Rebuilt from two adjoining 18th century townhouses by owners Patricia and George Roberts, No. 1 Pery Square is an elegant hotel located in the heart of the historic Georgian quarter of Limerick, Ireland’s third largest city. The property sits at the corner of a wide street, directly across from a delightful public park. A simple doorway leads straight through to the small reception desk, where we received the friendliest of welcomes from the receptionist—so much so, that a half hour later, we were still engaged in lively and informative conversation in the room. The hotel is designed in such a way that four rooms are located in the original Georgian house and one penthouse and 15 club-style rooms lie in the new building.

The room faced on to what is known as the ‘People’s Park,’ bestowed on the city by a Dutch lady named Vanderkiste of whom the room was named after (others are named after former owners or Irish writers). From the window, you can just make out rose beds, a Victorian fountain and a gaily-painted bandstand. The room continued the hotel’s overall Georgian theme with hanging chandeliers, a full-size, stand-up mirror and a circular, gild-framed wall mirror above a disused, open fireplace. Eggshell colored floor-to-ceiling cupboards along one wall offered plenty of space for clothes storage.

Two large lime green armchairs beside heavy, draped curtains with a varnished table between provided a cozy corner for relaxation. The bed, cane-backed and painted white, was extra-large, with the softest of Irish linens to snuggle in. The highlight, however, is an absolutely delightful, claw-foot bathtub with a painted folding privacy screen in front, which we made full luxurious use of during the heavy evening rains we encountered while there. 

The breakfast room reflects 18th century elegance with Georgian chairs in tones of ash and plum velvet among a series of ornate chandeliers. The floor is made from recycled wooden cargo crates, the markings plainly visible. Further décor included black and white re-printed photos on stretched canvas of old French shop front scenes. The staff is extremely friendly and answered all questions about Irish life with candor and insight.

For breakfast, try the Arnold Bennett omelette with smoked haddock, but with hollandaise sauce instead of parmesan, and make sure not to miss the delicious, freshly-baked scones with homemade preserves. The dinner menu is small but varied. The chef’s ravioli with sundried tomatoes, goat cheese and capers comes as a generous portion, while the rib-eye steak with mashed potatoes reflected the excellent reputation Irish beef has acquired over the years. Compliments also go to the chef for an imaginative dessert combining cardamom yogurt, panna cotta, poached rhubarb and homemade shortbread.

Behind the hotel is an internal patio offering complete serenity away from the busy street. Here, black-painted metallic tables and chairs sit on a simple paved area with old wine barrels, night lamps and flowerpots as decorations. Several square brick structures house boxes containing various herbs and plants that are used by the hotel’s chefs in Brasserie One. Also, a set of double glass doors opens to a small, open lobby with potted plants on shelves, a central writing table with brass candlestick holders and a decorative lampshade. This entrance is often used by non-residents dining at Brasserie One. An old wooden pew also rests inside leftover from the cleaning out of an old church.

With the hotel’s location being so central, visiting downtown Limerick is a simple ten-minute walk away. Immediately round the corner from No. 1 Pery Square is the Frank McCourt Museum. A Pulitzer Prize winner in literature for his autobiographical novel, Angela’s Ashes, Brooklyn-born McCourt spent most of his formative years in this city before heading back to New York at the age of 19. He then became a school teacher before developing his illustrious writing career. Brainchild of creative and dynamic artist, Una Heaton, a Limerick native and friend of the McCourt family, this multi-faceted museum in the Tudor-style Leamy House grants visitors interesting insights into the writer’s poverty-stricken upbringing and his professional successes later in life.

Two other historic buildings are worth visiting as well. After around USD $8 million investment completed this year, King John’s Castle is a major tourist attraction. The stunning new exhibition brings to life over 800 years of the castle’s dramatic history, all through touch-screen technology, dazzling animations and ghostly projections connecting visitors to tales of siege and warfare. The stylish Masonic Centre in Limerick just across from the castle displays exhibits with Masonic connections showing the historical links and interaction between the Masonic Order and the commercial life of Limerick over the last 300 or more years. Entrance is by appointment and free of charge.

Limerick has many fine restaurants and pubs, too many to name, but one, known for its many activity nights, is Dolan's Warehouse. Recently the facility and Interactive Theater International held a peformance of Faulty Towers, a popular British television series that has become the theme for an evening of participatory comical entertainment with dinner included.

With so much to do and see around Limerick, No. 1 Pery Square is a great destination for your accommodations with its central location and beautifully decorated hotel.