Limerick City and County Council has confirmed that a substantial medieval undercroft is among a series of important archaeological discoveries uncovered during enabling works at the THRIVE Fireplace Site regeneration project on Nicholas Street.
The findings are providing new insights into a site that has been part of Limerick's urban landscape for centuries. Located at 35-39 Nicholas Street in the heart of Limerick's Medieval Quarter, the site contains evidence of successive phases of occupation and development.
Medieval Undercroft Revealed
The medieval undercroft, or basement, lies beneath surviving walls that include one of the site's most notable architectural features, a limestone fireplace. While the undercroft had been identified previously, recent site works have exposed it more fully, allowing archaeologists to examine and record it in greater detail.
Archaeologists believe the undercroft may have formed part of the stone mansion that once occupied the site and may be directly associated with the surviving limestone fireplace.
Evidence from the Past
The archaeological works have also revealed the remains of a stone dwelling that once formed part of the medieval Nicholas Street streetscape. Other discoveries include a cobbled surface, backyard features associated with 19th-century buildings and evidence of what appears to have been a brick-built bread oven.
Together, these findings are helping archaeologists trace the site's evolution from its medieval origins through later periods of occupation and redevelopment.
Heritage Shaping the Future
The site will be transformed into the Forge Design Factory, a new design and innovation hub that will incorporate the surviving limestone fireplace and other significant archaeological and architectural features. More than €6.5 million has been secured for the project through the THRIVE scheme.
The discoveries will help inform the next stage of the regeneration project, ensuring that surviving structures, archaeological remains and the site's rich heritage are considered in the future design. Archaeological investigations will continue as enabling works progress. The finds will not delay delivery of the project.
Explore Behind the Scenes
To share the discoveries with the public, Limerick City and County Council has released a behind-the-scenes video featuring project archaeologist Frank Coyne, who explains the significance of the finds and how they will help shape the site's future development.
About the THRIVE Fireplace Site Project
The Fireplace Site Project secured €6.56 million in funding in September 2025 through THRIVE (Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme), co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
Follow the progress on https://www.limerick.ie/council/services/planning-and-placemaking/projects/kings-island-walled-town
