Limerick School of Art

The School opened in November 1852 with 35 pupils, only of whom were females. Since then it has gone through a number of guises. It was originally termed the School of Ornamental Art offering instruction in drawing and modelling. Unfortunately, due to Government changes, the original school lasted a mere three years and closed at the beginning of 1855. However, by December of that year following a public outcry it reopened under the auspices of the Limerick Athenaeum being a centre of learning for all.

Over the years it has relocated and undergone several name changes through amalgamation and relocation. These include Limerick Municipal Technical Institute, Limerick College of Further Education, Limerick School of Art & Design, Limerick Institute of Technology and latterly the Limerick College of Art, Commerce and Technology. Alumni have included Thomas (Tom) Ryan who went on to become President of the Royal Hibernian Academy and Samuel Walsh who returned to teach at the School.