Overview
Perched on the banks of the River Shannon on King’s Island, the former Custom House dominates Limerick’s skyline with an elegant Georgian‑Palladian façade. Designed in the late 1760s by Italian architect Davis Ducart and completed in the early‑19th century, the building now houses the Hunt Museum. Visitors arrive to a grand portico, the gentle flow of the Shannon, and a vibrant city that blends medieval roots with modern energy.
History / Background
The Custom House was originally erected to collect duties on goods arriving via the Shannon, serving as a vital gateway for trade on Ireland’s western seaboard. As customs operations moved elsewhere, the building fell into disuse, but its architectural merit remained undeniable.
In the 1930s John Hunt, an English‑born antique dealer, and his German‑born wife Gertrude Hartman began assembling a private collection driven by curiosity rather than profit. Their holdings grew to include Celtic gold, European paintings and literary manuscripts. After the creation of the Hunt Museum Trust in 1974 and a temporary home at the National Institute of Higher Education, a public‑private partnership secured the historic Custom House. Following a major restoration by the Office of Public Works, the museum opened on 14 February 1997, an event marked by Taoiseach John Bruton. Each year the museum commemorates this union of heritage and architecture with an Open Day offering free admission, talks and workshops.
What to See & Do
Permanent Collections
- Celtic Gold & Bronze‑Age Artefacts – torcs, ceremonial swords and gold lunulae that illuminate Ireland’s prehistoric craftsmanship.
- Ancient World – Egyptian scarabs, Greek pottery, Roman glass and a rare Olmec artefact, reflecting the Hunts’ global curiosity.
- Medieval Treasures – the 9th‑century Antrim Cross, the O’Dea Mitre and Crozier, stone statues, ivories and enamelled jewellery showcasing Ireland’s Christian heritage.
- European Masterpieces – paintings by Caravaggio, Rubens, a rare Da Vinci sketch, plus works by Picasso, Renoir, Roderic O’Conor, Jack B. Yeats and Henry Moore displayed in purpose‑built galleries.
- Irish Literary Treasures – manuscripts and first editions from W.B. Yeats, James Joyce and other literary giants.
- Decorative Arts & Design – porcelain, silverware, Georgian furniture and celebrated dresses by Sybil Connolly.
- Special Highlights – a bronze horse once thought to be a Leonardo design, the Arthur Cross and Chalice, and a Treasury Room filled with rosary beads and crucifixes.
Temporary Exhibitions & Events
The museum’s purpose‑built exhibition gallery hosts rotating shows drawn from public institutions and private loans, offering fresh perspectives on art, history and culture throughout the year.
Recent programme – To Take Root / Fréamhacha (April 2026)
From 25 April to 26 April 2026 the Hunt Museum welcomed the To Take Root / Fréamhacha project, a collaboration with the Limerick School of Art and Design. Final‑year painting students created works inspired by the museum’s collection, exploring the theme of “taking root” in contemporary contexts. The exhibition was free to the public and included artist talks and interactive workshops.
Beyond the Galleries
Step outside onto the riverside promenade for panoramic views of King John’s Castle, the medieval towers of King’s Island and the shimmering Shannon. The promenade forms part of the popular Arthur’s Quay walk, linking the museum to other riverside attractions. The surrounding streets are dotted with cafés, historic pubs, a well‑stocked gift shop and a tranquil garden that hosts seasonal events such as summer music sessions and a winter craft market.
Nearby Attractions
- Arthur’s Quay – a lively riverside promenade with cafés, street art and views of the Shannon, perfect for a post‑museum stroll.
- King John’s Castle – a short walk across the bridge to the historic castle and its interactive medieval exhibition.
- People’s Park – a short bus ride north to the city’s main green space, featuring the Rice Memorial and a playground.
Practical Information
- Location: Rutland Street, Limerick, on the banks of the River Shannon (postal code V94 C5X).
- Accessibility: Wheelchair‑friendly building with lifts and accessible restrooms.
- Transport: Easily reachable on foot from Limerick City Centre; bus stops nearby; limited street parking and a city car park within walking distance.
- Facilities: Café, gift shop, garden, audio guides, free Wi‑Fi.
- Website: (official URL to be confirmed).
For the most up‑to‑date visitor information, ticket prices and current temporary exhibitions, please visit the Hunt Museum’s official website.