street & Barrack Hill - Relatively quiet normally. Monday Nights draw in the crowds from Mary I as generally during the school semester a group of students from Mary I will play Irish Trad late in the night. The barmen here will make you feel quite at home. Though small its quite cozy.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Limerick

Limerick - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Limerick, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Limerick. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Limerick and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Limerick. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Limerick. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inLimerick: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Limerick.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Limerick: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Limerick, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Limerick.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Limerick, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Limerick, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Limerick and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Limerick, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Limerick, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Limerick without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Limerick is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Limerick.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Limerick is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Limerick, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Limerick Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Limerick

eHalal Group Limerick is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Limerick. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Limerick.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Limerick ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Limerick. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Limerick, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Limerick are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Brookville House B&B - 31 Brookville Avenue, Clareview 5 mins walk to Thomond Park ☎ +353 61 452160 From €35 Owner, Nora, is renowned for her hospitality and the full Irish breakfast comes highly recommended. Ensuite rooms with TV available.

Travelodge Limerick Castletroy - Dublin Road N7 Neighbouring the University of Limerick ☎ +353 61 603500 +353 61 603222 From €35 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 12:00

Travelodge Limerick Ennis Road - Travelodge Hotel Limerick Ennis Road, Coonagh Roundabout, Ennis Road close to Thomond Park Stadium Limerick ☎ +353 61 457000 +353 61 454991 From €35 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 12:00

Best Western Perys Hotel - Glentworth Street ☎ +353 61 413822 +353 61 413073 Hotel - Clayton Hotel Limerick | Steamboat Quay ☎ +353 61 444100 +353 61 444101 Health and fitness Centre with pool, private secluded sauna, steam room and gym.

The George Boutique Hotel | Shannon St. ☎ +353 61 460 400 Hotel

Greenhills Hotel - Ennis Road 52.6733, -8.6671 west edge of city ☎ +353 61 453033 . Large 4-star hotel with conference facilities, Hugh's Steakhouse and Bryan's Bar.

The Kilmurry Lodge - Castletroy near University ☎ +353 61 501072 From €89 B&B Hotel Pleasant, ivy-covered red brick hotel on the outskirts of town, manages to feel small and cozy although it's actually rather large. Pub, restaurant and nightclub on grounds.

Maldron Hotel Limerick | Southern Ring Road, Roxboro, V94 EDP4 ☎ +353 61 436100 Family friendly hotel with leisure centre, gym and swimming pool. Function rooms available for business meetings and conferences.

Old Bank B&B - 30 minutes away in Bruff Hotel

Punchs Hotel - Hotel

The Pier Hotel - Sarsfield Bridge ☎ +353 61 317 179 Hotel

South Court Hotel & Suites | Raheen ☎ +353 61 487 487 Hotel

Strand Hotel Limerick - Ennis Road ☎ +353 61 421800 4 Star hotel in the heart of Limerick Downtown, with leisure facilities and meeting rooms.

Woodlands House Hotel - Hotel

Absolute Hotel Limerick - Sir Harry's Mall ☎ +353 61 463600 Four Star hotel luxury spa hotel in the heart of Limerick Downtown.

Castletroy Park
Glin Castle
The Savoy Hotel, formerly Marriott Limerick - Henry Street ☎ +353 61 456200 +353 61 448701 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: Noon €140+ per day Hotel

The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Limerick - Ennis Road ☎ +353 61 448700 +353 61 327418 Check-in: 3 / Check-out: Hotel Near to Shannon Airport and downtown.

Stay Safe

Limerick being a modest sized city and the downtown itself is safe and cosy, even at nights and weekends. Generally as is the case of any of the modern cities in Ireland, use your common sense and exercise caution and you will have a fantastic time.

If you do run into trouble and the police station (Gardai) is on Henry Street in the downtown. The number of the local police (Gardai) is +353 61 212 400, note: a non-emergency number. The emergency dial is the standard 112 or 999, as always.

News & References Limerick

Travel Next

Drive west past Shannon Airport into County Clare and Ennis and take N68 to Kilrush and Kilkee. This brings onto the wild Mizzen Head, with the grey Atlantic heaving below.
On the road north towards Galway, stop to admire the Cliffs of Moher.
Lough Gur, 15 kilometers south of the city along R512, is a remarkable collection of Neolithic sites and artefacts.
Along the south bank of Shannon, Adare is a very attractive old town, pity about the traffic and the hordes.
Nearby Foynes is where the transatlantic flying boats used to berth, and the likes of Sinatra and John Wayne stepped out to the pop of flash-guns; see the museum and step aboard a plane.