Location

County Limerick is mostly a land of quaint rural charm and tradition, by contrast the city of Limerick, a vibrant and bustling city of important cultural significance. Most of the Limerick countryside is low-lying farmland set besides the banks of the River Shannon. Set within this rural landscape is the picturesque village of Adare one of Ireland's prettiest villages with a selection of thatched cottages set beside the River Maigue. A few kilometres away is one of Ireland's most important archaeological sites at Lough Gur with remains of a settlement from 5000 years ago. The River Shannon plays an important role for Limerick, a few kilometres from the city along the estuary is the main port of Foynes, which for many years served as the main transatlantic seaplane base in Ireland. Contrasting with the sleepy country villages, Limerick City is a busy and well-developed city, straddling the banks of the River Shannon. The city has an interesting history, founded by the Vikings, but taken over by the Irish, Limerick was developed and fortified by the Anglo-Normans during the middle ages. King John's Castle overlooking the river still stands as a reminder of this era.