Limerick finds it laborious to catch a break. Even its nickname, the Treaty Metropolis, is a reminder of a uncooked deal. Then Galway beat it to turn into 2020 European Metropolis of Tradition.
The upside of all that is that it’s a cut price — and charming too. Simply over three hours west of Dublin and 20 minutes from Shannon Airport, it provides an intimate expertise of latest Irish life.
Native rugby legends resembling Paul O’Connell hand around in town’s pubs and cafes — the truth is, rugby has displaced church as the most important weekend draw.
On the water: King John’s Fortress has dominated Limerick’s riverfront for 800 years
Town’s ridged Georgian grid cascades in the direction of the River Shannon and into its medieval centre.
Overlook transport, you possibly can stroll to Englishtown, launch pad for the flight of Eire’s Wild Geese, a Catholic military of James II loyalists led by native hero Patrick Sarsfield in 1691.
Stroll down slim lanes to King John’s Fortress, which has dominated Limerick’s riverfront for 800 years. It’s had a multi-million-euro facelift.
The late, nice Terry Wogan, born and raised right here, as soon as stated: ‘Limerick by no means left me; no matter it’s, my id is Limerick.’
Gone, however not forgotten: The late Terry Wogan was born and raised in Limerick
Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick’s model of Sydney’s opera home, is an integral a part of that id.
It’s a large concrete dedication to Munster Rugby, the crew that unites town.
One other Limerick staple is the pub: head to Willie Sexton’s on Henry Road, whose patrons have Guinness flowing by means of their veins.
Tom Collins on Cecil Road is the definitive outdated man’s pub, with the accompanying political banter.
Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes is about right here, and town additionally boasts a statue of its export to Hollywood, Richard Harris.
He poses with crown and sword — and appears proud to be right here.
