Limerick is claiming superiority to Dublin in the field of Georgian architecture. A challenge for the title of Ireland's finest Georgian house has been made by the Limerick Civic Trust for its restored 19th-century dwelling at Pery Square, Limerick.
Mr Hiram Wood, chairman of Limerick Civic Trust, laid down the challenge at a reception to announce the publication of The Georgian House & Garden - A Historic Limerick House this week. The publication was written by David Lee and designed by Copper Reed.
Mr Wood said it must take first place ahead of Dublin's Newman House. He was making the claim for Limerick , "out of respect to our patrons, Gallahers, who feel Newman House is better".
Mr Wood, a brother of the Irish rugby captain, Keith Wood, added: "That is the same as saying the Leinster team is better than Munster and we know how true that is."
The Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Dick Sadlier said: "No 2 Pery Square is part of the last Georgian terrace to be built in Limerick and is the most splendid Georgian house in Ireland."
Mr Adrian Goodrich, managing director of Gallahers, said: "As we come from the North, I do not care what you say about Leinster.
"Our first major restoration was £400,000 for the saloon and grand stair hall at Newman House.
"This followed our £100,000 restoration of the formal gardens at Birr Castle."
When Gallahers came on the scene, he said, the restoration and great care which had gone into furnishing the Limerick house as an attractive tourist venture in the heart of Georgian Limerick had been complete.
His company's £15,000 contribution will provide a comprehensive package to help the civic trust in its day-to-day marketing of the house as a visitor attraction.