Page 39 - The Driver's Guide to the Wild Atlantic

The Driver's Guide
place of solace and peace for the city. There are 6 chapels within the cathedral – the Chapel of Saint James & Mary Magdalen; the Lady Chapel; the Chapel of the Holy Spirit; the Jebb Chapel; the O’Brien Chapel; and the Glentworth Chapel.
FOYNES
N69 TO FOYNES TOWN
Located on the southern bank of the Shannon Estuary at the edge of the Atlantic, it’s neatly positioned at the foot of the forest slopes of Ballynacragga and Knockpatrick, giving the village natural shelter. During the late 1930s and early 1940s, Foynes was the last port of call on the eastern shore for seaplanes crossing the Atlantic. The area became home to one of the biggest civilian airports in Europe during World War II.
THE HUNT MUSEUM
LIMERICK CITY CENTRE
The Hunt Museum has one of Ireland’s largest private art collections. The founders, John and Gertrude Hunt, collected many pieces over a great period of time, even exhibiting works
by Pablo Picasso. With about 2,000 pieces, the museum includes artifacts from countries from all over the world, and an impressive collection of Irish materials. For kids and families, the museum hosts weekly camps and arts and crafts days. On the more artistic side, they offer costumed portrait sessions where participants can learn how to draw 800 years of fashion.
ADARE
M20 (N21 EXIT) TO TOWN CENTRE
Adare is a great little village just outside of Limerick City. Although small, it has a reputation of being one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. It is filled with rich history dating as far back as 1200 AD, filled with cottages, medieval buildings, and the Desmond Castle. Every Friday, Adare’s Friday Market is a popular place to find local crafts like candles, jewelry, quilts, soaps, and more. There are also very traditional activities like falconry, archery, fishing, and even greyhound racing. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy a night full of traditional Irish music and dancing at the Adare Celtic Night.
The Desmond Castle lies near the River Maigue, surrounded by a moat. It was
built in the early 13th century and used as a fortress before owned by Earls of Kildare for 300 years. In 1657, the castle was raided by Oliver Cromwell, destroying much of it. It was later restored in 1996 to the splendour of what it is today.
TOP HIGHLIGHT
TERRA NOVA FAIRY GARDEN
N20 (R518 EXIT) TOWARDS KILMALLOCK
10 min from exit
Terra Nova is a great, smaller find in Limerick. It is a half-acre privately owned garden that has won the “Best Garden in Ireland” award. Filled with small passage ways, beautiful flowers and statues, the garden is a mesmerizing place to explore. It is also home to the Fairy Garden, where many visitors say they can feel the fairies presence. Visitors can also try and spot goblins, where they say one can be spotted sleeping in his bed in the evening. At the shop there are various garden gifts and trinkets to take home as a souvenir. Once finished, you can continue to tour the Coolwater Garden and end with delicious cakes.
AUNTY LENA’S
& ADARE COURT HOUSE
Welcome to Aunty Lena’s Bar & Adare Courthouse situated in Adare Village, County Limerick arguably the prettiest village in Ireland.
Established in 1806 by the Chawke family Aunty Lena’s has famously served the needs of its patrons with great success keeping the bar as a focal part of the community, and serving both locals and visitors from all over the world.
open 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. Great live music every weekend.
visit out Adare courthouse museum, located upstairs and learn about the historic building and the legacy of the Dunraven family in Adare. Char- lie Chawke has beautifully refurbished and restored 'The Court' to presrrve it for all future genetations and for all visitors in Adare to enjoy. Admission is free.
Aunty Lena’s Bar, Main Street, Adare, County Limerick
Tel: +353 (0)61 396114 - Email: info@auntylenas.com - Website: www.auntylenas.com
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