The Fireplace Site, located on Nicholas Street in the heart of the medieval Limerick, is a fascinating piece of the city’s medieval heritage, . The site offers a glimpse into the architectural and civic life of Limerick during the late Middle Ages.

This site features a medieval stone wall with a fireplace and stone corbels, believed to date back to the late 15th century. It was uncovered in the 1990s when derelict buildings were demolished, revealing remnants of what were likely two stone houses. The layout of the site reflects the traditional “burgage plots” which are long, narrow property divisions typical of medieval urban planning. Nicholas Street itself was once the main thoroughfare of medieval Limerick, bustling with trade and civic activity.

In recent years, the site has been the focus of careful conservation efforts. Experts have used 3D laser scanning and mortar testing to preserve the structure, and a protective canopy has been installed to shield it during restoration. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to revitalize Limerick’s medieval core.

Looking ahead, the site is being redeveloped into the Forge Design Factory — a €6.5 million project funded through THRIVE – the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) initiative.

This new hub will include artist studios, exhibition spaces, retail areas, and a café, blending heritage with innovation. The development also involves renovating adjacent properties and creating public engagement programs to draw locals and tourists alike.