History of Limerick in Timeline
Limerick is a city located in western Ireland, specifically in County Limerick and the province of Munster. It's the third-most populous urban area in the Republic of Ireland, with a population of over 102,000 as of 2022. Founded by Scandinavian settlers in 812 during the Viking Age, Limerick has a rich history and is a significant urban center in the Mid-West region of Ireland.
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
In April 1919, the Limerick Soviet was established during the Irish War of Independence, resulting from a general strike against the British Army's declaration of a 'Special Military Area'.
1922: St. Munchin's College Wins Harty Cup
In 1922, St. Munchin's College won the Dr. Harty Cup, the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship.
1922: First University Established
In 1989, the NIHE became the University of Limerick, the first university established since 1922.
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 city.
1937: Limerick FC joins League of Ireland
In 1937, Limerick FC joined the League of Ireland for the first time.
1942: Opening of Shannon Airport
In 1942, Shannon Airport opened, offering transatlantic flights and boosting the region's connectivity.
1950: Delineation of City Boundary
The previous city boundary, encompassing 2,086 hectares, was delineated in 1950.
1959: Opening of Shannon Free Zone
In 1959, Shannon Airport facilitated the opening of the Shannon Free Zone, attracting numerous multinational companies to the region.
1961: Munster Hurling Final at Gaelic Grounds draws record crowd
In 1961, the Gaelic Grounds hosted Ireland's biggest crowd for a sporting event outside of Croke Park, with over 61,000 people attending the Munster hurling final between Tipperary and Cork.
1967: Limerick CBS Wins Dr. Harty Cup
In 1967, Limerick CBS won the Dr. Harty Cup, the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship.
1968: St. Munchin's wins Senior Cup
Since 1968, St. Munchin's has won the Senior Cup five times.
1969: Establishment of NIHE Limerick
In 1969, NIHE Limerick was established, marking a milestone in the campaign for a third-level educational institute in the city, later becoming the University of Limerick.
1971: Birth of Aphex Twin
In 1971, electronic musician Richard D. James, known as Aphex Twin, was born in Limerick.
1972: NIHE Established
In 1972, the University of Limerick was established as the National Institute for Higher Education (NIHE).
1978: Munster Defeats 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 Golf Club 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 founded by the artist Samuel Walsh.
1989: Establishment of University of Limerick
In 1989, NIHE Limerick became the University of Limerick.
1989: University Status
In 1989, the NIHE became the University of Limerick, the first university established since 1922.
1989: UL wins Fitzgibbon Cup
In 1989, the University of Limerick (UL) won the Fitzgibbon Cup, marking their first victory in the All-Ireland Higher Education Hurling Championship.
1990: Inception of JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am
In 1990, the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am was established, contributing significantly to local charities.
1991: Thomond College Integration
In 1991, Thomond College of Education, Limerick was integrated into the University of Limerick.
1991: Inception of All-Ireland League
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, the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship.
1993: Designation of a Regional Technical College
In the year 1993, the Limerick College of Art, Commerce & Technology achieved the designation of a Regional Technical College (RTC).
1994: RTÉ lyric fm Opens
In 1994, RTÉ lyric fm, a state-run classical music radio station, began broadcasting from studios in Cornmarket Square.
1997: Designation of an Institute of Technology
In the year 1997, the Limerick College of Art, Commerce & Technology 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: Closure of Greenpark Racecourse
In 1999, Greenpark Racecourse, located inside the city, closed after 130 years of racing.
2000: Munster Under-21 Title
In 2000, the county won its first Munster Under-21 title for Gaelic football.
2001: Sam Lynch Wins Gold
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 Gold
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: The Real Thing
In 2002, the drama 'The Real Thing' was filmed in Limerick.
2003: Ardscoil Rís wins Junior Cup
In 2003, Ardscoil Rís won the Junior Cup.
2003: Cowboys & Angels
In 2003, the drama 'Cowboys & Angels' was filmed in Limerick.
2004: Reconstruction of Gaelic Grounds
In 2004, Limerick's Gaelic Grounds underwent reconstruction, resulting in a capacity of 49,000.
2005: Ardscoil Rís wins Junior Cup again
In 2005, Ardscoil Rís won the Junior Cup for a second time.
2005: LIT wins Fitzgibbon Cup
In 2005, Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) secured their first Fitzgibbon Cup victory in 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 relocated to Adare Golf Club due to its growth.
2005: Treaty City Titans win All-Ireland Rugby League Championship
In 2005, the Treaty City Titans, representing Limerick, won one of their eight All-Ireland Rugby League Championship titles.
