Cool things to do in Limerick with teenager?

galwaybabe

Hi there Limerick boardsies.
I'm bringing my 14 year old daughter to Limerick for the weekend. we got a good hotel deal in a hotel on Denmark st. A few questions for you...
Is Denmark Street central?
Is there anything happening this weekend that would be worth visiting?
Can anyone recommend a good place to eat?
Is there a market on at the weekend?
Thank you in advance

TheInquisitor

Nice place to eat on the river is milano's. 14 year old girl so i suppose shopping? Lots of that on cruises and thomas street, both pedestrianised. You are very central with denmark street. Id go to see kings john's castle, interesting for a first timer. I've also seen a tour bus going aroudn but i duno how good that is or any details on it.

h3000

galwaybabe wrote: »

Hi there Limerick boardsies.
I'm bringing my 14 year old daughter to Limerick for the weekend. we got a good hotel deal in a hotel on Denmark st. A few questions for you...
Is Denmark Street central?
Is there anything happening this weekend that would be worth visiting?
Can anyone recommend a good place to eat?
Is there a market on at the weekend?
Thank you in advance

The market is on Saturday morning about 200meters from your hotel.

Mr E

Check whazon for a listing of what's on in Limerick this weekend.

http://www.whazon.com/limerick/index.php

Berty

If you do happen to get any sleep in the Old Quarter Lodge that is.

When you do check in tell them you want a room at the back away from the street.

For a Galway person it would be like having a hotel room overlooking CP's.

RonMexico

For shopping try the crescent shopping centre, you can get a bus out there from outside Brown Thomas (Raheen Bus) or just get a taxi. Lots of clothes shops out there. More than the city anyway.

Can't really think of anything else that a 14 year old would want to do to be honest. There is a cinema in the crescent too and places to eat.

Stab*City

there is actually nothing for a visiting teenager to do in limerick besides shop and eat..

Azphyxi8

Africa Day is taking place on Sunday outside of City hall. There'll be plenty of live music from the likes of Mundy, Cathy Davey, Declan O’Rourke and Republic of Loose. It's free.

More info here: http://africaday.irishaid.org/latest-news/latest-news/09-05-06/Details_of_Africa_Day_Limerick_Announced.aspx

h3000

galwaybabe wrote: »

Hi there Limerick boardsies.

Is there anything happening this weekend that would be worth visiting?
Thank you in advance

If either of ye are into Art or History I recommend a trip to the Hunt Museum, it's free admission on Sunday.

galwaybabe wrote: »

Hi there Limerick boardsies.

Can anyone recommend a good place to eat?
Thank you in advance

There is a good thread here with a list of good places to eat in Limerick

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055507096

galwaybabe

Thanks a million for all the responses folks. lots of food for thought!!:)

Banrion

galwaybabe wrote: »

Hi there Limerick boardsies.
I'm bringing my 14 year old daughter to Limerick for the weekend. we got a good hotel deal in a hotel on Denmark st. A few questions for you...
Is Denmark Street central?
Is there anything happening this weekend that would be worth visiting?
Can anyone recommend a good place to eat?
Is there a market on at the weekend?
Thank you in advance

King Johns Castle
Crescent Shopping Centre (14yr old shopping nirvana with cinemaplex on site)
Brown Thomas
Hunt Museum (lovely food as well as history)

RonMexico

This thread doesn't say much for entertainment in the city does it?

Poxyshamrock

Sure Galway has shops and a cinema and a brown thomas :P

Take her to bunratty.

goingpostal

Stab*City wrote: »

there is actually nothing for a visiting teenager to do in limerick besides shop and eat..

Rob a car and go for a joyride.....

Stab*City

goingpostal wrote: »

Rob a car and go for a joyride.....

Well theres always that but on a serious note i have a teenage daughter not even 14 yet and if i hear her say "im bored" one more time ill check myself into 5B..

