Limerick Medieval Trail

The history of Limerick stretches back to its establishment by the Vikings as a walled city on King's Island in 812, and the granting of Limerick's city charter in 1197. Explore Limerick's history with this Medieval Trail, which will take you to many significant historical locations on this self-guided walking tour.

The Hunt Museum's Limerick Medieval Trail map weaves through the medieval English Town, beginning at King John's Castle and following a historic route through the oldest part of the city click

With fifteen points of interest to explore, this handy downloadable guide makes and excellent companion for those out and about in Limerick's historic heart.

Row of two storey stone building with red shutters on right. Left, grass and trees

A Brief History of Medieval Limerick

The Medieval period in Ireland covered a span of a thousand years from the fifth to the fifteenth century and is split into three periods. The later period saw Limerick develop from a small settlement into a city.

Although there was a settlement on King's Island dating back to at least 150 AD, it was only after the arrival of the Vikings to Ireland, that Limerick developed at a rapid pace.

In 922, The Vikings created a base in the island formed by the Abbey and Shannon Rivers, from here they sent out raids to the surrounding area. Although they only held the city for fifty five years, they left a permanent mark in the street patterns of Englishtown.

The Vikings were removed from the city by the native O'Brien clan. In 1168 AD, St Mary's Cathedral was built where the palace of the late King of Munster, Donal Mór O’Brien once stood. It is the oldest building in Limerick still in continuous daily use.

Soon the Normans arrived, bringing with them their great fortress and enclosing the city behind a great wall. King John's Castle was started by the Norman's in 1197.

As the city grew as a walled town and a bridge over the Abbey Rivers was erected, and a second urban area Irishtown was developed, once again behind large stone walls. Fragments of these walls can still be seen on Island Road and St Lelia Street.