From a historical perspective, Ireland has long been an emigration country. During the nineteenth century a great number of inhabitants left the country on account of the famines: the population sank from eight to four million. It was not until Ireland joined the EU that its economy took a decidedly positive turn. Since 1996 Ireland has even become an immigration country. There is now more immigration than emigration, with all of its inherent advantages and disadvantages, such as the misunderstandings that can result from the meeting of varying cultural experiences and prejudices.

Limerick, with a population of 80,000 the country’s third largest city, is also booming and investing heavily in its economy – much more, at least, than in integration projects or cultural programs. For example, Limerick has no cinema in its city center. The independent cinemas were simply not able to compete with the mainstream movie business, and for lack of public funding they were forced to close their doors years ago. All that remained was the Belltable Arts Centre, which in addition to its regular exhibition and theater program presents independent films once a week. Limerick has two multiplex cinemas on the edge of town that feature the big Hollywood productions, just like the rest of the world.