Postcards From Limerick is a new exhibition exploring the rich history of Limerick through what is thought to be the largest collection of Limerick-related postcards in existence.
The exhibition at Saint Mary’s Cathedral is organised by Limerick Museum utilising the museum’s vast collection of postcards. It marks the 1,100th anniversary of the foundation of Limerick City.
Some 1100 years ago, the Vikings sailed up the Shannon estuary. The first Viking raid recorded in Ireland took place in 795 AD when islands off the north and west coasts were plundered. The Vikings used the River Shannon to pillage monasteries such as Scattery Island, Mungret, Inis Cealtra and Clonmacnoise.
In 922AD the Viking leader Tomrar Helgason established a permanent base on Inis Sibhton, later to be called King’s Island. It was from this settlement that Limerick city developed. The name Limerick is likely of Viking origin, as are the local place-names of Dooradoyle, Rathurd and Athlunkard.
Councillor Gerald Mitchell, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, performed the official opening and said:
“Postcards From Limerick is a fantastic exhibition. Using Limerick Museum’s vast postcard collection, it brings us on a journey through the city’s eleven centuries in an engaging, yet informative manner. All the major milestones are covered: the Normans, the multiple Sieges of the seventeenth century, the Georgian golden age, trade and industry and of course Sporting Limerick.”
Dr Matthew Potter, Curator of Limerick Museum said:
“While Limerick is a modern and progressive city, it is important that we remember and commemorate our long and distinguished history. To this end, my colleagues Dr. Zara Power and John Elliott have created a magnificent exhibition which manages the rare feat of covering a long time span, while being both concise and comprehensive in its treatment of the city’s history.”
The Postcards From Limerick exhibition has been funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media who have funded this exhibition under the Regional Museums Exhibition Scheme. It continues in Saint Mary’s Cathedral until 17 November