Guide to County Limerick in Ireland

County Limerick

County Limerick is to be found in the south-west of Ireland within the province of Munster. With a population of 184,000, Limerick is one of Ireland's more densely populated regions. However, nearly 30% of the county's residents live in Limerick city which is the Republic's third largest city. The city stands on the wide River Shannon just before the river discharges into the Atlantic Ocean via a long estuary on the northern county border. There are two important Irish ports in County Limerick, one for smaller vessels on the outskirts of Limerick city, and a second one at Foynes further to the west which can handle large ocean-going ships which cannot navigate the Shannon any farther due to the shallowness of the estuary upstream. The county also relies on the air transport link provided by Shannon Airport in neighbouring County Clare which is only 20 km from the city of Limerick, although the city has its own airstrip a Coonagh.

It must be said that the city's reputation has been harmed by widespread reporting of violent crimes instigated by local gang feuds in the city suburbs. As anywhere, it is the vast majority of decent law-abiding residents who will suffer most until the intermittent feuding stops or the protagonists are brought to book. This said, a stroll through Limerick city centre's vibrant shopping streets is always a safe and pleasurable experience.

The eastern fringes of the city straddling the attractive River Shannon forms home to a major Irish university, UL and therefore the city has a large student population. This influx of peace-loving intellectuals somewhat balances the threat of a few under-privileged so-called gangsters in the less prosperous suburban estates. The province's successes on the European rugby union circuit have helped to unite residents behind a positive cause.

Outside of Limerick City, the county landscape is noticeably made up of flatter terrain than neighbouring counties in Munster. Principal towns of note in Limerick are Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Croom and Pallas Green. Adare is a particularly pretty village, full of original dwellings with thatched roofs, designated as a Heritage Town. Other interesting towns include Annacotty, Ardagh, Askeaton, Athea, Ballingarry, Ballyagran, Ballylanders, Broadford, Bruff, Bruree, Caherconlish, Cappamore, Carrigkerry, Castleconnell, Doon, Galbally, Glin, Hospital, Kilfinnane, Kilmallock, Knocklong, Mountcollins, Mungret, Montpelier, Oola, Pallaskenry, Patrickswell, Rathkeale and Shanagolden.