Limerick (Irish: Luimneach) is a city in Ireland. It is the first city in the Republic of Ireland to receive the designation as City of Culture. It is located in the Mid-West and is also part of the province of Munster. Limerick City Council is the local authority for the city. The city is built on several curves and islands of the River Shannon, which spreads into an estuary shortly downriver from Limerick.