There is nothing here for teenagers only the aforementioned.. not sure what your daughter is into but we have a skatepark if shes that way inclined and we only got that last year.. thats about it for things to do for a teenager.. but the shopping is pretty good here..

Africa day should be a good buzz.. free bands always good..

RonMexico

I think the thread raises a valid point regarding entertainment for teenagers in the city. Actually not just for teenagers but even in general. If you are not into the pub scene or you are looking to take your kids/teenagers somewhere to be entertained what exactly are the options. What would you like to see, I'd be interested to hear some opinions on this.

Personally I'd like to see a decent bowling alley that has food/bar in the city, not the outskirts but somewhere in the actual city. One that doesn't rob people blind either. Would be good craic.

Also a decent snooker/pool/darts hall that isn't a kip.

And a cinema in the city, not the bloody outskirts.

An indoor crazy golf course would be a laugh too.

They should scrap that stupid Opera joke of a project and turn the block into an entertainment complex with some nice sports bars,cafes and the above.

Builderfromhell

Developers, business people etc. decide how best to make profit from land, buildings in City Centres. Shopping centres, for example, are designed to get you in (parking), get your money and get you out. They are not there to provide a community or social service.
Likewise with Limerick City centre, with the exception of places like the skateboard park, peoples park, there are few places to go for relaxation or entertainment that are free.
There are few places where people can socialise and interact without going somewhere that exists to make money only.
Communities need to be designed and catered for so that people integrate and socialise together.

ninty9er

RonMexico wrote: »

Also a decent snooker/pool/darts hall that isn't a kip.

St. Michael's is old fashioned, but it's far from a kip.

RonMexico wrote: »

And a cinema in the city, not the bloody outskirts.

We had one, it obviously wasn't viable, but that's more than likely down to the state of the place.

RonMexico wrote: »

An indoor crazy golf course would be a laugh too.

Unigolf is in Castletroy...10 minutes on the bus is hardly miles out of the way.

There's also UL for a walk or the Concert Hall, LIT Millenium Theatre, Thomond Park, Arthur's Quay Park, O'Callaghan Strand boardwalk, Westfields Wetlands, King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral (Protestant), Tait's Clock, St. John's Cathedral, Thomas Street and Fox's Bow are nice street areas with the Sunday Market, and the Milk Market on the Saturday (just up from the hotel).

RonMexico

ninty9er wrote: »

St. Michael's is old fashioned, but it's far from a kip.


We had one, it obviously wasn't viable, but that's more than likely down to the state of the place.


Unigolf is in Castletroy...10 minutes on the bus is hardly miles out of the way.

There's also UL for a walk or the Concert Hall, LIT Millenium Theatre, Thomond Park, Arthur's Quay Park, O'Callaghan Strand boardwalk, Westfields Wetlands, King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral (Protestant), Tait's Clock, St. John's Cathedral, Thomas Street and Fox's Bow are nice street areas with the Sunday Market, and the Milk Market on the Saturday (just up from the hotel).

I've been in St. Michaels...sorry but it is just too much like a musty old attic.

The Savoy was a dump.

Castletroy is not the city as far as I am concerned. I am focusing on the city centre here. UL and LIT likewise.

Arthurs Quay park needs improving, thankfully it is not the dangerous no go area it used to be.

To anyone from Limerick I'd hardly consider any of the other things as entertainment. Once you have seen them then big deal.

Stab*City

ninty9er wrote: »

There's also UL for a walk or the Concert Hall, LIT Millenium Theatre, Thomond Park, Arthur's Quay Park, O'Callaghan Strand boardwalk, Westfields Wetlands, King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral (Protestant), Tait's Clock, St. John's Cathedral, Thomas Street and Fox's Bow are nice street areas with the Sunday Market, and the Milk Market on the Saturday (just up from the hotel).

