Limerick Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Limerick

Claudius Ptolemy, the great geographer of the ancient world, drew a map of Ireland in 150 AD. Indicated on the map was a place now called King's Island. It is said generous King Cormac ruled here in the 4th century. Here is where St Patrick baptized King Carthann the Fair in 434. Here is the ancient heart of Limerick.

St Munchin had been the first bishop of Limerick in 652. In 812, Vikings sailed up the Shannon and burned his monastery. The Normans brought stability in the 12th century. King John's Castle was built on King's Island, "joined at the hip" to historic St Mary's Cathedral.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Limerick was celebrated for its "lofty buildings of Marble." The 1691 Treaty of Limerick ended the wars between the Jacobites and the supporters of William and Mary. The parties signed on the Treaty Stone, which stands on a plinth at one end of the Thomond Bridge in Limerick.

The compact Old City is easy to explore on foot. Start at the Treaty Stone, on its pedestal by the Shannon. Across the river is tourist-friendly King John's Castle. The Georgian Old Custom House in Newtown Pery houses ancient artifacts of the Hunt museum.

The famous "Big Top" Milk Market provides foods, delicacies, and music events. The Lime Tree Theatre and the Ballable Arts Theatre host works of local playwrights. Riverfest is held annually. Film festivals, comedy clubs, and nightclubs keep things lively. The Limerick International Band Championship hosts bands from Ireland and the world.

The connection of the city to the Limerick poem form is unclear. Earlier forms of verse had a refrain: "Will you or won't you come up to Limerick?" Now there's an invitation. There's a bit of Irish in everyone. Find your bit in Limerick.