Time for Limerick 

  • August 1, 2017

KLS was all ‘workedy-work’ today so I explored Limerick on my own. This started with a stroll along the the Shannon.


My destination was King Johns Castle, which has stood on the banks of the river here in Limerick for over 800 years. It’s seen multiple wars and revolutions as well as extensive building and rebuilding over the years, and there’s a fantastic history of the site in a large museum-attachment that was opened only a few years ago.


It’s worth mentioning that no photo here has been retouched or colour-corrected. It was a dreary, grey morning and the sky matched the stone of the castle perfectly.


When I reach the top of the ramparts the rain was belting down, and I’ll admit it was quite fun waiting in the tower all alone watching the water run down the stone outside. As it does here though, it didn’t last too long and I soon got out to admire the view.


I very much enjoyed the castle. If you’re ever here, definitely take the time to visit.

My next stop was the nearby cathedral, St Marys. It’s been here even longer than the castle! The rain was still falling so it was good to duck inside again.


This place was a little cluttered and unpolished compared to other cathedrals I’ve been in! The stained glass was wonderful though, as were the old ‘mercy seats’ which are apparently their biggest draw for tourists.


That grave stone is older than Australia 🙂

The remainder of the afternoon was shopping. I even stumbled upon a used bookstore with thousands of retro postcards for sale! They weren’t cheap, but were irresistible and some of you may see one in your mailbox at some point in the next few years…

Old Mate Cork

  • July 31, 2017

KLS was all worky-work today so I shuffled my regal self down south to the port town of Cork. The train took about two hours, mostly through fields of cows. It was peaceful.

That’s a little church – called St Anne’s – up on a hill just north of the CBD. For a measly sum you can climb the bell tower and ring the bells. Naturally I partook.

I’ve climbed many towers on several continents and I have to say that while shortish – only 132 steps – this one was pretty grand. The stairs were steep and narrow, and the (natural) lighting gave it a bit of a dungeon feel. I approved.

The bells were wonderful! I’ve seen many in towers before but never actually rung them myself. I ‘played’ Ode To Joy using the provided songbook by pulling the ropes connected to the eight bells. For miles around Corkonians likely raised their heads: “An angel“, they no doubt mused, “is on the bells today.”

Then I climbed to the balcony and saw Cork from high above. The headphones were lest some lesser musician played the bells while I was up top, but no one dared follow my lead. I was alone atop the tower in the breeze, and soaked in the Irish air.

I used to like butter, and would eat it by itself on bread. I’m not a fan now, but that didn’t stop me from entering the Butter Museum  when I stumbled upon it.

Cork used to the the world epicenter of butter production, and exported it even to Australia! I learned more about butter today than any man has a right to know, but this:

Perhaps animated me most. Where’s the nearest ring fort? I want to see fairies! I’m in the land of the Tuatha Dé Danaan and I hadn’t really thought about it. Maybe the fairies are hiding themselves from even my thoughts? Stay tuned…

Another cathedral, this time south of the island that holds the CBD. It was raining when I took the above, and my plan to ride it out indoors was thwarted by a service that had just begun.

So I hopped and skipped over to the Catholic Church and just had enough time to light a candle and snap a quick photo before a service began there as well:

There was more I did in Cork, like boggle at the fresh food in the English Market…

Or shop for souvenirs…

Or just enjoyed the city itself…

But the day was long and I’m very tired so that’s enough for now 🙂

Ennis

  • July 30, 2017

We arrived yesterday, and will stay in Limerick for almost a week while KLS works. I’m going to explore the city in a couple of days, so I’ll defer Limerick descriptions until then.

Today though we rode a train to nearby Ennis, known for a quaint shopping district as well as a ruined Friary that’s almost 800 years old:

It’s an impressive ruin, mostly open to the weather and showing the passage of the many years. It started as a Franciscan church but held many roles during its life before being abandoned about 125 years ago.

The rain came and went today, rarely lasting for more than a few minutes but often falling quite heavily. We anticipate such weather to be the norm for our entire trip.

Ennis itself was a lovely little town, but as it’s Sunday (almost) everything was closed! We wandered the streets a while before returning to Limerick.

The train trip, while short, was scenic. The towns are separated by endless fields and hedgerows, often fillers with cattle and sheep. However by the trip back the jet lag was catching up to me, and KLS couldn’t resist snapping a photo of me snoozing in the train!

A bite to eat and I was good as new!

Tomorrow KLS starts work and I’m off on a day trip, once again by train. Look forward to it!