Strong growth in visitors to heritage sites across Limerick

THERE has been a large increase in footfall to heritage sites across Limerick, it has been revealed.

Almost 30,000 people visited Office of Public Works (OPW) heritage sites in Limerick last year, an increase of over 9,000 people compared to 2021.

The OPW tourist sites in Limerick are Desmond Castle, Newcastle West; Desmond Castle in Adare and Askeaton Castle.

Desmond Castle in Newcastle West was the most visited out of all the OPW sites in Limerick with 25,928 visitors during 2022.

Council confirms plans to acquire more than 20 derelict properties across Limerick

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW Limerick TD  Patrick O’Donovan said he is “thrilled” to see Desmond Castle reopened in Newcastle West

“Desmond Castle is among the OPW’s most impressive medieval heritage sites, a lot of upgrade work has gone into the site over the last number of months by the OPW, and there are many exciting plans for the site into the future,” said the Limerick TD.

“The OPW is working hard to safeguard our national landmarks and the preservation of these heritage sites shows the clear investment by the State in our heritage portfolio,” he added.

The OPW manages and maintains some of the most important historic buildings and heritage.

“We take meticulous care of the 780 heritage sites in our charge and, at the 70 sites with visitor services, we work hard to present them to their best potential, making sure that we give visitors from Ireland and abroad the best experience we possibly can,” a spokesperson for the OPW said.