Hunt Museum | Limerick

The Hunt Museum is a primary cultural institution located in the Custom House on Rutland Street, Limerick. It houses a diverse collection of approximately 2,000 artifacts spanning the Neolithic period to the 20th century.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is situated in the former Custom House, an 18th-century Palladian-style limestone building designed by Italian architect Davis Ducart. The interior features original stone staircases and vaulted ceilings integrated with modern gallery spaces. The collection is characterized by its high density of small-scale, high-value objects, including jewelry, statuettes, and intricate metalwork.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Rutland Street, Prior's-Land, Limerick, V94 EV8A.

Transit: 0.8km north of Limerick Colbert Station. Accessible via several city bus routes serving Arthur's Quay (0.2km).

Parking: No on-site parking. The nearest public facilities are at Arthur's Quay Shopping Centre or Harvey's Quay (0.4km).

Admission: Fees apply for the main collection; the museum cafe and shop are accessible without a ticket.

Historical Origin

The collection was amassed by John and Gertrude Hunt, antique dealers and advisors to major international museums. Originally private, the collection was donated to the Irish nation and moved to the restored Custom House in 1997. The building itself dates to 1769 and was the administrative center for Limerick’s maritime trade during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Apollo 11 Stone: A small stone from the Moon brought back by the Apollo 11 mission.

Religious Artifacts: Features the Cashel Bell and a coin believed to be one of the "30 pieces of silver" paid to Judas Iscariot.

Artworks: Sketches and paintings by Pablo Picasso, Jack B. Yeats, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Interactive Exhibits: The museum utilizes "open storage" in some areas, allowing visitors to open drawers and handle selected replicas.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Dining: The Hunt Museum Cafe provides indoor and riverside terrace seating overlooking the River Shannon.

Accessibility: Fully accessible via a modern elevator system. All galleries are wheelchair accessible.

Connectivity: Consistent 4G and 5G cellular coverage.

Sanitation: Public restrooms are available on the ground floor.

Best Time to Visit

Operating Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00–17:00, Sunday 11:00–17:00. Closed on Mondays.

Photography: The riverside garden and Custom House facade are best photographed in the late afternoon.

Quiet Hours: Weekday mornings (Tuesday–Thursday) typically have the lowest visitor volume.

Facts & Legends

The "Judas Coin" is one of the collection's most famous items; it is a silver stater from ancient Rhodes, historically identified as a holy relic. The museum's location at the confluence of the Shannon and the Abbey River marks the historical gateway to Limerick’s 18th-century "Newtown Pery" district.

Nearby Landmarks

Arthur's Quay Park – 0.1km North

St. Mary's Cathedral – 0.3km North

King John's Castle – 0.6km North

The Milk Market – 0.6km Southeast

Limerick City Gallery of Art – 1.0km South