Limerick City, located in the west of Ireland, approximately 200 kilometres from Dublin, is rich in history and poised for a dynamic future. Founded by the Vikings as a walled settlement in 812 AD, Limerick’s historical significance is underscored by its charter, granted in 1197, making it older than London. Situated along the banks of the River Shannon, Limerick is Ireland’s third-largest city, with a population of 94 192 spread across 59 km².
Today, Limerick is undergoing significant economic and cultural transformation, led by the Limerick City and County Council (LCCC). Central to this renewal is the Limerick 2030 vision, a 20-year economic and spatial plan that is driving over EUR 1 billion in enterprise and investment infrastructure. This ambitious plan aims to reshape the city’s economic, environmental and social landscape, positioning Limerick as a hub of innovation and growth.
As part of this transformation, Limerick is becoming Ireland’s first digital city, integrating a range of public services with cutting-edge technology. The city is developing smart homes, smart buildings, energy districts and intelligent neighbourhoods, enhancing both the efficiency and sustainability of urban living. Limerick's cultural renaissance is equally impressive. It holds the title of Ireland’s first National City of Culture and has been shortlisted for the European Capital of Culture due to its rich artistic heritage, historic venues and thriving festival scene.
Limerick is also a vibrant educational centre, home to 20 000 students and three third-level institutions, including a globally recognised university. The city’s strong educational offerings, growing economy and ample housing make it an attractive destination for families and young professionals. Its reputation as a hotspot for foreign investment continues to grow, driven by its high standard of living, robust infrastructure and expanding opportunities for employment and innovation.
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For more detailed insights into Limerick’s sustainability initiatives and achievements, you can explore the EGLA Technical Assessment Report - Award Cycle 2020 and the Jury Report - Award Cycle 2020, which provide comprehensive evaluations of the city’s performance across various environmental and social criteria. To see how Limerick has progressed following its recognition, the Limerick 1-Year Report offers an in-depth look at the city’s continued development. You can also experience highlights from the city’s recognition by viewing photos from the awards ceremony and watching the video of the awards ceremony.