People's Park, Limerick

Limerick People's Park, a part of the city's historic and cultural scene, originated in 1835 as part of the Newtown Pery area's development, specifically within the Pery Square project. Originally, this park was a private area, only accessible to the affluent residents of the nearby Georgian terraces, mirroring Dublin's grand squares like Merrion and Mountjoy, albeit smaller. The economic impact of the Great Irish Famine halted further development, leaving just one terrace completed.

The park was officially opened to the public in 1877, and donated in honor of Richard Russell, a noted local businessman. The Earl of Limerick at the time granted a 500-year lease to the local corporation under strict conditions, such as prohibitions on political or religious gatherings and restrictions on musical performances on Sundays.

The original plots designated for the Georgian Square were eventually absorbed into the park, expanding it further north to Mallow Street, eastwards to Boherbuoy Road, and southwards towards Saint Joseph Street. Today, People's Park is a rich repository of heritage and leisure facilities. Noteworthy features include a memorial to Thomas Spring Rice, an MP for Limerick in the early 19th century, represented by a giant pillar. The park also houses a historic 19th-century bandstand, an ornate drinking fountain-which is one of only two such fountains in Ireland-and two gazebos.

In more recent developments, the park has seen the addition of modern amenities such as a playground, opened in 2001, and a memorial garden called The Little Angels of Limerick, dedicated in 2002. These enhancements serve both to honor local history and cater to the community’s contemporary needs, making People's Park a cherished green space in the heart of Limerick.