Limerick Landmarks and Monuments

(Limerick, County Limerick, Republic of Ireland)

Limerick is overflowing with attractive landmarks from the Georgian era. Churches and restored homes populate the northerly English Town district, with many or these homes being open to visitors or presented as 'house museums'

King John's Castle is amongst the most noteworthy of all Limerick's old landmarks and receives a constant stream of visitors throughout the year, standing on King's Island, alongside the River Shannon. Also of note is the Bishop's Palace, the Treaty Stone and no less than two cathedrals to choose between - St. John's and St. Mary's. Stop by the Limerick Tourist Information Centre at Arthur's Quay for more detailed information about local landmarks and sights.

King John's Castle

Address: Nicholas Street, Limerick City, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 061 411 201
As the headline historical attraction in Limerick, King John's Castle was built in the early part of the 13th century and features a gatehouse, corner towers and several exhibition rooms. Before the castle was built, the area was occupied by Viking raiders. Recent excavations have revealed details of the way they lived.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students and children; group rates for families

Bishop's Palace

Address: Church Street, Limerick City, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 061 313 399
This restored building stands next door to King John's Castle and was built in the 1700s to accommodate the Protestant bishops of the city. The Bishop's Palace is well-known for its simple and classical architecture, which is strongly influenced by the English Palladian style. Thoroughly restored in 1990 and currently housing the Limerick Civic Trust, the palace was proud to receive the city's 'Best Old Building' award in 2005.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

St. Mary's Cathedral

Address: Bridge Street, Limerick City, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 061 310 293
St. Mary's Cathedral has a long Anglican history and is often referred to as Limerick Cathedral. This landmark was built on land donated to the city in the 12th century, and a few notable features, including the doorway, date back to that early founding. The greater part of the construction and much of the interior art work relates to the 15th century. Climb the 37-metre / 120-foot tower for some of the finest possible views over the county.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday, June to September - 09:00 to 17:00; October to May - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: free, donations suggested

St. John's Cathedral (Cathedral of St. John the Baptist)

Address: Cathedral Place, Limerick City, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 061 414 624
St. John's Cathedral is an impressive city landmark, standing between Garryowen Road and the Haymarket. Opened in July 1861, although not complete at that time, the cathedral actually boasts Ireland's tallest spire, which measures in at some 94 metres / 308 feet in height. This is a Catholic cathedral and contains a number of interesting features, such as the sign outside marking the site of the city's very last Roman catholic parish church. In the grounds of the presbytery, look out for the statue of Patrick Sarsfield (1660 to 1693), who was the first Earl of Lucan and known for his part in the famous Siege of Limerick in 1690.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday, June to September - 09:00 to 17:00; October to May - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: free, donations suggested

Treaty Stone

Address: Thomond Bridge, Limerick City, Republic of Ireland, IE
The Treaty Stone is a much-loved local sight, becoming famous on October 3rd 1691. It was on this date that the Treaty of Limerick was signed, actually on this very limestone block, which at the time was resting on the ground close to its present situation. The signing of this famous treaty resulted in the ending of the Williamite War (Jacobite War) and the Siege of Limerick. When the treaty was signed, both armies watched at the Clare end of the Thomond Bridge. In a former life, the stone was used as a mounting block for horses next to the Black Bull Inn, and is today given pride of place on Thomond Bridge, where it has stood on a pedestal since 1865.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Daniel O'Connell Statue

Address: O'Connell Street, Limerick City, Republic of Ireland, IE
Situated at the end of O'Connell Street and within the characterful Georgian district is the Daniel O'Connell Monument. This freestanding bronze statue was created in the middle of the 19th century and remembers the life and achievements of renowned Irish political leader Daniel O'Connell (1775 to 1847), who is known by locals as 'Dónal Ó Conaill'. Interestingly, O'Connell is sculpted here as a Roman, complete with flowing toga.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free