The Hunt Museum located on the banks of the River Shannon in Limerick is one of Ireland’s premier museums. Housing one of the finest private collections of art and antiquities in the world, including objects from Celtic works, to works of some masters like da Vinci, Renoir and Yeats, and some exquisite artefacts from the ancient world.
A national treasure, the Hunt Museum is a must for all locals and tourists on vacation in Ireland and boasts some 2000 original art works and antiquities. This stunning personal collection includes artefacts from the Stone Age to the 20th Century and is renowned for its religious art, as well as a wealth of material from ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece and Rome and artefacts from Celtic Ireland.
Donated to the people of Ireland, this collection was formed by John and Gertrude Hunt, who themselves are esteemed collectors and advisers to Sotheby’s, William Randolph Hearst and the Aga Khan. Amongst some of the most prominent pieces in this wonderful collection are the personal seal of king Charles I of England, a bronze horse by Leonardo da Vinci, paintings from Picasso, and a silver Syracusan coin, dating back to the time of Christ, which is revered as being one of the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas Iscariot.
Open from Monday to Saturday’s between 10am – 5pm, and on Sunday’s and Bank Holidays between 2 pm – 5 pm, the Hunt Museum is open all year round, except on New Year’s Day (January 1), Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day (December 25), St. Stephen’s Day (December 26) when it closes.
Offering pre booked tours and special offers on discounted admission, it’s worth contact the museum before you visit, what’s more if you visiting with children the Hunt Museum has a special Trail available, which is an ideal way for families with children to explore the collection together.
Whilst in Limerick and not far from the museum there are some fantastic restaurants to enjoy, here is just a few that offer great food in the area:
Cornstore Limerick: Situated in the heart of Limerick, spans 3 floors and offering a casual, warm and lively dining experience. Winner of the Best Restaurant in Limerick for the 2012 Restaurant Association of Ireland Awards, the Cornstore in Limerick specialises in seafood and steak, sourcing seasonal ingredients from local suppliers and artisan producers where possible to be used in dishes throughout their menu. For more information visit: www.cornstorerestaurantslimerick.ie
Locke Bar & Oyster House: Located in central Limerick close to many historic landmarks, the Locke Bar & Oyster House is Winner of the Best Gastro Pub in Limerick for the 2012 Restaurant Association of Ireland Awards. Offering a relaxed and friendly dining experience and serving food 7 days a week, Locke Bar & Oyster House is known for its quality seafood and varied menu that mixes traditional Irish favourites with Mediterranean dishes and other worldwide influences. For more information visit: www.lockebar.com
Glasshouse Restaurant: Situated in the Riverpoint Building in Limerick, the Glasshouse Restaurant boasts wonderful views of the River Shannon from its first floor location. Showcasing fabulous fresh seafood from Ireland’s west coast and the finest meats from Munster, the Glasshouse has varied and delightful pre-theatre and ala carte menus. Open from 5pm on Tuesday to Saturday, and some Sundays, for more information visit: www.glasshouserestaurant.ie