Limerick campus to house 5,000 tourists

AS a summer tourist destination on the banks of the Shannon, the campus at University of Limerick is expected to generate more than €5 million in visitor revenue for Limerick during June, July and August.

The campus attracts more than 5,000 international visitors while students are on holidays.

Five student villages on campus with 1,900 rooms, many en suite, embellish Limerick’s tourism product.

“Our summer activity continues from year to year bringing life to the campus and utilising the university’s facilities to the full. Summer events include conferences, music and cultural summer schools, language camps and a myriad of sports events from international rugby tournaments to corporate sports for fun weekends,” Linda Stevens, director of campus life services said.

UL’s tourism pitch also allows the college retain restaurant staff and also gives summer work to many students who assist with housekeeping and reception services.

Summer accommodation revenue enables UL finance refurbishment programmes in the student villages.

“A large part of the summer activity is generated by the campus community itself, as academics invite meetings and organise summer schools while the University Arena attracts sports events and the Concert Hall provides an excellent venue for summer Arts events,” Ms Stevens said.

She said UL plays an active role in the development of the Limerick Meeting Bureau which was launched in 2003 to promote Limerick as a meetings destination.

The campus location is set on 200 acres of parkland by the Shannon.

The campus provides a range of banqueting facilities for visitors ranging from formal receptions for up to 1,000 or a barbecue for 100.

Conference and Events Manager, Kate Sheahan said: “Menus are planned and tailored to suit each group’s requirements. The on site caterers are accustomed to providing for large numbers, and the committed team guarantees that cuisine offers variety and reflects cultural, nutritional and dietary diversity.”

Four of the student villages, Plassey, Kilmurry, Dromroe and Thomond are sited on the southern side of the Shannon. The fifth, Cappavilla is currently being completed on the Clare side of the river where the UL medical faculties will be located.

Mr Stevens said Cappavilla will have accommodation for 500 students (tourists).