History of Limerick in Timeline

Limerick is a city located in County Limerick, western Ireland, within the province of Munster and part of the Mid-West region. According to the 2022 census, it has a population of 102,287, making it the third-most populous urban area in Ireland and the fourth-most populous city on the island. Limerick's history dates back to 812, when it was founded by Scandinavian settlers during the Viking Age.

1904: Instigation of Limerick Boycott

In 1904, Father John Creagh instigated the Limerick boycott, an economic boycott against the Jewish community accompanied by intimidation and assaults.

April 1919: Limerick Soviet Established

In April 1919, the Limerick Soviet was established during the Irish War of Independence, following a general strike against the British Army's declaration of a "Special Military Area".

1922: St. Munchin's College wins Munster Colleges Hurling Championship

In 1922, St. Munchin's College won the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship (Dr. Harty Cup).

1932: Limerick CBS wins Junior Cup

In 1932, Limerick CBS won the Junior Cup.

1937: Castletroy Golf Club founded

In 1937, Castletroy Golf Club was founded in the suburb of Castletroy in Limerick.

1937: Limerick FC joins League of Ireland

In 1937, Limerick FC first joined the League of Ireland.

1942: Opening of Shannon Airport

In 1942, Shannon Airport opened, offering transatlantic flights.

1950: Previous Boundary Delineation

The previous Limerick city boundary, encompassing 2,086 hectares, was delineated in 1950.

1959: Shannon Free Zone Opens

In 1959, the Shannon Free Zone opened, attracting multinational companies to the region.

1961: Munster hurling final draws record crowd

In 1961, over 61,000 people attended the Munster hurling final between Tipperary and Cork at the Gaelic Grounds, setting a record for a sporting event outside Croke Park in Ireland.

1964: Limerick CBS wins Dr. Harty Cup and Dr. Croke Cup

In 1964, Limerick CBS won the Dr. Harty Cup, part of a four-in-a-row streak, and also won the Dr. Croke Cup.

1966: Limerick CBS wins Dr. Croke Cup

In 1966, Limerick CBS won the Dr. Croke Cup, the All-Ireland Colleges Hurling Championship.

1967: Limerick CBS wins Dr. Harty Cup

In 1967, Limerick CBS completed a four-in-a-row victory in the Dr. Harty Cup.

1968: St. Munchin's wins Senior Cup since 1968

Since 1968 St. Munchin's has won the Senior Cup five times.

1969: Establishment of NIHE Limerick

In 1969, the National Institute for Higher Education (NIHE) Limerick was established.

1971: Birth of Richard D. James

In 1971, electronic musician Richard D. James, known as Aphex Twin, was born in Limerick.

1978: Munster defeats New Zealand All Blacks

In 1978, Munster recorded a famous 12–0 victory against the New Zealand All Blacks at Thomond Park.

1980: Limerick wins European Club Championship

In 1980, Limerick became the first Irish club to win the European Club Championship.

1987: National Collection of Contemporary Drawing Founded

In 1987, the National Collection of Contemporary Drawing was founded by Samuel Walsh.

1989: NIHE Limerick Becomes University of Limerick

In 1989, the NIHE Limerick became the University of Limerick.

1989: UL wins Fitzgibbon Cup

In 1989, the University of Limerick (UL) won the Fitzgibbon Cup, the All-Ireland Higher Education Hurling Championship, for the first time.

1990: JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am inception

Since its inception in 1990, the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am has contributed over €95m to local charities.

1991: All-Ireland League inception

Since its inception in 1991, the All-Ireland League has been dominated by Limerick City teams.

1993: Limerick CBS wins Dr. Harty Cup

In 1993, Limerick CBS won the Dr. Harty Cup.

1993: RTC designation

In 1993, Limerick College of Art, Commerce & Technology (CoACT) achieved the designation of a Regional Technical College (RTC).

1994: RTÉ lyric fm opens

In 1994, RTÉ lyric fm, a classical music radio station run by the state and part of RTÉ, began broadcasting nationally from its studios on Cornmarket Square in Limerick's city center.

1997: Institute of Technology

In 1997, Limerick College of Art, Commerce & Technology (CoACT) achieved the designation of an Institute of Technology .

