Limerick

Historically, achieving a hue this vibrant and lightfast was a significant challenge; ancient dyers in Ireland used natural materials like weld and woad to create softer yellow-greens for wool. The electric intensity of modern Limerick only became possible with the development of synthetic organic pigments in the mid-20th century, allowing for brighter, more stable dyes.

In the art world, this specific shade found its footing during the Psychedelic era of the 1960s, used to create vibrating visual effects against contrasting purples. It later became a staple of sportswear in the 1980s and 1990s, where high-visibility colors were favored for safety and to signify high-energy athletic performance.

Psychologically, Limerick acts as a powerful stimulant, triggering feelings of optimism and mental clarity. Because it contains a high amount of yellow, it retains a sunny disposition, while the green undertone suggests vitality and new beginnings.

However, due to its sharpness, it can also communicate sourness or tartness, often triggering a physical sensation of taste. In cultural contexts, it is frequently associated with innovation and unconventional thinking, distinguishing it from the traditional safety of darker forest greens.

While it may look neon, Limerick is a common shade in the early stages of botanical life, specifically in new shoots and buds bursting in spring. It is the precise color of the skin of a lime, the wings of a luna moth, and the glowing surface of sunlit moss found in damp forests.

In design, Limerick should be treated as a volatile accent color rather than a dominant background. It creates a modern, sleek aesthetic when paired with dark neutrals like charcoal or navy, which help ground its high luminosity.

Regarding accessibility, designers must be extremely careful; white text on a Limerick background offers very poor readability. To ensure compliance with web standards, always use dark text on this color or use the color itself against a dark background for maximum impact.