Limerick

About

Officially founded in 812, it was the Normans who produced most of Limerick’s landmarks when they redesigned it in the end of the12th century. Most notable of these is King John’s Castle, a robust fortification that weathered five sieges in the 17th century. Not just one of the best-preserved Norman castles in the country, recent restorations have bequeathed it with an excellent museum detailing the city’s history. Another Norman relic, and the oldest building in the city, is St. Mary’s Cathedral. Founded in 1168, the 14th century Gothic tower is the highest in Ireland, and the church walls still bear the marks of when defenders sharpened their swords on its walls during the Siege of Limerick. It’s well worth joining a guided tour to learn more about the history of the building and the Irish heartland. If you need a pick-me-up, stop by a pub for an Irish coffee - the drink is said to have been invented nearby.