Last day in Limerick

The rough weather abated, much to Ireland's relief. Reports of heavy wind unlike anything most had seen in a long time, and in some cases ever! Rooftops to train depots blown off, huge trees tossed around. Honestly, it sounded a lot like tornado season back in North Alabama.

In any case, the wind was blowing - though not badly, just a stiff wind - and the rain found somewhere else to play for awhile. The clouds parted and the sun came out for awhile to say hello. It was a chilly, but beautiful day. Unfortunately, that was only in Limerick. Over near the Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic side of Ireland, it was still gale force winds there. So they closed the visitor center for safety.

That was disappointing, so instead we trundled over to King John's castle. Now that was just amazing! They've recently - as of this year - reworked the exhibit and re-opened it. It covers the history of the castle from the initial Viking settlements (which were on the site of the castle), up through the Norman influence, the arrival of the Norman known as "strongbow", through Norman then later English attempts at rule. Also, all the subsequent revolutions that followed each major attempt. 

It was a full sensory exhibit, with things to do, movies to watch, incredible dioramas to look at. Then of course comes a self-guided tour of the castle itself! Up on the battlements is the BEST view one could get of Limerick and the river! Despite the cold, I managed several photos of all angles. I hope they all turn out as I hope. I thought they looked excellent.

However, the downside to all this was that this is winter in Ireland. So there is much less "daylight" vs "night time" in Ireland, given the sun can really be said to be "up" around 9 to 10 am. Following that, it sets at 4pm. That leaves little time to get at any shops (which close at sunset) as they are spread out a bit. 

So, if anyone visits Limerick in winter, something to bear in mind is: select one attraction to see per day, don't rush and expect to get an early dinner at 4:30 - 5 and just relax at a pub for awhile in the evening. 

Given it is the last day, I'll wrap up here. It was a lovely Christmas, given the purpose of the trip was to have an experience, relax and visit. The weather was almost typical Ireland of "all weather over the course of one day". However, a bit of planning ahead and wearing layers made that very manageable. The food was excellent (I do NOT need to eat like that again for awhile, but instead be religious about visiting the gym), and the people seemed so friendly. Perhaps it is Christmas, but they seemed more friendly here in Limerick than they were in Dublin. Of course it could be that Limerick still has a lot of that "small town" atmosphere encapsulated in a town rich with history but spread out over a large area.

Tomorrow morning will be the flight ... hopefully a good, calm one ... back to the US. Then back to normal life and all it entails.

Until next time!

First Day After Christmas ... St. Stephan's Day

I've seen a reference to "Boxing Day", here in Limerick I've seen "St. Stephan's Day". Given I've not grown up around such a concept as "the day after Christmas is also a holiday" it's all quite new for me!

In any case, many places are not open, or are open for only a part of the day (especially in the case of shopping centers). Naturally, museums and other government institutions were not open today. However, today was the start of the Irish Independent Festive Racing Carnival! It's a festival they've had here in Limerick for a few years now that lasts from Dec 26th through Dec 29th. Here is a link to the details: http://www.limerick.ie/festivals/morefestivals/2013-12-26christmasracingfestival2013.html

It was as much exhibition sport as carnival, what with live music and food and all that was tossed across all four levels of the viewing building and tents around the entire location. There was only three races today, which were fantastic and very energetic to watch! No one really knew a stranger, honestly they didn't. I even found myself at one point in a debate over whether one race ended in a tie, or not!

The weather was determined not to cooperate, as a very ugly storm which had marched itself across the Atlantic chose today of all days to arrive on Irish shores! At first it was mist, then wind, the mist-wind. Without any pause, it became rain! Then abruptly wind with no rain ... and then COLD. So very, very cold. It was as if the storm clamped down on the Gulf Stream that runs by Ireland to remind everyone just HOW CLOSE Ireland actually is to Arctic Circle! 

Oh, and if anyone just was not going to get the hint ... here ... have some sleet... and wind. 

Just amazing. But! All three races were able to run, the horses performed admirably well despite the winter blast that came in to watch alongside the other spectators. It really was great fun and a really good way to spend the better part of St. Stephan's / Boxing Day. With the last race run ... and the wind practically knocking people around with sleet, we grabbed a taxi back to the hotel. 

Once back, we absolutely did not go anywhere, but instead headed down to the pub in the hotel - which apparently is one of the more popular pub locations in Limerick, who knew? There we grabbed some dinner - turkey and ham and dressing - and eased into the evening letting the wind blow and fuss to its heart content outside. I'll take dinner in the pub which has a fireplace any day over frigid North Atlantic storms that were never invited by anyone for a visit!