We are currently restoring the historically important St. Munchin’s Church and converting it into a museum. The aim is to use the church as a Local Military Museum commemorating the regiments of Limerick since the siege in 1691 to today. This project will provide a home for two very historically significant collections. We are happy with our progress to date but we need financial support if we are to open this museum by our target date of 2019.
We need your support to continue
Since the early 1990’s, Limerick Civic Trust was entrusted to take care of St. Munchin’s Church and graveyard on King’s Island. This now deconsecrated church was once home to the 6th Century monk who was a contemporary of St. Patrick. A newer church replaced a crumbling oratory in 1827 and was designed by the Pain Brothers. Up until recently, Limerick Civic Trust used this space as a training centre and a hub where local groups could use the space to launch art exhibitions and the like.
When the conversion to a museum is complete, we will exhibit the Armstrong military collection as well as the Carrol Collection, which is currently housed in our headquarters at Bishop’s Palace. To expand the museum’s offering, we are also working with several interested parties on the repatriation of other artefacts of Irish historical significance from abroad back to Ireland, just like the Bannatyne staircase – a World War 1 memorial that has been donated by Cotswold’s District Council in the UK.
Brian McLoghlin, Chair of Limerick Civic Trust, explains, “Our vision for the museum is to tell the military history of Limerick from the time of the Siege of Limerick forward. The siege was the last stand of a great European war and Limerick’s part hasn’t been properly recorded.
The opening of St Munchin’s Church as a museum and visitor attraction centre will greatly enhance our medieval quarter offering. It will be a place for tourists but also something new for local residents and schools to learn more about their local history through a hands-on learning experience.”
As with all large historic building projects, the conversion is costly and Limerick Civic Trust is dependent on external support. All donations, however large or small, will helps us achieve our target of opening next year. Whether it is a €20, €200 or €2000 donation, personal, corporate or philanthropic, all are gratefully received and will be personally acknowledged. Likewise, if you wish to make a larger donation or if you might know of others that would like to support the project in a broader capacity or alliance, we would be delighted to engage.
Click here to make a donation
Or contact david@limerickcivictrust.ie to find out more