Limerick

Limerick (in Gaelic, Luimneach), city in the south-west of the Republic of Ireland, county borough of County Limerick, at the head of the estuary of the River Shannon. The third-largest city in the Irish Republic after Dublin and Cork, Limerick is one of the major ports of Ireland and is the closest major city to Shannon International Airport, 22 km (14 mi) to the west. The chief industries produce flour, textiles, lace, and health care and food products. Industries associated with computers and new technologies form an increasingly important part of the city's economy. More than 80 organizations and companies are based at the National Technological Park, Ireland's first science and technology park. The University of Limerick is located 5 km (3 mi) from the city centre.

The city is divided into English Town, on King’s Island; Irish Town, which includes the oldest part of the city and lies to the south of the river; and Newtown-Pery, to the south of Irish Town, dating from 1769. Places of interest include St Mary’s Protestant Cathedral, St John’s Cathedral, and the 13th-century remains of King John’s Castle. Limerick dates from a Norse settlement of the early 10th century, and received its city charter in 1197. Population 54,023 (2002).