A 14 yr old would be bored to death by these ideas..

limerick_man

The Main Stage

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The Main Stage will feature a number of high-profile Irish and African acts, including Congolese musician Niwel Tsumbu, with special guests, Mundy, Cathy Davey, Declan O’Rourke and Republic of Loose, The Discovery Gospel Choir, Heartbreak Cartel, and many more.
*
‘African Journey’: the largest teen-drumming event in the country will also be featured on the Main Stage. This performance will be the culmination of a project run by the University Concert Hall’s Participation and Learning Programme. For the month leading up to the Africa Day celebrations in Limerick, students from Ard Scoil Rís, Limerick City; Coláiste na Trocaire (Mercy Community College), Rathkeale, Co. Limerick and Salesian's Secondary School, Limerick City been learning to play African drums. They will put their new-found skills to the test during opening of ‘Africa Day @ Limerick’. 'African Journey' is facilitated for UCH by John Bowker and the Tribal Spirit team

The Culture Section

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Former Limerick Leader journalist Itayi Viriri will host an interactive workshop comparing life in Limerick with life in his native Zimbabwe.
*
Limerick resident Jean Ryan Hakizimana – originally from Rwanda – will exhibit a number of his paintings at the event.
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A stunning exhibition of photographs depicting scenes from Chad – captured by Irish photographer Hu O’Reilly – will also be on display.

Sports Corner

The Football Association of Ireland, the GAA and Munster Rugby will all be on hand to ensure visitors to the event can enjoy sports challenges, skills demonstrations and mini-tournaments.

Kids’ Corner

In addition to the sporting activities on offer, children who visit the event will enjoy giant jigsaw-making activities, face-painting and ‘Extreme Trampoline’.

African Bazaar

Visitors will walk through a bazaar area, comprising stands from Kenya, Lesotho, Congo DR, Cameroon, and Ghana. On offer will be coffee and food-sampling, board games and drumming demonstrations.

RonMexico wrote: »

This thread doesn't say much for entertainment in the city does it?

Seriously?

Some of Ireland biggest bands mixed with some funky musicans from halfway around the world providing the music. Munster, Limerick FC and GAA players helping out with interactive sport challenges and demonstrations, free food, an african bazaar ... all this for free!? i mean, how much does an event need to have before it says something for Limerick non-alcoholic entertainment.

A ticket to see most of those bands would cost upwards of thirty euro, I've been trying to see Mundy and Republic of Loose for the past few months but keep missing them (and will again tomorrow if they play in the evening which I'm sure they will!).

To be honest, any city in the world would be proud to announce this civic event for a random weekend. A few weeks ago we had Riverfest, before that the St. Patricks weekend was great - next weekend the city would have had another huge event around the heineken cup final if munster got through. Its expensive and difficult to host these free events (especially the non alcoholic ones because then you cant even make some money back on them) - no doubt tomorrows event is costing tens of thousands (if not more) to host. Just yesterday almost 20,000 people packed thomond park and across the city and the stadium there was a festival mood, added by the entertainment line up they had and the fireworks (and of course an exciting match). The Crescent Shopping Centre is impressive and unless the Girl is regularly in Dublin, she'd be impressed with the number of stores all in one centre. I think this weekend has a very impressive line up for her considering the size of the city - not normally the case, but i think people are overlooking some of the great events happening this weekend.

Uni-Golf is a one of a kind facility, the only one of its kind in Ireland (and maybe Britain), Limerick can hardly sustain two giant indoor golf venues like that one - I'm sure the one is finding it difficult enough but i know people are flying in fairly often from this side of the EU to use the place - complaining that its a bus ride from the city centre is a bit much.

There is no such thing as a snooker hall type thing that doesnt rip you off, they are there to make money! And 14 year olds would get bored of just having one place to go... hell, let a 14 year old loose around New York and she'd be pretty quick to get bored there too. Its the age more so then the facilities.

Although, saying that i do wish Limerick had a better, bigger and more interactive 'FunWorld' and also a water lesiure centre (a bigger, better Tralee Aquadom), but those things are unlikely to be built in the city if they were and then the kids still wouldnt be able to afford to use them all that often!

