Following on the heels of The Gathering, 2014 will introduce the Irish and tourists alike to Limerick, Ireland’s first City of Culture.

Beginning on New Year’s Eve, Ireland’s inaugural City of Culture will dazzle locals and visitors with exciting events to mark the beginning of a year in the spotlight, including a Procession of Light that will wind through the city to King John’s Castle and culminate in a fireworks and special effects extravaganza.

What is a City of Culture?

The City of Culture initiative is designed to bring cultural events and recognition to a city for a one year period. The goal is to bring artists, organizations, local groups, and city leaders together through events that showcase all the city has to offer

Why Limerick City?

Limerick City has undergone an extensive makeover in the past few years. The downtown rejuvenation is so extensive that past visitors will scarcely recognize it. With the designation of City of Culture, Limerick will be able to rise from its negative images and rebrand itself as an urban city, rich in culture and diversity while promoting its history and heritage.

Twelve months of events and festivals are set to take place in Limerick. Music, dance, arts, culture, and technology will be showcased across the city.

Limerick is looking to move forward from her often grim past, so you’ll find history and heritage will be displayed in all its glory. The imposing King John’s Castle recently received a much-needed update, making it one of the best castle visits in Ireland. The Hunt Museum, long described as holding one of Ireland’s finest private collections or art and antiquities, always has an impressive calendar of events that will surely complement the city’s endeavors.

Outside Limerick City

If you are driving in Ireland, County Limerick is well worth exploring if you decide to venture from the city.

Lough Gur, one of Ireland’s most important archeological sites, is just south of the city. The newly renovated heritage center tells the tales of pre-Celtic Ireland and introduces you to stone circles, megalithic tombs, and ancient dwellings.

Adare, often called ‘Ireland’s Prettiest Village,’ makes for a lovely afternoon trip, especially when partnered with a visit to the Foynes Flying Boat Museum in Foynes.

The medieval village of Askeaton, with the impressive ruins of Askeaton Castle and the Franciscan Friary, are also a short drive away. A local guide offers colorful tours of the village, which includes tales of Askeaton’s notorious Hellfire Club.

Limerick is poised for a year of unforgettable amusements. Will you add Limerick to your Ireland vacation and be a part of the celebration?

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By Jody Halsted