Plan a trip to Limerick

A major landmark of Limerick County is the largest and longest river in all of Ireland, the Shannon River. The city of Limerick is divided by the Shannon River and is located close to the river's estuary. Well worth a visit is St. Mary’s Cathedral (Anglican) from the 12th century (1168) which is still active today. As well, make a must visit to St. John’s Cathedral (Roman Catholic) which was built in the mid 1800’s and renovated again in the late 1800’s due to damage from heavy storms. 

When shopping, don’t forget to take home Limerick lace, which is a major, important export from the late 1800’s. Take a stroll through Limerick and relax in St. John’s Square and look around at the townhouses and interesting architecture in this area. While in the area, make sure to cross the longest footbridge in Ireland connecting the University of Ireland on both sides of the Shannon River. 

Now, who would have believed that in 1943, because a plane on its way to Canada was delayed due to bad weather, would inspire the celebrated Chef Joe Sheridan to create “Irish coffee”. How do you comfort stranded, weary passengers? The story goes that they offered a hot cup of coffee with a small glug of Irish Whiskey to each person (perhaps even more than one cup) and “Voila”, a plane-load of happy people! The drink became extremely popular, and the rest is history! 
Secret: You can have a bite of something and order the original Irish Coffee at the O’Regan Restaurant, where it all started. 

The City of Limerick, which saw many struggles between Irish, Vikings and English is today a city of culture. Dominating the city center is the mighty King's John Castle, one of the best-preserved and impressive strongholds built by King John, with memories of a Viking history to fascinate the visitor. 

On the southern bank of the Shannon Estuary is Foynes, a small village and port known for the Flying Boat & Maritime Museum. They have a full-scale replica of the Boeing 314 flying boat that used to cross the Atlantic. Situated to the north west of the village is Foynes Island Viewpoint, which is on the list of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points.

There are many places of interest in the area including the picturesque village of Adare, on the river Maigue, a tributary of the Shannon River. Ireland’s Heritage Council has put this town on the list of “Heritage Towns” due to the well preserved thatched-roof cottages and its castles, manors and ancient abbeys and churches.

Before you leave us – we cannot resist but share a couple of limericks with you.  For the nescient among you - a limerick is a five-line poem (usually humorous, often rowdy) dating back to the 18th century. It is thought that the name came about from an old Irish song “Will you come up to Limerick”. What makes it a limerick is the rhyming pattern “aabba”– the first, second and fifth line have to rhyme and the third and fourth rhyme. Below are two limericks–the first by Lewis Carroll and the second a popular children’s nursery rhyme.

"There was a young lady of station        
‘I love man’ was her sole exclamation
But when men cried, ‘you flatter’
She replied, ‘Oh! No matter!’
Isle of Man is the true explanation"

"Hickory, dickory dock 
The mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck one
The mouse ran down
Hickory, dickory dock"