2006: Decline of Fishing Industry
By 2006, most fishermen in Limerick had relinquished their drift net licences and the fishing industry was considered dormant.
2006: Griffith College Established
In 2006, Griffith College Limerick (GCL) was established when the Mid-West Business Institute was acquired by Griffith College.
2006: First Polish bank
In late 2006, a proposal suggested the opening of Ireland's first Polish bank in the area during 2007.
January 2007: Munster's Heineken Cup Unbeaten Streak 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 hosts Irish Open
In 2007, Adare Golf Club played host to the Irish Open.
2007: LIT wins Fitzgibbon Cup again
In 2007, Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) won the Fitzgibbon Cup for the second time in the All-Ireland Higher Education Hurling Championship.
2007: Medical School Opens
In 2007, the University of Limerick opened a medical school.
2007: First Polish bank
In late 2006, a proposal suggested the opening of Ireland's first Polish bank in the area during 2007.
2008: Recession impacts Retail
From 2008 onwards the recession caused a reduction of footfall in the city centre leading to store closures.
2008: Economic collapse
From 2008 onwards, outward migration followed the collapse of the local and national economy.
2008: Adare hosts Irish Open again
In 2008, Adare Golf Club played host to the Irish Open for a second time.
2008: Castletroy College wins Senior and Junior Cups
In 2008, Castletroy College won both the Senior and Junior Cups.
2008: Irish Open Golf Championship
In 2008, Limerick hosted the Irish Open Golf Championship.
2008: Munster vs. All Blacks
In 2008, Munster narrowly lost to the New Zealand All Blacks 18–16 at Thomond Park.
2008: City Boundary Extension
In 2008, a limited boundary extension on the city's north side enlarged the city boundary by 1,020 hectares.
2008: Limerick Writers' Centre Established
In 2008, the Limerick Writers' Centre was established, supporting Limerick's literature scene.
January 2009: Dell Closing Limerick Plant
In January 2009, Dell announced it would close its Limerick computer manufacturing plant and move production to Poland.
2009: Electoral (Amendment) Act
From 2011, the constituency boundaries changed in accordance with the proposals of the Constituency Commission and the subsequent Electoral (Amendment) Act 2009.
2009: Irish Open Golf Championship
In 2009, Limerick hosted the Irish Open Golf Championship.
2009: Dell Move Devastates Local Economy
In 2009, the announcement that Dell was to move its manufacturing facility from Limerick to Poland devastated the local economy, resulting in job losses.
June 2010: Milk Market Re-opening
In June 2010, the redeveloped Milk Market in Limerick officially re-opened as an all-weather, all-year-round facility.
December 2010: M7 Motorway Completion
In December 2010, the M7 motorway was completed, improving connections to other cities.
2010: Ardscoil Rís Wins Harty Cup
In 2010, Ardscoil Rís won the Dr. Harty Cup, the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship.
2010: Irish Special Olympics
In 2010, Limerick hosted the Irish Special Olympics.
2010: Munster defeats touring Australian side
In 2010, Munster defeated an Australian touring side at Thomond Park.
2010: Lowest Temperature Recorded
In 2010, the lowest temperature recorded in Limerick was −11.4 °C (11.5 °F).
2011: Dáil Constituency Changes
From 2011, the constituency boundaries changed in accordance with the proposals of the Constituency Commission.
2011: Ardscoil Rís Wins Harty Cup
In 2011, Ardscoil Rís won the Dr. Harty Cup, the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship.
2011: Closure of Baker Place
In 2011, Baker Place nightclub, known for local underground nights, closed.
2011: European City of Sport
In 2011, Limerick was designated as a European City of Sport by the European Capitals of Sport Association (ACES).
2011: Merger with Tipperary Institute
In 2011, Tipperary Institute merged with Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT).
2011: Rugby league academy briefly established
In 2011, a rugby league academy was briefly established in Limerick to identify Irish players for Super League clubs.
2011: Frank McCourt Museum Opening
In 2011, the Frank McCourt Museum opened in McCourt's former school, containing artefacts from 'Angela's Ashes'.
2011: Milk Market Project Wins Award
In 2011, the Milk Market Project won the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) 'Peoples Choice Award'.
2011: UL wins Fitzgibbon Cup against LIT
In 2011, the University of Limerick (UL) won the Fitzgibbon Cup against Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) with an injury-time goal.
2011: Population Decline
The 2011 census reported a large population decline in central city areas due in part to the Limerick regeneration process.
October 2012: Putting People First- Action Programme for Effective Local Government
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: Lime Tree Theatre Opening
In October 2012, the Lime Tree Theatre officially opened at the Mary Immaculate College campus.
