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Founded by Vikings in 812, Limerick is Ireland’s fourth most populous city. The great grandfather of U.S. president John F. Kennedy hailed from the town of Bruff, in the eastern part of this destination. Furthermore, rock band The Cranberries are from Limerick, as well as author Frank McCourt, who won a Pulitzer Prize for “Angela’s Ashes.” In 2014, the Limerick’s vibrant cultural scene caused it to become the country’s first National City of Culture. People booked hotels in the area and attended events all year. You can do the same, since such opportunities still exist in abundance.
Opportunities abound to go to festivals in the area. You might get a hotel and treat your ears to memorable auditory experiences of events at the Limerick Jazz Festival. This gathering usually happens in late September and the first one happened in 2012. It focuses on contemporary jazz, and in the past, festival participants have included local and international musicians, including Bobby McFerrin and Bela Fleck. The Dublin City Jazz Orchestra is sometimes part of the programme too, meaning you can see both solo artists and group performances. Alternatively, warm up your February by focusing a trip on the Limerick Literary Festival. It’s been going on for over three decades and characteristically serves as a place where attendees can meet their favourite writers, as well as mingle with fellow book lovers. Usually, the festival has themes, and officially, it’s held in honour of Kate O’Brien, a local author. Generally, these festivals last about four days, making them excellent possibilities if you’re visiting Limerick for a short break.
Tourism is continually growing in this part of Ireland, so there are an increasing number of hotels and attractions for visitors. It’s also probably helpful that this destination is less than half an hour from Shannon Airport by car. While sightseeing, you might check out King John’s Castle. Once occupied by the brother of King Richard I of England, this medieval structure was built in the 13th century and features many architectural feats that were particularly impressive for the time, such as corner towers and a huge gate house. While there, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the River Shannon and can spend time at the visitor centre, which has numerous interactive exhibits. The Hunt Museum is another appealing option in Limerick, because it’s known as one of the greatest private collections of art in the country. The thousands of pieces represent creative works from the Neolithic era through the 20th century. In addition to admiring the art, you can shop, take workshops and go to lectures.
When you’re ready to experience some of the area’s famously green landscapes, Limerick presents many opportunities. Try Kilmallock’s Terra Nova Garden. This award-winning, half-acre destination is a well-kept, lush showcase of many plants and flowers that grow plentifully in this region. Walk on the garden’s winding paths and rest on the strategically placed benches while admiring the rich colours and scents. There’s also a shop that specialises in fairy-themed merchandise. The garden is open from March through October, but you need to contact representatives for an appointment before arriving. Alternatively, spend some time in People’s Park. This city-centre favourite is popular with both residents and visitors who are ready to leave their hotels and briefly stretch their legs. Opened in 1877 and located in Pery Square, this public park features gazebos, a memorial garden, a playground, and a huge pillar dedicated to Thomas Spring Rice, a politician who served in the area during the early 1800s. That means there’s plenty to see as you stroll around.
Foynes is a seaport village in Limerick located on the Shannon Estuary. It was there that a creative chef whipped up the first batch of Irish coffee, a drink that combines coffee with whiskey, back in the 1940s. It’s also the location of Ireland’s first transatlantic airport, meaning the country’s first passenger flights from the United States arrived there in 1939. If you’re an aviation enthusiast, don’t miss the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, located in the airport’s original terminal. This is the sole attraction dedicated to aviation in Ireland, and features the world’s only full-sized replica of a Boeing B314 flying boat. If you’ll be in Foynes during mid-July, your visit might coincide with the Founes Air Show, which is an impressive demonstration of cool planes and skilled pilots. When they want to spend full days in Foynes before going back to their hotels, visitors often stop into one of the tasty restaurants that offer everything from open-faced sandwiches on Irish brown bread to pasta.