King’s Island is the oldest part of Limerick and is the administrative heart of the city. The city has been run from here for centuries and the area’s imposing buildings span that time.

From earliest times the administrative centre of the city was situated in English Town first with the construction of King John’s Castle and later with the establishment of the Tholsel, which was the city’s first town hall, build in 1449.

Though the city has experienced many changes over the centuries, the administrative centre of the city is still situated on the Island. The present City Hall building on Merchant’s Quay was built in 1990 not far from the ‘Thingmount’ (a Viking counsel chamber and court of justice) where it is reported that the Viking’s established the first local authority for Limerick City over a millennium ago.

Other medieval gems include St Mary’s Cathedral and the remains of Bourke’s House, a fortified tower house. Other attractions include a long riverside promenade and streetscapes medieval in origin.