Traces along the Wild Atlantic Way
The Hunt Museum Limerick

Named after the owners of its antique collection, the Hunt Museum provides an insight into the past lives of Europeans through its various artifacts. John Durell Hunt and his German wife Gertrud(e) Hunt (née Hartmann) collected historical objects during their lives, many of which they bought from antique shops, churches, art museums and other collectors during their travels across Europe in the 1930s. Others were bought in Ireland, where John Hunt worked as an archaeologist in Lough Gur, Limerick. The Hunt Museum was opened in the old Customs House in Limerick City in 1996 and was officially inaugurated by John Bruton, the then Taoiseach, on the 14 February, 1997. 

In 2003, John and Gertrud Hunt were accused of allegedly having been involved in espionage and the trading of looted art. An investigationed of this matter could not find any evidence confirming the accusations.

The museum remains a representation of the Hunt couple’s dedication to the preservation and collection of historical objects and their generous willingness to share their collection with others. It aims to be a source of pride in the region’s cultural heritage, to gain international recognition, as well as to reach international and local audiences through innovation and education.