As the center of the mid western region of Ireland, Limerick provides eager students with much in the way of cultural and educational opportunities as well as being an ideal hub for travel and experiencing the wide range of Ireland's offerings.
Limerick is located at the mouth of the river Shannon, providing the city with beautiful views as well as economic and transportation advantages. Shannon is the longest river and also one of the most important natural features in Ireland. County Limerick, which includes the city and surrounding area, is a fertile area of Ireland, characterized by limestone plains. Some of the most stunning geography in the country surrounds Lough Gur. You can see huge limestone sheets, riddled by cracks that allow a fascinating collection of plant life to exist and creates a unique ecosystem.
Study Abroad Programs in Limerick
Limerick also boasts a wide range of cultural attractions including John's Castle, the Treaty Stone, and St. Mary's Cathedral. King John constructed the castle while he sat the throne for his brother Richard the Lionhearted during the Crusades. The castle is one of the best examples of Norman architecture in Ireland and the world. St. Mary's Cathedral was the ecclesiastical center of Limerick for many years from its construction in 1172 by the last King of Munster, Donal Mar O'Brien. The Treaty Stone, however, is probably better known as a historical icon of the city because the Treaty of Limerick was supposedly signed on the stone itself. It is decorated with an image of the castle with a dome and cross, which demonstrated that Limerick was a cathedral city.
Today's culture is as vibrant as the city's history. The Hunt Museum showcases the largest private art collection in the country and the National Self Portrait Collection is permanently displayed at the University of Limerick. Limerick is home to the composer of the well known Riverdance and the famous rock band The Cranberries. Another interesting fact about the city is that it was the inspiration behind the international bestseller Angela's Ashes for which author Frank McCourt won a Pulitzer Prize.
As a student, you will find that Limerick is a vibrant, young city that is changing quickly today in the wake of the economic success of the city during the 90s. Limerick bustles today as the commercial capital of mid-west Ireland. Almost half the city's population is under the age of 30, and the promises for the future are bright. The universities in Limerick are also striving to reach this bright future. The most well known are the University of Limerick and the Limerick Institute of Technology. These universities are dedicated to meeting the needs of the mid-west region for quality professionals.
Limerick provides many opportunities for students studying abroad from its quality institutions to its vibrant community and entrancing history. Explore the possibilities and you will not be disappointed.