RonMexico

:rolleyes:That is one event on this weekend. Yeah great I'll take it. But I am talking about entertainment facilities here.

Riverfest was ****e this year and I never even heard of Unigolf, doesn't say much about advertising or word of mouth if it is as wonderful as you claim.

This "city" is boring and dull and everyone I talk to has pretty much the same opinion.

galwaybabe

Well folks, just back from Limerick. We had a lovely time. Went shopping in town, not much going on there really except for the market which is brilliant! Galway should take note on how the market is organised in Limerick. the choice of produce is so much better in Limerick.
We went out to the Cresent and discovered why the city centre is so dead. Pity really, the Cresent is vacuous and sterile and there is nothing there that you can't find in any other city shopping centre. My daughter, however, was in shopping heaven.
We stayed in a hotel called The Boutique. Very central and very nice staff. A bit noisy though.
I went for a sneaky pint in Nancy Blakes on the recommendation of a taxi driver. Smashing pub and smashing pint. I could have sank a few given the chance.
We ate in a restaurant on O'Connell St that is an Asian fusion restaurant (name evades me). Excellent value. Got the Early Bird menu, 3 courses for €15. Can't go wrong there.
All in all, my daughter loved it. I would definitely come again. Limerick people rock and the city oozes potential. It is somewhere I will be recommending to friends for many years to come.
Thanks again for all the tips.

RonMexico

Glad you enjoyed yourself.

The market is great, it would be nice if it was a daily thing under a roof like in Cork.

You are right about the Crescent killing the city centre. How much more enjoyable would the city be if the stores in the crescent were all on O' Connell St. or even better replacing the ones on William Street.

Nancys is great if you go at the right time.

limerick_man

RonMexico wrote: »

I never even heard of Unigolf, doesn't say much about advertising or word of mouth if it is as wonderful as you claim.

Your right, theres lots of little hidden gems across Limerick City, just gotta open your eyes and explore them!

Here is the website if your interested http://unigolf.ie/

Was anyone else at the africa day today??? Really lots of fun, especially the african drumming and the food - was upset i had to leave early but ended up missing the torrential rain...

Stab*City

limerick_man wrote: »

Was anyone else at the africa day today??? Really lots of fun, especially the african drumming and the food - was upset i had to leave early but ended up missing the torrential rain...

Yes i and my two irish/ethiopian kids and my misses went.. my little guy really enjoyed it even through the rain.. all the music was great i remember thinking if the sun was out i would have stayed for the whole day.. A real family day out for once in limerick.. unlike paddys day which is just a booze up and parade.. lets hope next year the suns out..

jonski

Galwaybabe , how dare you say positive things about the city , I have reported you post to the mods and I feel confident you will be banned from the internet entirely .


Delighted you had a great time , although I had no reason to doubt you would , but I am even more delighted that you took the time to post back your positive experience and that you would recommend it to others . To be fair the city isn't the most exciting ( understatement is my strong suit ) outside of a good rugby weekend , but it has the potential , unfortunately it has had same for a long time . The concerts during the summer should help but with the Celtic tiger gone into long term hibernation we might have to wait a bit .

galwaybabe

jonski wrote: »

Galwaybabe , how dare you say positive things about the city , I have reported you post to the mods and I feel confident you will be banned from the internet entirely .


Delighted you had a great time , although I had no reason to doubt you would , but I am even more delighted that you took the time to post back your positive experience and that you would recommend it to others . To be fair the city isn't the most exciting ( understatement is my strong suit ) outside of a good rugby weekend , but it has the potential , unfortunately it has had same for a long time . The concerts during the summer should help but with the Celtic tiger gone into long term hibernation we might have to wait a bit .

I have been doing nothing but recommend it since I got back. I've already recruited a merry band of heads from Galway for the next visit (this time without teenager in tow). Said teenager is still talking about how "cool" the shopping is by the way.

Well done Limerick, you're a city that deserves a lot more visitors.