1998: Establishment of Dolan's Warehouse

In 1998, Dolan's Warehouse, a live music venue, was established on the Dock Road.

1998: Rathbane Golf Course opens

In 1998, Rathbane Golf Course, a municipal facility, opened on the southern outskirts of Limerick city.

1999: Greenpark Racecourse closes

In 1999, Greenpark Racecourse, a course inside the city, closed after 130 years of racing.

2000: Football resurgence

In 2000, Limerick county won its first Munster Under-21 title and has since reached three Munster Senior finals, marking a resurgence in football.

2001: Sam Lynch wins World Rowing Championships gold medal

In 2001, St Michael's member and Limerick native Sam Lynch won the World Rowing Championships gold medal in the Men's Lightweight Single Sculls.

2002: Sam Lynch wins World Rowing Championships gold medal

In 2002, St Michael's member and Limerick native Sam Lynch won the World Rowing Championships gold medal in the Men's Lightweight Single Sculls.

2002: Release of The Real Thing (2002)

The drama The Real Thing was released in 2002.

2003: Ardscoil Rís wins Junior Cup

In 2003, Ardscoil Rís won the Junior Cup.

2003: Release of Cowboys & Angels (2003)

The drama Cowboys & Angels was released in 2003.

2004: Reconstruction of Gaelic Grounds

In 2004, the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick was reconstructed, resulting in a capacity of 49,000.

2005: Ardscoil Rís wins Junior Cup

In 2005, Ardscoil Rís won the Junior Cup.

2005: LIT wins Fitzgibbon Cup

In 2005, Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) won the Fitzgibbon Cup, the All-Ireland Higher Education Hurling Championship.

2005: JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am moves to Adare Golf Club

In 2005, the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am moved to the larger Adare Golf Club.

2005: Treaty City Titans win All-Ireland Rugby League Championship

In 2005, the Treaty City Titans won the All-Ireland Rugby League Championship.

2006: Fishing industry diminishes

By 2006, most fishermen in Limerick had relinquished their drift net licences, and the fishing industry was largely dormant. This decline was due to the construction of a dam at Ardnacrusha in the 1920s, which impacted salmon breeding, and the introduction of quotas.

2006: Griffith College established

Griffith College Limerick (GCL) was established in 2006 when the Mid-West Business Institute was acquired by Griffith College.

2006: Proposal for Polish Bank

In late 2006, a proposal was made for Ireland's first Polish bank to open in Limerick during 2007.

January 2007: Munster's Heineken Cup unbeaten run ends

In January 2007, Munster's record of 26 consecutive unbeaten games in the Heineken Cup ended with a 16–9 defeat by Leicester.

2007: Adare plays host to the Irish Open

In 2007, Adare Golf Club played host to the Irish Open.

2007: LIT wins Fitzgibbon Cup

In 2007, Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) won the Fitzgibbon Cup, the All-Ireland Higher Education Hurling Championship.

2007: University of Limerick opens medical school

In 2007, the University of Limerick opened a medical school.

2007: Proposal for Polish Bank

In late 2006, it was proposed that Ireland's first Polish bank could open in Limerick during 2007.

2008: Economic Collapse

From 2008 onwards, outward migration followed the collapse of the local and national economy.

2008: Adare plays host to the Irish Open

In 2008, Adare Golf Club played host to the Irish Open.

2008: Castletroy College wins Senior and Junior Cup

In 2008, Castletroy College won both the Senior and Junior Cup.

2008: Munster narrowly loses to New Zealand All Blacks

In 2008, Munster came close to defeating the New Zealand All Blacks again, losing 18–16.

2008: Boundary Extension

In 2008, a boundary extension enlarged the city boundary, increasing the area and population.

2008: Establishment of Limerick Writers' Centre

In 2008, the Limerick Writers' Centre was established, supporting the city's literature scene.

January 2009: Dell announces closure of Limerick plant

In January 2009, Dell announced the closure of its computer manufacturing plant in Limerick, moving production to Poland. Dell remains one of the largest employers in the mid-west with over 1,000 people employed in service and support.

2009: Dell move to Poland

In 2009, Dell's announcement to move its manufacturing facility from Limerick to Poland had a devastating effect on the local economy. 1,900 jobs were lost at Dell.

