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!