Limerick Hotel Guide - Augustinian Church hotels in Limerick, Ireland.

Limerick City has a good choice of hotels close to the main historic attractions, shopping areas, bars, restaurants and nightlife. From boutique hotels in O’Connell Street and Newtown Pery to four star hotels in the Georgian Quarter and budget accommodation near the city’s business and technology parks in the city’s suburbs, there is ample choice for business trips, family holidays or sporting breaks.

Architectural and Religious Heritage in Limerick

The Augustinian Church in O’Connell Street was built in 1942 and is now the main place in the city for Augustinian worship. Its priory opened in 1948 and is located next door. You can see the original lintel stone in the church wall on O’Connell Street, which dates back to 1633 when the Augustinians had their first chapel in Fish Lane. This was saved by a local family when the buildings in the area were knocked down to make way for new housing and has now been reused. The church also has a bookshop, peace chapel and a pastoral centre next door.

Augustinians have had a presence in Limerick city since 1633 and their original monastery was in Adare village, half an hour’s drive from the city. When Oliver Cromwell dissolved the monasteries they migrated to the city. For more information on the history of the Augustinians visit the church bookshop, Limerick Tourist Information Office and another historical site of interest - a graveyard in front of the Old County Courthouse on Merchant’s Quay, which has been linked to the Augustinians.

Modern Ireland and the Peace Process

City centre churches hold a special appeal as places of peace and refuge to gather your thoughts. Churches in Limerick have gone through various transformations to keep up with modern life, changing attitudes towards religion and a changing Ireland. The Augustinian Church is an imposing building with a real sense of history. In 1997 ministers reviewed its position and introduced a few changes to meet the needs of its congregation. The interior was redesigned, a new hospitality area introduced along with an Adoration Chapel - a quiet zone beside the shrine of St Jude, which was opened in 1998. The shrine of Augustinian St Nicholas of Tolentine was restored for worship and prayer, and a new bookshop was built. They also introduced counselling and confession rooms, and modern stained glass windows.

A peace garden was also created next to the bookshop for peace, relaxation and prayer and to commemorate the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process in Northern Ireland. The aim was to open up the church for public meetings, community gatherings and keep it at the heart of city. It is a landmark building and one to see when you visit Limerick.

Cultural Attractions and Sightseeing in Limerick

The Augustinian Church and surrounding hotels are well placed for exploring the main cultural attractions in the city such as Limerick City Gallery of Art, Limerick Museum, Arthur’s Quay Park, Angela’s Ashes Walking Tour, Tait’s Clock and the Milk Market, which are all less than a mile away. Limerick is a great city to walk around, with plenty of bars and cafes for refreshment. You’ll find narrow streets and historic townhouses in the Georgian Quarter and modern hotels and open spaces by the riverside quays, Thomond Park and People’s Park. The modern versus historic architecture keeps it interesting as part of a walking tour and you can choose from three to five star hotels in varying architectural styles.