Limerick, << LIHM uhr ihk >> (pop. 102,287), is the third largest city of the Republic of Ireland. Only Dublin and Cork are larger. Limerick lies in western Ireland, at the mouth of the River Shannon.
English Town, Limerick’s oldest district, lies on an island in the Shannon. It and Irish Town, a district south of the river, have historic buildings and residential areas. Newtown-Pery, southwest of Irish Town, is Limerick’s main business district and a residential area. Modern suburbs lie south of the city and north of the Shannon.
Limerick is the main port on Ireland’s west coast. The city is a center of manufacturing, commerce, education, and health care. Its industries include food processing and the manufacture of cement, electrical goods, electronic products, and medical appliances.
Vikings founded Limerick about A.D. 900, when they settled on the island that later became English Town. The city gradually grew to include the Irish Town area. Newtown-Pery was created from a city plan during the 1700’s. In 1939, Shannon Airport opened near Limerick. It has greatly increased tourism in the city. The airport and a large manufacturing center that was later built beside it have also provided many jobs for Limerick’s people.