2009: Electoral Amendment Act

The Limerick City constituency boundary changes were a result of the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2009.

June 2010: Milk Market re-opens

In June 2010, the Milk Market at Cornmarket Row in Limerick city centre was officially re-opened after redevelopment, which included constructing a large canopy over the existing premises to create an all-weather, year-round facility.

December 2010: Completion of M7 motorway

The M7 motorway was completed in December 2010, improving connections to other cities from Limerick.

2010: Ardscoil Rís wins Munster Colleges Hurling Championship

In 2010, Ardscoil Rís won the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship (Dr. Harty Cup).

2010: Munster defeats Australian touring side

In 2010, Munster defeated an Australian touring side at Thomond Park.

2010: Lowest Temperature Recorded

In 2010, the lowest temperature ever recorded in Limerick was −11.4 °C (11.5 °F).

2011: Constituency Boundary Changes

From 2011, the constituency boundaries changed in accordance with the proposals of the Constituency Commission.

2011: Ardscoil Rís wins Munster Colleges Hurling Championship

In 2011, Ardscoil Rís won the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship (Dr. Harty Cup).

2011: Closure of Baker Place

In 2011, Baker Place nightclub, which held local underground nights, closed.

2011: Rugby league academy set up

In 2011, a rugby league academy was briefly set up in Limerick to identify Irish players for Super League clubs.

2011: Opening of Frank McCourt Museum

In 2011, the Frank McCourt Museum opened in McCourt's former school.

2011: Milk Market wins award

In 2011, the Milk Market Project in Limerick won the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) 'People's Choice Award'.

2011: Tipperary Institute merged with LIT

In 2011, the Tipperary Institute merged with Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT).

2011: UL wins Fitzgibbon Cup

In 2011, the University of Limerick (UL) won the Fitzgibbon Cup after defeating Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) in the final with an injury-time goal.

2011: Limerick European City of Sport

Limerick was designated as a European City of Sport for 2011 by the European Capitals of Sport Association (ACES).

2011: Population Decline Reported

The 2011 census reported a large population decline in central city areas of Limerick.

October 2012: Government Policy for Local Government Reforms

In October 2012, the Government of Ireland published 'Putting People First- Action Programme for Effective Local Government' which set out government policy for reforms across all the main areas of local government in Ireland.

October 2012: Official Opening of the Lime Tree Theatre

In October 2012, the Lime Tree Theatre officially opened at the Mary Immaculate College campus.

2012: Unemployment in Limerick

As of 2012, unemployment had become a major problem across the city of Limerick, with an unemployment rate of 28.6%, almost twice the national average.

2013: Ardscoil Rís wins Munster Colleges Hurling Championship

In 2013, Ardscoil Rís won the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship (Dr. Harty Cup).

2013: Thomond Park hosts Rugby League World Cup

In 2013, Thomond Park hosted rugby league matches as part of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

2013: Renewable energy strategy launched

In 2013, a renewable energy strategy was launched for the Limerick region, proposing a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions, and ensuring that short-term actions benefit the long-term goal of 100% renewable energy. The strategy was completed by Aalborg University.

June 2014: Amalgamation of Limerick Local Governments

In June 2014, Limerick City Council merged with Limerick County Council to form Limerick City and County, resulting in the creation of a new Metropolitan District of Limerick.

June 2014: Merger of Local Authorities

In June 2014, the Limerick County Council and Limerick City Council were merged.

June 2014: Local Government Reform

On June 1, 2014, the Local Government Reform Act 2014 was implemented, merging Limerick City Council with Limerick County Council.

2014: Andy Lee World Boxing Champion

From 2014 to 2015, Andy Lee held the WBO middleweight title. He trained at St. Francis Boxing Club on Mungret Street in Limerick.

2014: National City of Culture

In 2014, Limerick became Ireland's inaugural National City of Culture.

2014: Metropolitan District Setup

In 2014, following the merger of Limerick's authorities, a new Metropolitan District of Limerick City was established.

June 2015: Limerick FC returns to Markets Field

In June 2015, Limerick FC returned to the Markets Field following its purchase by the Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership (LEDP).

