On her first official visit to Limerick yesterday, the President, Mrs McAleese, praised the "spirit of drive and progressiveness . . . that characterises Limerick and its people".
In his welcome, the Mayor, Mr Frank Leddin, said £280 million had been spent on the renewal of the city.
The City Hall was opened especially for the Presidential reception and city councillors and officials returned from their weekend break to attend.
Mrs McAleese regretted she had been unable, last December, to attend the closing ceremonies for the 800th centenary charter celebrations.
Later, she visited the Brothers of Charity at Bawnmore. She then launched a history of the Mary Immaculate College, which is celebrating its centenary. Finally, Mrs McAleese travelled to Broadford where she unveiled a monument to the poet Daibhi O Bruadair 300 years after his death.