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!

Christmas Day in Limerick!

Woke as the sun rose this morning and found a wonderful, clear day waiting! The sun was up, almost no cloud in the sky. A sunny - but chilly - day for Ireland. The wind even took a day of rest from blowing along the river.

Breakfast again was a sample of ham, white pudding, eggs, a little soda bread and lots of fruit. When I return home, oatmeal and bananas may seem a bit ordinary. However, we lingered over breakfast, had some coffee before taking advantage of the unusually clear winter weather.

Bundled up, we headed out and along the Shannon River walk. On either side of the Shannon River, there is a not so recent cobblestone walk with a metal "riverwalk" that extends just a touch out towards the river. The metal walkway was closed today for fear of river flooding. Sensible given the storms that came through recently.

No matter though, the cobblestone walkway was plenty. All along this walkway raced an old stone wall, dotted with small furred spots of moss, oblivious to the wet and cold and reaching for the sunlight. Beyond the stone wall, the Shannon river washed along quickly with a visible cold edge to the dark waters.

The wall extended up to an ancient stone bridge that connected one of the suburbs to the start of the "Medieval" section of Limerick. The best part, for me, was at the head of this section where the bridge ended is what's labeled "King John's Castle" on King's Island - which is the stretch of land the bridges run to.

Now, the castle is of course closed for the holidays. However, this castle is a 13th century built under the orders of King John during the 1200s. However the site itself has deeper historical roots going back to Vikings during 922.

In either case, the castle stands at the tip of King's Island. It makes for an impressive outpost, defensive position; though all it guards now is the start to a line of museums, a very ancient cathedral ( St. Mary's ) and a collection of antique shops and pubs!

We wandered through the near empty streets. There were a few cars, some people out walking, but most were at home on Christmas Day with their families and friends. It made for a good time to sight-see with no crowds (from the outside of buildings anyway) and take some really amazing pictures of very picturesque locations with no people. It was a bit stark, but emotionally impressive to walk through and see.

Finally, we had to hurry back for a mid-day meal at the Strand Hotel. A four course meal of some amazing food! If stopping through Limerick, while there are many places to stay - and many are excellent - I have to admit the four course Christmas meal at the Strand is a one of a kind experience, amazing food and a very friendly staff. I can't recommend it enough.

Two hours - or more - later, with the meal done, we took a rest break at the room. After that was more live music in the cafe. It was some Jazz actually. That made for an interesting way to wind the day up, sitting in an Irish pub listening to Jazz.

No idea what tomorrow will bring, but today was a nice way to spend Christmas.

Christmas Eve in Limerick

Christmas Eve arrives in Limerick. Cold, not so wet, and very windy!

After breakfast, it was a great day to go walking through Limerick. It was a bit busy, but all in all not so bad to walk between the last minute shoppers running about getting gifts.

The weather is crisp along the river, with the wind being a nice Christmas chill with a touch of frost - a feeling that can only come from being along a wide river. Wind raced along the streets and danced among the decorations and twirled between people.

While the day wore on, the people moved quicker, and the decorations began to wake slowly; the lights winking on one strand at a time. It was as if the Christmas spirit was resting and needed time to wake up to a riverside evening to come out and play.

We wound our way between the crowds sporting bags and bows, baskets and other gifts. People were friendly, but as the evening grew, so did the smiles. A few even stopped to just talk, chat about the season, the area and really anything that came to mind.

Finally, to get a break from the cold and crowds we ducked into a small side-street cafe. It was a small venture, the main room being no larger than what it would take to hold a few modest-sized wooden tables, three long glass cases for handmade pastries, and of course the obligatory area for coffee and tea near the register.

We nabbed a coffee and a homemade Swiss roll made with real whipped cream and a berry jelly that I just couldn't identify. Not that it really mattered much, the cake was soft, the cream and jelly sweet and the coffee nice and hot. In hindsight, I'd considered hot chocolate but coffee did just fine.

After the snack we ventured back out, but Limerick does shut down early on Christmas Eve ... no surprise really. However the spirit and lights remained. We wound our way back to the hotel as the sun set, decorations and lights shone alive and bright everywhere behind us.

The Limerick Strand itself was decked out with trees, owls, lights and decorations. The building itself shone with lights on the outside to match the season. Inside, we made our way to a Christmas Eve dinner with amazing roast beef, Yorkshire pudding with beef gravy, potatoes, and a salad.

It wasn't a fast paced day, but that was ok. It was nice to stroll on Christmas Eve, not be in a hurry and enjoy the season. Just talk with people and just chat.

While tomorrow is Christmas, which means Limerick will be as quiet as a mouse, however that will be great for photos! In mid afternoon comes the multi-course Christmas meal! Given how well made the Christmas Eve dinner was, I'm looking forward to it.

First day around Limerick

With a rather ordinary start, I woke late after a "jetlag nap". However for a nap, it was welcome sleep.

Given it was only Monday afternoon, it was time for a meal and some wandering around. The meal was some seafood chowder from the pub/cafe in the Hotel. That was really good stuff. That with some hot tea made for a really good lunch / brunch.

Post meal, the sun had set - which in Ireland means it gets cold so very quickly! Fortunately, I brought a coat that can handle it.

We headed out and walked along the Shannon River. With the Christmas lights and decorations up, it was post card picturesque. Limerick decorates each major road down through the marketplace are a little different. It's like a giant themed decoration, with subtle variations along each road. Sometime later in the week, I have to walk down there and walk from block to block and see if I can get the entire display they set up.

I did manage some pictures along the river, nothing too much as the light was poor. However I did manage to get a few that look pretty good.

Overall a slow start to the week, but since we'd just arrived this morning - as Ireland recons 'morning - a slow start is probably a good speed for the week.

Arrived in Ireland

Arrived in Ireland after an overnight trip. It's 7 am here and pitch black. As usual, I could not sleep on the plane and once here, I'm not quite tired enough to sleep yet. Though I expect to eventually crash soon enough from jetlag.

Its not so cold, or really rainy as expected. The cabby said the worst weather had been through already. Which is great! I'm hoping that it stays that way for some sight seeing and pictures.

So far there hasn't been a plan worked out, that will come after some rest. The most concrete has been directions to two different pubs near the hotel. Each of course have the best Guiness according to the cabbie.

On the way to Ireland

This Christmas is a trip to Ireland. Specifically Limerick. Honestly, I've never given Limerick must thought beyond the amusing poems! However, what with how busy and intense, perhaps overwhelming, life has been lately ... on reflection a trip is likely what could reset the mind.

The first leg(s) of the flight was on United and wound up in Newark. Honestly, the planes were too small (I'm athletic and skinny, and MY hips almost didn't fit in the seat!) the air was never turned on, and they have people crammed into each plane. The reason is obvious, they wish the money. This indicates a company not concerned with service. If I needed any proof? Well, watching fellow passengers get into a slap fight and the flight crew did nothing about it is all the proof needed. Needless to say, I'll avoid United from now on.

So I stayed overnight in Newark to sleep and get my bearings. This helped, and now I'll join my group in Limerick after a flight tonight to Shannon, Ireland!