In July 1999 Limerick Printmakers was set up by three BA printmaking graduates from the Limerick School of Art and Design, Claire Boland, Kari Fry and Melissa O’Brien. Limerick City Enterprise Board gave Limerick Printmakers a start up grant in the form of  Irl £12,000 to buy equipment and cover initial overheads.

Considerable support came from numerous people and organisations including the Printmaking Department at Limerick School of Art and Design (L.I.T.), particularly Des Mac Mahon. Also Dietrich Blodau, Charles Harper; Mary Parkes at the Limerick Adult Education Centre; Cork Printmakers; The Graphic Studio; The Blackchurch Print Studio; Limerick Network Enterprise; Sheila Deegan, Limerick City Council; and Joe Buckley, owner of the premises.

Limerick Printmakers received their first revenue funding from the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaion in 2003. This revenue funding was continued and increased each year since then. Additional Arts Council Minor Capital Grants in 2004, 2005 and 2007 for equipment have supported the development and progress of Limerick Printmakers facilities.