Historic Sites in Limerick

"The complete history of the human race from the Stone Age to the present day can be traced in the area surrounding Lough Gur in County Limerick. Don’t worry you needn’t be either a historian or an archaeologist to enjoy this 6,000-year-old site, for all the hard work has already been done for you and laid out in a fascinating interpretive centre for your perusal. Here you can listen to the mystical stories, view the Neolithic finds, savour Bronze and Iron Age household items and take look back at medieval life."

"Irish prehistory is always gripping, so you should be sure not to miss this archaeological site 20 kilometres south of Limerick. In hilly countryside, Lough Gur is a horseshoe lake with all sorts of megalithic remains on its banks. This pocket of land has been occupied by humans for more than 5,000 years, and has ring forts on the higher ground, traces of Stone Age houses, the Grange stone circle and three crannogs (Neolithic artificial islands)."

"Adare Desmond Castle in Limerick is a pinnacle example of medieval architecture, with a strong fortified and stronghold history. The castle is situated on the north bank of the River Maigue, which proved an important and strategic location for the castle’s role in history, as it was able to control river traffic and keep a watchful eye. Much of the original castle still remains today, for example, the large square keep stands as the defensive centre of the castle, which is enveloped by a walled ward, that has a large moat running around the outside."

"Adare Castle, Adare, Co Limerick now a ruined medieval fortress situated on the north bank of the River Maigue in County Limerick, southwest Ireland. The castle, also known as Desmond Castle, is a fine example of Norman architecture"

"Lough Gur Stone Circle is one of Ireland’s archaeological and historical gems. The beautiful and enchanted lake lies 21 km south east of Limerick city. From the level surrounding countryside it unfolds in beauty its placid waters and rugged hills – a fairyland of stone circles, ancient habitation sites, megalith tombs, crannogs and castles."

"North of the Square, Ennis Friary was founded by Donnchadh Cairbreach O'Brien, a king of Thomond, between 1240 and 1249. A mix of structures dating between the 13th and 19th centuries, the friary has a graceful five-section window dating from the late 13th century, a McMahon tomb (1460) with alabaster panels depicting scenes from the Passion, and a particularly fine Ecce Homo panel portraying a stripped and bound Christ."

"The original Knappogue Castle was constructed in the year 1467 by Sean Mac Conmara, who was the son of Sioda Mac Conmara; it is a large medieval tower house, that originally served the purpose of a watchtower during the midst of much military conflict. During the 19th century, like many castles in Europe and Ireland, Knappogue Castle was restored into the style of the Gothic and Medieval era, after being acquired by Theobald Fitzwalter Butler, 14th Baron Dunboyne, in the year 1855; they spent a large amount of time renovating and restoring the castle, whilst also adding several additions to it, such as the drawing-room, the long room, and a west wing. Where: County Clare, IrelandWhen: 1467Style: MedievalOpen for visit: Yes, for more information check here."

"North of the Square, Ennis Friary was founded by Donnchadh Cairbreach O'Brien, a king of Thomond, between 1240 and 1249. A mix of structures dating between the 13th and 19th centuries, the friary has a graceful five-section window dating from the late 13th century, a McMahon tomb (1460) with alabaster panels depicting scenes from the Passion, and a particularly fine Ecce Homo panel portraying a stripped and bound Christ."

"Lough Gur Stone Circle is one of Ireland’s archaeological and historical gems. The beautiful and enchanted lake lies 21 km south east of Limerick city. From the level surrounding countryside it unfolds in beauty its placid waters and rugged hills – a fairyland of stone circles, ancient habitation sites, megalith tombs, crannogs and castles."

"The Williamite War came to an end in this city in 1691 with the second Siege of Limerick. Catholic Irish and French Jacobite forces were eventually defeated by the Protestant Williamites, from Ulster, England, Scotland, the Netherlands and Denmark. The Treaty of Limerick was signed on 3 October 1691, and was a turning point in Irish history, leading to the “Flight of the Wild Geese”, when 24,000 Catholics left the country for France."

"Not an overly impressive sight in its own right, Limerick’s Treaty Stone symbolises an agreement that ended the Williamite War. The truce didn’t last for long, and the events that led to it still echo on. It’s not an overly impressive relic in its own right, but it has fantastic views, a plaque explaining the history (which dates back to 1691) and offers a real sense of stepping back in time."

"Discovered this particular place on my way to a rugby game on, again, another Sunday morning. Located in a really cool all-glass circular building that I’m pretty sure used to be the tourism center, Chez Le Fab is a combination vintage clothing coffee shop, the first I personally have ever stumbled across!. So it’s super easy to grab a coffee and do some browsing through the pretty clothing, or admire some of the displayed jewelry made by local artists for sale."

"A new addition to Limerick’s Italian food scene, Gusto offers gelato, cakes and waffles in their contemporary premises at the top of William Street. It works well as a birthday treat destination with customised cakes, or to satisfy a spoonful of sweet cravings. The breakfast waffles are attracting a growing clientele, too..."