'A profound moment in the cultural life of Limerick': Archive records aristocratic family’s legacy

The University of Limerick has unveiled a major new exhibition celebrating the legacy of the Pery family, the Earls of Limerick, whose story has shaped the city’s civic and cultural life for nearly five centuries.

‘Limerick Legacies: The Earls of Limerick’ was launched last week at UL’s Glucksman Library by Acting President Professor Shane Kilcommins.

The rich archival collection focuses on the Pery family, with the exhibition highlighting several notable items from the Limerick Papers, a rich archival collection spanning nearly 500 years.

The collection was originally placed in the care of the Limerick Civic Trust, who in 2018, collaborated with the Glucksman Library at UL to archive and digitise the previously unseen collection.

READ MORE: Family's Christmas lights display not returning in Limerick this year due to 'personal circumstances'

The collection, housed in the Library’s Special Collections and Archives Department, offers a rare and detailed glimpse into the lives, achievements, and influence of the Pery family and their role in shaping Limerick’s civic and cultural identity.

The Limerick Papers encompass a wide array of documents, including personal correspondence, estate records, architectural plans, legal papers, and visual materials such as photographs and sketches.

From the early days of Edmond Sexten, a 16th-century mayor of Limerick, to the modern-day descendants of the family, the archive captures the enduring legacy of the Perys in Limerick and beyond. The collection is particularly strong in materials from the 19th century, a period of significant political and social change. Also attending the launch were Edmund Pery, 7th Earl of Limerick, and David O’Brien, CEO of the Limerick Civic Trust, among others.

Professor Shane Kilcommins said: “This landmark initiative and exhibition represent a profound moment in the cultural life of Limerick and The Earls of Limerick and the Pery Family.”

“The collection, with notable items from the Limerick Papers, that now becomes part of the academic life of our university and our region are not merely historical documents but living threads in the tapestry of our shared heritage, offering unparalleled insight into the civic, architectural, and social evolution of Limerick across centuries,” stated Prof Kilcommins.

Ciara McCaffrey, University Librarian and Director, added: “The Limerick Papers are an invaluable resource for understanding the civic and cultural history of Limerick, and for situating that history within broader national and international contexts.”

READ MORE: Homegrown Limerick band marks 15 year milestone with hometown summer show

She continued: “Making the archive globally accessible, as well as showcasing it through this wonderful exhibition, reflects the University Library’s commitment to open scholarship and public engagement.”

“I want to thank the Earl of Limerick and his family for entrusting these papers to the University Library, ensuring the collection is in the public realm where it can be preserved, interpreted and shared for the benefit of all.”

Using archival extracts and images, the exhibition is structured around four key themes, each highlighting a different aspect of the Pery family’s legacy, including the family’s lineage and the establishment of the earldom in Limerick, as well as their architectural patronage and lasting influence on Limerick’s built heritage.

The exhibition showcases two fascinating personal artifacts from the collection: the 17th century commonplace book of Colonel Edmund Pery, filled with Enlightenment-era knowledge; and a scrapbook compiled by May, Countess of Limerick, offering a personal view into aristocratic life in Ireland at the turn of the 20th century.

The launch of the exhibition marks a significant milestone in the stewardship of the Limerick Papers: the collection is now fully catalogued, digitised, and openly accessible worldwide via the Glucksman Library website. This development enhances opportunities for research, teaching, and public engagement, and reflects the University of Limerick’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing cultural heritage.

The exhibition will run in UL’s Glucksman Library for the duration of the academic year 2025/26. Members of the public can access the exhibition by contacting specoll@ul.ie.