Mayor of Limerick


The office of Mayor of the City and County of Limerick is currently the title used by the chairperson of Limerick City and County Council. Prior to the establishment of the Council, the Mayor of Limerick was the chairperson of Limerick City Council. The office was originally established in 1195 and reinforced by a charter issued in 1197.

Election to the office

The Mayor is elected to office annually by councillors of Limerick City and County Council from amongst its members. There is currently no popular vote, but in May 2019 a plebiscite was held which voted in favour of a directly elected mayor, with the first expected to be elected in 2022. Current practice is for the term of office to begin in June with the former Mayor presenting the Chain of Office to the incoming Mayor, thus formally inaugurating a new term. The process is repeated the following June, unless the same person is given a second consecutive term.

History of the office

The office has existed, in one form or another, since it was inaugurated in 1195. The title of Provost was used up to the 14th century.

Selected list of mayors