County Limerick, County in Munster province, Ireland
Limerick is a county in Munster that spreads across fertile limestone plains between mountains such as the Slieve Felim and the Galtees. The Shannon flows through the area from north to south, linking farmland with pastures and small settlements along its course.
In 922 Vikings established a settlement on a river island in the Shannon, which later grew into a town under Norman rule. During the 17th century the region experienced several sieges and changes of power between English and Irish forces.
The name derives from the Irish Luimneach, meaning barren stretch of land, a description that no longer fits the terrain today. Around the Shannon some locals still speak Irish Gaelic in daily conversation, particularly in villages farther west within the area.
Most of the area lies south of Limerick City, where country roads run through fields and small market towns. Visitors traveling by car will find petrol stations and grocery shops in every larger village for a break.
In Foynes the first Irish Coffee was created in 1943 when a bartender mixed whiskey and cream into hot coffee to warm frozen airplane passengers. The museum at the old seaplane harbor still displays the original bar where this drink was invented.
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