Vacation Guide

Ireland golf vacation guide : To do and see

LIMERICK

Adare Trinitarian Priory – standing in the village of Adare, this impressive priory was founded in 1230 and destroyed during Henry V111’s suppression of the monasteries. Restored in the 19th century by the Earl of Dunraven, it remains in use as a Catholic church today.

Adare Village – an impressive, rustic and well kept village comprising elegant stone houses with thatched roofs. The Adare Heritage Centre, situated in the main street provides interesting facts on the history of the village.

Castle Lane – located near King John’s Castle in Limerick City, this authentic streetscape of bygone years illustrates Limerick’s urban architectural heritage. The complex also houses the Limerick Civic Museum and Castle Lane Tavern, a venue for regular performances of Irish music and dancing.

Celtic Park and Gardens – located about five miles from Adare on the site of an original Celtic settlement, Celtic Park and Gardens combine many authentic and re-created features from Ireland’s past, including an ancient portal tomb and an authentic ring-fort. Its classical-style gardens, with hundreds of roses and flowering shrubs, are truly remarkable.

Desmond Castle – situated just outside the village of Adare is this strongly fortified structure, built in the early 13th century on the site of an ancient ring-fort. The extensive ruins are of an inner ward surrounded by a moat and enclosed by a large courtyard. The castle was besieged by the English in 1580 and occupied by the Earls of Desmond during the 17th century.

Hunt Museum – situated in the city of Limerick, the museum houses a major private collection of art and antiques. The range of material on display is quite staggering and includes items from Egyptian, Greek and Roman exhibits, through mediaeval items, right up to 18th century metalwork and ceramics. Highlights include works by Picasso, a bronze horse by Leonardo da Vinci and the cross worn by Mary Queen of Scots on the day of her execution.

King John’s Castle – situated on the banks of the Shannon River in Limerick City and dating from the late 12th century or early 13th century, the impressive King John’s Castle, with its five drum towers, solid curtain walls, battlement walkways and interpretative centre is a must-see attraction.

Limerick City Gallery of Art – set up with the assistance of Andrew Carnegie, the gallery houses a permanent collection of 18th, 19th and 20th century art and plays host to travelling exhibitions of contemporary work. It also holds readings and concerts of traditional and classical music.

Limerick Museum – located in the city of Limerick, the museum offers a permanent display covering the long and varied history of the city and surrounding areas from the Stone Age up to the present day.