2015: Andy Lee World Boxing Champion

From 2014 to 2015, Andy Lee held the WBO middleweight title. He trained at St. Francis Boxing Club on Mungret Street in Limerick.

2015: Ardscoil Rís wins Munster Colleges Hurling Championship

In 2015, Ardscoil Rís won the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship (Dr. Harty Cup).

2015: Limerick Chamber of Commerce bicentennial

In 2015, the Limerick Chamber of Commerce celebrated its bicentennial. Also, as of 2015, Limerick had the highest disposable income per person in Ireland outside of Dublin.

2015: Treaty City Titans win All-Ireland Rugby League Championship

In 2015, the Treaty City Titans won the All-Ireland Rugby League Championship.

2015: Release of Lost & Found (2015)

The drama Lost & Found was released in 2015.

December 2016: Updated city bus network introduced

An updated city bus network was introduced in Limerick City in December 2016, which introduced new routes.

2016: Limerick Population in 2016

According to the 2016 CSO census, Limerick City had a population of 102,287 in the urban area and 104,952 in the metropolitan district.

2016: Munster defeats Maori All Blacks

In 2016, Munster defeated the Maori All Blacks 27-14.

2016: Metropolitan District Population

In 2016, the Metropolitan District of Limerick had a population of 104,952 according to the census.

September 2017: Upgrades to N/M18 completed

In September 2017, upgrades to the N/M18 to Shannon, Ennis, Galway, and Tuam were completed, further improving road infrastructure in Limerick.

2017: Unfinished retail centres

As of 2017, unfinished retail centres in Limerick included the Coonagh Cross retail development and the Parkway Valley Shopping Centre on the Dublin Road.

June 2018: Highest Temperature Recorded

In June 2018, the highest temperature ever recorded in Limerick was 32.0 °C (89.6 °F).

2018: Limerick county hurling team success

Since 2018, the Limerick county hurling team have won five All-Ireland senior hurling championships.

May 2019: Bus Éireann improves Limerick City timetable

In May 2019, Bus Éireann further changed and improved the Limerick City timetable, including increased frequency and later operating times.

2019: Limerick FC financial collapse

In 2019, Limerick FC suffered a financial collapse and lost its license.

2020: Treaty United W.F.C. begins playing

In 2020, Treaty United W.F.C., the women's team, began playing in the Women's National League.

2020: Plans for Baker Place Conversion

In 2020, the Shiloh Trust sought planning permission to convert the former premises of Baker Place into a bible school.

October 2021: Merger to become Technological University of the Shannon

In October 2021, Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) merged with Athlone IT to become the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest.

2021: Mayor of Limerick

As of mid-2021, the mayor of Limerick was Councillor Daniel Butler.

2021: Ardscoil Rís wins Munster Colleges Hurling Championship

In 2021, Ardscoil Rís won the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship (Dr. Harty Cup).

2021: Treaty United F.C. joins League of Ireland First Division

In 2021, Treaty United F.C.'s men's team joined the League of Ireland First Division.

2022: Ethnic and Religious Makeup of Limerick

As of the 2022 census, Limerick's ethnic makeup was predominantly white (76.53%), with a religious composition of 61.31% Catholic, 14.11% no religion, and 10.66% other religions.

2022: Works to reopen Limerick–Foynes line

In 2022, Iarnród Éireann commenced works to reopen the former Limerick–Foynes line for freight traffic.

2022: Limerick Population

In 2022, Limerick had a population of 102,287, making it the third-most populous urban area in Ireland.

2023: Treaty City Titans defunct

As of 2023, the Treaty City Titans are defunct.

2024: Projected completion of Limerick-Foynes line

As of 2024, the works to reopen the former Limerick–Foynes line for freight traffic were projected to be completed by 2025.

2024: Local Elections Results

Following the 2024 local elections, Fine Gael became the largest party on the authority with 13 seats.

2025: Freight operations due to commence

As of 2024, the freight operations of Limerick-Foynes line were due to commence from early 2026.

2026: Freight operations due to commence

As of 2024, the freight operations of Limerick-Foynes line were due to commence from early 2026.

2030: Opera Centre plans

The plans for the Opera Centre, a proposed retail development described as "one of the biggest commercial development sites in the city's history", make up part of the "Limerick 2030" scheme.