Choose Limerick
Limerick is Ireland's third-largest city and the capital of Ireland's Mid-West.
Known as the Treaty County, Limerick is the capital of Ireland’s Mid-West and the third-largest city in the country, with half a million people living within 1 hours drive of the city. It is one of Ireland’s fastest-growing cities with 12,000 new jobs since 2013, and an unemployment rate that has fallen to 5.2%, significantly lower than the European average of 8.4% (2018).
According to our Midwest Relocation Survey, 90% of people working in the area commute in under 40 minutes, and 89% of people would recommend moving to the Mid-West. The population is extremely diverse and multicultural, with over 150 nationalities and 45% of the workforce under 35 years old. This is aided by the three third-level educational institutions the University of Limerick, Limerick Institute of Technology and Mary Immaculate College.
The quality of life is second to none, and the county is excellently connected to Dublin, Galway and Cork cities by motorway, and to the rest of the world by Shannon Airport.
Limerick has attracted many of the world’s largest organisations to set up operations in the region. Since the end of the financial crisis, the Mid-West has seen major investment from firms in several industries.
It is home to a significant life sciences market with major pharmaceutical and medical devices companies such as Edwards Lifesciences, Regeneron, Stryker, Cook Medical and Teleflex having a base in the area. In 2018, Edwards announced 600 jobs in Limerick, while Regeneron’s 37,000+ square metre, state-of-the-art Industrial Operations and Product Supply (IOPS) facility there is the largest-scale bulk biologics production facility in Ireland.
As well as that, Uber have based their European Headquarters in the city, while Northern Trust and Viagogo are examples of other global organisations that have chosen Ireland’s Mid-West.
Marie Aimee Giard - Team Leader, Uber, Limerick
Moving to Ireland from France was an important decision for me professionally. After a varied career in France, I was keen to progress one of my main professional goals, which is to improve my English so I can work my way further up the career ladder.
My work hours really suit a work-life balance and, combined with a good salary, allows me to do a lot of travelling. I’m really happy that I made the choice to move to Ireland and I enjoy my life in Limerick. Although it is not a huge city, it is dynamic and you can enjoy a really good quality of life, and a nice lifestyle. It’s a friendly and welcoming city; I can only recommend it!
CJ Stander - Munster Rugby Player
When I arrived here almost five years ago, the biggest thing I felt was that Limerick city is full of people who look after their own. They pulled me in from the beginning, and looked after me and my family. They made us part of the city.
Limerick is a special city, and everyone looks after their own, and it’s a great town for me to, hopefully, one day raise a family
Situated on The Wild Atlantic Way, Limerick mixes its growing city centre with some of Ireland’s most spectacular heritage sites. Evenings and weekends give you the chance to unwind however you choose.
For history and heritage lovers, there are plenty of impressive attractions to visit in your spare time such as King John’s Castle and Lough Gur. Ireland’s longest river, The River Shannon runs through Limerick too and is perfect for a boat ride. It also has one of Europe’s deepest ports.
The city centre has a range of local coffee shops and brunch hangouts to spend your Saturday mornings, while it is also a popular shopping destination for people living in the surrounding area.
Shortlisted for European City of Culture for 2020, Limerick boasts an array of arts, culture, sports and entertainment options. Throughout the year it hosts a number of festivals and it is home of music and cultural institutions such as the Irish Chamber Orchestra and The Irish Academy of Music and Dance. The Richard Harris International Film Festival takes place on the October Bank Holiday Weekend, and Riverfest takes place on the May bank holiday every year where over 100,000 people visit the city with water sports and activities in the River Shannon, ziplining, fireworks and much more
One of its most famous attractions is Thomond Park, Munster Rugby‘s fortress known for its amazing atmosphere. A European rugby match in Thomond Park is one of the most magical sporting occasions in Ireland, however, they are rivaled now by the success of Limerick Hurlers who were All Ireland Hurling champions of 2018. There is definitely a case to be made that this is the most passionate sporting county in Ireland!
By night, the bars and nightclubs of the city come to life, while the large student population means that there is a constant ‘buzz’ all year round!