Popular Limerick lakeshore park changes ownership
A POPULAR Limerick heritage site, steeped in history, has been taken over by a new Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) subsidiary company, who also operate King John’s Castle.
Lough Gur, a lakeside landmark 21km out from Limerick city, gets over 100,000 visitors every year. Lough Gur lakeshore park is owned by LCCC, as is the Visitor Centre, and was leased to Lough Gur Development community group. They have now taken back ownership of the site via Discover Limerick DAC.
Discover Limerick DAC was established in 2022, and officially transferred over as operators of Lough Gur Visitor Centre on a launch day that took place on the site.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Councillor Francis Foley said: “Lough Gur Development as a local community organisation have done tremendous work in this area.
“Over the last decade and more they have operated Lough Gur Visitor Centre, overseen the full refurbishment of this lakeview centre and added many new amenities for all to enjoy.
“Their work has raised the profile of this unique location year by year leading to this point today where everyone agrees that Lough Gur Visitor Centre is ready for the next phase in its long history”.
According to academics, Lough Gur is the only location in Ireland that has visible evidence of every age of humankind from the beginning to modern times. Monuments are maintained and cared for by the Office of Public Works and include stone forts, castles, wedge tombs and Ireland’s oldest and largest stone circle.
Chairman of Lough Gur Development, Eamonn Boland thanked all involved for playing their part in the successful transition, saying: “The community of Lough Gur and staff have brought facilities in Lough Gur a long way through determination and support from everyone involved.
“With Discover Limerick DAC at the helm we are sure that the site will continue to flourish in safe hands. We look forward to seeing Lough Gur Visitor Centre and services continue to operate in a way that is conducive to a visitor attraction located in the midst of a thriving community.”
Lough Gur has amenities for children too, with fairy forts and gardens, and it is a place for the people of Limerick and beyond to enjoy the 20 acre lakeshore park. For those who do enjoy archaeological sites, tours ranging from 30 minutes to three hours are also available.