2012: Unemployment Problem
As of 2012 unemployment had become a major problem across the city with the unemployment rate in the city at 28.6% which was almost twice the national average.
2013: Ardscoil Rís Wins Harty Cup
In 2013, Ardscoil Rís won the Dr. Harty Cup, the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship.
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 region, proposing a 20% reduction in CO2-emissions.
June 2014: Merger of Limerick Authorities
In June 2014, the merger of Limerick City and County Councils occurred, impacting local government administration.
June 2014: Limerick City Council Merger
On June 1, 2014, Limerick City Council merged with Limerick County Council following the implementation of the Local Government Reform Act 2014.
June 2014: Amalgamation of Limerick Local Government Areas
On June 2014, the separate local government areas of the county and city of Limerick were amalgamated to form Limerick City and County, creating a new Metropolitan District of Limerick.
2014: Andy Lee Wins WBO Middleweight Title
In 2014, Andy Lee trained at St. Francis Boxing Club on Mungret Street in Limerick and later became World Boxing Champion.
2014: National City of Culture
In 2014, Limerick became Ireland's inaugural National City of Culture, hosting various artistic and cultural events.
2014: Metropolitan District Set Up
In 2014, following the merger of the two authorities, a new Metropolitan District of Limerick City was set up.
June 2015: Limerick FC Returns to Markets Field
In June 2015, Limerick FC returned to Markets Field after its purchase by the Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership (LEDP).
2015: Andy Lee Trains
Former World Boxing Champion, Andy Lee, who held the WBO middleweight title from 2014 to 2015, trained at St. Francis Boxing Club on Mungret Street in Limerick.
2015: Ardscoil Rís Wins Harty Cup
In 2015, Ardscoil Rís won the Dr. Harty Cup, the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship.
2015: Limerick Chamber of Commerce Bicentennial
In 2015, the Limerick Chamber of Commerce celebrated its bicentennial.
2015: Treaty City Titans win All-Ireland Rugby League Championship
In 2015, the Treaty City Titans, representing Limerick, won one of their eight All-Ireland Rugby League Championship titles.
December 2016: Updated Bus Network
In December 2016, an updated city bus network was introduced in Limerick City, including new routes.
2016: CSO census
According to the 2016 CSO census, Limerick is the third-largest city in the Republic of Ireland with 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 at Thomond Park.
September 2017: Final Section Opened
In September 2017, the final section opened to the N/M18 to Shannon, Ennis, Galway, and Tuam.
2017: Unfinished Retail Centres
As of 2017, unfinished retail centres 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 recorded in Limerick was 32.0 °C (89.6 °F).
May 2019: Bus Éireann Improved Timetable
In May 2019, Bus Éireann further changed and improved the Limerick City timetable, including increased frequency and later operating times.
2019: Limerick FC Suffers Financial Collapse
In 2019, Limerick FC suffered a financial collapse and lost its licence.
2020: Treaty United W.F.C. Founded
In 2020, Treaty United W.F.C., the women's team, began playing in the Women's National League.
2020: Shiloh Trust Bible School Proposal
In 2020, the Shiloh Trust sought planning permission to convert the former Baker Place premises into a bible school.
October 2021: Merger to form 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, Councillor Daniel Butler was the mayor of Limerick.
2021: Ardscoil Rís Wins Harty Cup
In 2021, Ardscoil Rís won the Dr. Harty Cup, the Munster Colleges Hurling Championship.
2021: Treaty United F.C. joins League of Ireland First Division
In 2021, Treaty United F.C., the men's team, joined the League of Ireland First Division.
2022: Ethnic and Religious Makeup
As of the 2022 census, Limerick's ethnic makeup was 76.53% white, 5.48% Asian, 2.31% other, and 2.14% black, with a religious makeup of 61.31% Catholic, 14.11% no religion, and 10.66% other religions.
2022: Works Commenced 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.
2022: 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, in 2021/2022.
2023: Treaty City Titans defunct
As of 2023, the Treaty City Titans rugby team is defunct.
2024: Works Projected to Complete
As of 2024, works to reopen the former Limerick-Foynes line was projected to be completed by 2025.
2024: Local Elections 2024
Following the 2024 local elections, Fine Gael is the largest party on the authority with 13 seats.
2025: Projected Completion
As of 2024, works to reopen the former Limerick-Foynes line was projected to be completed by 2025.
2026: Freight operations due to commence
As of 2024, freight operations for the former Limerick-Foynes line were due to commence from early 2026.
2030: Limerick 2030 Scheme
The plans for the Opera Centre make up part of the "Limerick 2030" scheme.
