Page 38 - The Driver's Guide to the Wild Atlantic

The Driver's Guide
EAT
When in Limerick be sure to visit La
Cucina, an authentic Italian restaurant with strong flavours and reasonable prices. This bustling little joint serves all the basics like pizza and pasta, yet manages to make something unique out of them, turning basics into classic. They also have beautiful desserts so be sure to save room for the end! The staff are friendly and dedicated to the quality of their food; authenticity is a big deal to them. If you’re in the mood for some delicious Italian food, be sure to visit La Cucina for a mouth watering time.
Henry Street, Limerick www.lacucina.ie
LIMERICK
THOMOND PARK
N18 (R445 EXIT) TO CITY CENTRE
10 min from exit
Home of the most successful rugby clubs in the world, Munster Rugy, Thomond Park is a great venue to experience a game. When not watching a game, people can visit the museum and tour the stadium for a behind-the-scenes look. In the museum are display cases of memorabilia and trophies, proudly showing their historic victories. One of their most famous victories was in 1978 against the All Blacks. The stadium was renovated and reopened in 2008 and has a capacity of 25,600.
KING JOHN’S CASTLE
LIMERICK CITY CENTRE
King John’s Castle is located on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of Limerick City. Following a multi-million euro investment, this 13th century fortress was reopened in 2013 and now features a new visitor centre with state of the art interpretive activities and exhibitions, 21st century touch-screen
STAY
The 4-star Absolute Hotel, located on a
bend of the Abbey River in Limerick City, puts you at the foot of Limerick’s bustling city centre. The rooms are individually furnished to match a unique but modern style that stresses comfort. Each room provides a plethora of amenities, and the Chic Suites guarantee a gorgeous view of the river. When it comes to dining, look no further than Harry’s On The River on the first floor. Fresh and locally sourced meat and produce combine with Harry’s unique indoor and outdoor dining experience to create a meal unlike any other night out. www.absolutehotel.com
technology and 3D models. This new technology will connect you to tales of siege and warfare. Discovery drawers and audio visuals help you to delve into the Castle’s history and children will also love the dazzling array of computer-generated animations and ghostly projections as they travel back through time. The castle was both a military and economic powerhouse in the region. King John, as ‘Lord of Ireland’ minted his own coins and the Royal moneyer would have struck the coins in the Castle mint.
THE TREATY STONE
LIMERICK CITY CENTRE
The Treaty Stone is a rough-hewn limestone block raised on a pedestal standing across the river Shannon from King John’s Castle in Limerick City. Traditionally it is said that it was on this rock that the Treaty of Limerick was signed in the sight of both armies at the Clare end of Thomond Bridge on the 3rd of October 1691 at the end of the Siege of Limerick. The treaty marked the surrender of the city to the army of William of Orange. Under the terms, a promise was made to respect Catholicism, but the treaty was rejected by the English and Irish Parliaments and its terms were ignored.
PLAY
For anyone stopping in Limerick, The
Milk Market is a hidden gem where you can find anything from local produce to jewelry. Located on Mungret Street in Limerick it is one of the oldest markets in Ireland and is open every weekend (though Saturday is the best day to go if possible). The market is full of local vendors selling crafts, candles, and a wide variety of food. Live music also fills the space, making it an ideal spot to unwind and take your time browsing the many unique and delicious items. www.milkmarketlimerick.ie
Thus Limerick became known as The City of the Broken Treaty. The stone rests on a pedestal that was erected in May 1865 by John Rickard Tinslay, mayor of the city. The pedestal is decorated with an image of the castle, on the opposite side of the River Shannon, which is surmounted by a dome and cross, signifying that Limerick was a cathedral city. This symbol is now the civic insignia of Limerick Corporation while the Latin inscription is taken from Virgil’s description of Troy.
ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL
LIMERICK CITY CENTRE
A place of worship for over 850 years, Saint Mary’s Cathedral was founded in 1168 A.D. on a hill on King’s Island, which is the oldest part of Limerick. It is the oldest building in Limerick still in continuous daily use. The priests and people who worship here belong to the Church of Ireland, but all Christians are welcome to visit to attend a service, to pray, reflect, to take a tour or attend a choral concert or other special event. The Cathedral was built where the palace of the late King of Munster, Donal Mór O’Brien once stood. During the last eight centuries, it has witnessed invasions, sieges, battles, wars, famine and unrest but at all times has been a
38 WILD ATLANTIC