Limerick (pronounced Luimneach in Irish) is a city located on the island of Ireland. It is found in the South West area and is the fourth most populous city in the country. Limerick lies on the River Shannon, and the most historic part of the city is located around an area known as Kings Island. The Vikings established the city in this area following the Viking Invasion of Ireland. It was during the Norman Conquest that many of the city's landmarks were built in this district such as the 13th century King John's Castle and the 800-year-old St Mary's Cathedral. The Islands location would have offered the Vikings an ideal defensive position at a natural river crossing. Another popular landmark found in Limerick is St. John’s cathedral. At present it is the city’s only Catholic Cathedral, while St. Marys Cathedral is Anglican. It was designed by the architect Philip Charles Hardwick and was built in 1861. Measuring at a colossal 94 meters, the building is currently the tallest structure in Limerick and also the tallest spire in Ireland.
Limerick which is part of Munster’s province is known as the “home of Irish rugby". Thomond Park Rugby Stadium is also situated here, where all Munster European Heineken matches are played.
Limerick has long been known as "stab city" due to its high volume of murders, but this nickname is being regarded by many as undeserved, as the murder rate in Limerick has dropped dramatically in recent years.