Hunt Museum a unique collection...

So it really is quite special and different, the legacy of a local couple John and Gertrude Hunt. He was an art dealer and expert on medieval art and furniture, who advised Lord Gort on the restoration of nearby Bunratty Castle. They were also keen archaeologists and instigated projects such as Lough Gur and Graggaunowen and were obviously well travelled. The couple began collecting in earnest shortly after the war, they had a particular interest in medieval religious art and amassed a very valuable collection which they kindly donated to the nation on condition that the state provided suitable premises to house it in?
To cut a very long story short, including the Irish government declining the collection, the former Customs House, a fine Palladian styled building designed by an Italian architect Davis Ducart in 1765, on the banks of the Shannon, was chosen, refurbished and opened to the public in 1996. It is well sign posted with plenty of parking locally, has all the usual facilities including an excellent restaurant for restorative coffee breaks or a light lunch. Guided tours are free and excellent as most of the guides are volunteers, very well informed and passionate about the collection. Check the museums website for times and special offers.

10 Other things to do and see in the area....

1 Limerick city home of Lyric FM and Munster Rugby

2 King Johns Castle Kings Island Large Norman castle in the centre of the town on the banks of the Shannon.

3 St Mary’s Cathedral built in the 12th century, impressive well preserved Romanesque architecture.

4 Angela’s Ashes Walk free guided walk of featured landmarks in the book and film by Frank McCourt leaves the tourist office daily at 2.30pm during the summer.

5 No 1 Pery Square Hotel an excellent modern boutique hotel in a tastefully restored Georgian building complete with a spa in the former coal room.

6 Limerick city gallery of Art next door to the above, free admission to well curated exhibition of contemporary and historic Irish works of art.

7 Brown Thomas Irelands most prestigious department store, shop in its Limerick branch which stocks only the best Irish and International designer labels.

8 Freddys Bistro a Limerick classic, good food, spread over two floors of restored 19th century on historic Theatre Lane.

9 Foynes Flying Boat Museum celebrates the heyday of international travel by flying boats in the 1940’s and where Irish Coffee was invented?

10 Bunratty Castle and Folk Park if you only have a day ‘to do Ireland’ this will tick all your boxes in terms of experiencing Irelands history, culture, traditions and hospitality.