The Hunt Museum is well worth a visit if you’re in Limerick City.
The museum boasts the collection of John and Getrude hunt who amassed over 2,000 works of art during their lifetime.
Below, you’ll find info on the exhibitions, the collections and everything you need to know before visitng.
Some quick need-to-knows about The Hunt Museum
Photos by Brian Morrison via Ireland’s Content Pool
Although a visit to the Hunt Museum is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
The Hunt Museum is located in the centre of Limerick City, overlooking the River Shannon, on Rutland Street, around a 5-minute stroll from the Milk Market.
2. Opening hours
The Hunt Museum is open:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
- Sunday: 11am – 5pm
3. Admission
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Adult: €12.50
- Concession (Over 65s, Student, Unemployed): €10
- U16s: Free
- Adult Group (5+ adults): €10 each
About The Hunt Museum
The Hunt Museum is a collection of approximately 2,000 objects and works of art collected by John and Getrude Hunt.
John Hunt was born in England while Gertrude Hartman was from Mannheim in Germany. The couple shared a passion for all things history and art.
The early days
John worked with international museum and famous art collectors, buying and selling works of art. In 1934, he opened an antique shop and art gallery in London.
At the same time, the couple travelled extensively, buying works of art along the way. A couple of years later, in 1940, they moved to Lough Gur in Limerick – an area steeped in history.
John began working with the team who were conducting excavations in the area and he became an expect in archaeological finds.
Later years
The couple continued to grow their already impressive collection and in 1954 they left Limerick and moved to Dublin.
Many years later, in 1976, they made the decision to donate their collection to the people of Ireland. However, the Irish Government declined the offer which resulted in the creation of The Hunt Museum Trust.
In 1996, The Hunt Museum opened its doors and it has been welcoming locals and tourists alike ever since.
Things to do at The Hunt Museum
Photos by Brian Morrison via Ireland’s Content Pool
There’s plenty to discover at The Hunt Museum during your visit. Here’s a speedy insight into what you can expect:
1. The exhibitions
The Hunt Museum hosts a number of temporary exhibitions that change every few months.
Some of the previous exhibitions displayed at the Hunt Museum include:
- ‘Lavery & Osborne: observing life’ featuring works from Sir John Lavery and Frederick Osborne, two 19th century Irish artists,
- ‘Best Costume Goes To…’ showcasing costumes from Irish movies and television productions.
2. The collections
The permanent collections at the Hunt Museum feature a huge number of works of art and antiquities collected by John and Gertrude Hunt.
The Hunt Museum, is home to several artefacts from Greece, Italy, Egypt and the Olmec civilisation, a pre-Columbian civilisation from Mesoamerica.
Here you will also find a variety of Irish Prehistoric archeological material with pieces from the Mesolithic, the Iron Age and the Bronze Age.
The Hunt Museum also features early Christian artefacts, such as a collection of monastic bells and a unique 9th-century Antrim Cross.
3. Events
The Hunt Museum also hosts a number of events, especially during the summer months when the outside garden can be accessed.
Make sure to check their calendar to see the latest ones and pre-book your ticket online.
Some of the previous events held here include jazz sessions as well as games of chess, quoits and boules held in the outside garden. T
his museum also organises tours of the Custom House, the 19th-century building where the Hunt Museum is currently located.
4. The guided tour
At the Hunt Museum, you will also get the chance to participate in one of the many guided tours free of charge lasting approximately one hour.
Every guided tour focuses on a particular area of the collection and during your visit, your guide will tell you everything there is to know about the different pieces of art exposed as well as the lives of the collectors.
You can choose whether to focus on modern art paintings or visit the ancient weapons and tools from the Celtic period.
Things to do nearby
One of the beauties of the museum is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Limerick.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the Hunt Museum.
1. King John’s Castle (5-minute walk)
Photos via Shutterstock
King John’s Castle dates back to the late 12th-century and was built to protect the city of Limerick.
The tour here is excellent and it’s arguably one of the most impressive castles in Limerick.
2. St Mary’s Cathedral (5-minute walk)
Photos via Shutterstock
St Mary’s Cathedral is located on Bridge Street and it was founded in 1168. It is the oldest building in Limerick which still maintains its original function to this day.
During its 850 years of history, this building has witnessed sieges, wars, famines and invasions.
3. The Milk Market (5-minute walk)
Photos via Country Choice on FB
The Milk Market is located on Cornmarket Row and is the perfect spot for a bite-to-eat.
There’s also heaps of great trad pubs in Limerick if you fancy a pint!
4. St John’s Cathedral (10-minute walk)
Photos via Shutterstock
St John’s Cathedral is located in the heart of Limerick City and it boasts one of the tallest spires in Ireland.
It has an impressive interior and exterior and it’s well worth a visit.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.