Home to one of Ireland’s most important, and impressive, private collections of antiquities, the Hunt Museum can be found in the heart of Limerick and is an absolute must for anyone who loves taking a step back in time and appreciating historic artefacts. With plenty of hotels in Limerick, you can incorporate a visit to this fantastic museum as part of your city break.
The collection was donated by the Hunt Family themselves, who managed to collect the various pieces of history during their lives as dedicated historians and antiquarians. Located in an old customs house since 1997, the museum is by the River Shannon, on Rutland Street.
From the Neolithic era right through to the present day, the diverse collection that is on display at the Hunt Museum will amaze you, including various works of art by well-known names including Renoir and Picasso.
Home to around 2000 different artefacts, from Ireland and abroad, the museum offers a broad look at history and antiquity through the ages. The collection includes the notable Antrim Cross, a 9th Century bronze and enamel relic, a bronze horse believed to be a design by Leonardo da Vinci and an Irish medieval collection that includes the 15th Century O’Dea Mitre and Crozier, which is currently on loan from the Roman Catholic diocese.
There is currently a small, temporary exhibition on display that began its time at the museum on the 24th August and is available until the 3rd November, which focuses on the sculptures and works on paper by the prominent English artist, Henry Moore. He was known, in his day, for his work with bronze and you can expect a few pieces of bronze to be part of this special exhibition. Meanwhile, between the 7th and 11th October, in honour of Mental Health Week, there’s a display created by local students to try and raise awareness of mental illness.
Spend the morning here for the chance to sample the delicious menu on offer at the on-site café. Finish off your visit by browsing the gift shop for a souvenir or two for those back at home and continue enjoying your Limerick itinerary.
