what's the best thing about Limerick city.

Mutant z

We hear about all the bad rap that Limerick city gets in the media about gangland violence and murder, and its nickname stab city, and yes the likes of Southill, Moyross, and Ballinacurra etc, have suffered from huge social problems, but what are the good points of Limerick, the obvious would be Munster rugby, but what else springs to mind.

Poxyshamrock

The Locke on a sunny day...if you manage to get a seat that is!

washman3

Any road that takes you away from it....:D

jacksie66

This post has been deleted.

Silentcorner

When we can stop justifying ourselves against that bored/tired narrative including that repugnant nickname will be the best thing about this city...but it seems we are not there yet!

CWF

Thomand Park and UL.

Exeggcute

jacksie66 wrote: »

Chicken Hut, Donkey Fordes and Enzos..

Three junk food outlets.

Am I the only one tired of these places getting trotted out as something to be proud of regarding Limerick?

In terms of food, they are pure muck. Donkeys is located in one of the worst parts of the city. That street is a run down ghetto.

yermanoffthetv

The people. Down to earth, unpretentious and a natural dry wit only a Shannonsider could wield.

Also the peoples park, that place is such an under utilised asset its criminal. It should be paraded as jewel in the city's crown like st Stephens green not tucked away and ignored like it is.

happyoutscan

Youre talking ****e. The Dundons are well dinked.

thesandeman

I don't get there much now, but thirty years ago I would have said the Sunday afternoon session in the Parkway and then on to Buddy's with a stop off at Collins's's.
Used to hitch down from Galway especially for that.
Still a lovely city imo.

panda100

• A Saturday morning stroll around the Milk Market. A feast for the senses.
• A picnic in peoples park while watching an impromtu game of cricket from our diverse migrant communities.
• An evening run along the banks of the River Shannon immersed in nature along the city to UL path.
• A pint with friends in The Curraghower Bar or JJ Boules while looking out over the spectacular views of the Cuuraghower falls or the historic King Johns Castle.
• Shopping up William Street and seeing colourful characters from all walks of life.
• Walking along the beautiful Sarsfield Bridge and passing horse-drawn carriages and rowers on the river
• Every possible amenity within walking/cycling distance with no heavy traffic.
  
• But far and above this all is the people, whom are witty, friendly, a bit eccentric and mad, but welcoming and warm.

Knit wit

I'm not a native of the city but I love it.

I love that Limerick city is a place people live. There are so many small streets full of houses close to the city, the people use the city like a village which adds vibrancy the city. IMHO we need more housing options in the city where people can reap the benefits of living in the city.

I too love the people's park and shelbourne park.;) I think arthurs quay park is a missed opportunity however.

Berty

I'm happy about it's lower levels of traffic compared to other cities. People may think our traffic is bad in Limerick but it's nothing compared to the other cities.

Phoenix Wright

panda100 wrote: »

.
• Shopping up William Street and seeing colourful characters from all walks of life.

This one got to me

CPTM

Angela's Ashes wrote:

Out in the Atlantic Ocean great sheets of rain gathered to drift slowly up the River Shannon and settle forever in Limerick

This Frank McCourt quote summarised my time spent in Limerick.

I have to say, if it wasn't for the rain it would be a really nice place to live. Sure it has its rough places, but a lot less riff raff than Dublin these days in my opinion.

With the expected urbanisation that the council seem to be going ahead with I think it would be a major alternative to Dublin.

If it wasn't for the weather.

Glenomra

Interesting topic. for me its shops that are different in some way; including Lady's Lane in Catherine street [has that element of surprise], a few other antique shops also, Matthew Stephen's jewellers, O'Mahonys and Celtic bookshops, Gleeson's sports store, tobacconist in Wickham Street. Any others

Imallrightjack

CPTM wrote: »

This Frank McCourt quote summarised my time spent in Limerick.

I have to say, if it wasn't for the rain it would be a really nice place to live. Sure it has its rough places, but a lot less riff raff than Dublin these days in my opinion.

With the expected urbanisation that the council seem to be going ahead with I think it would be a major alternative to Dublin.

If it wasn't for the weather.

I have to say if this was a thread about things you hate about Limerick he would be top of the list.

Shelbourne park is a great place.the Condell road walk to coonagh is really nice.and going to a match at Thomond park can't be beaten.also the milk market for a stroll around and dolans for a gig or two.

Balmed Out

Not from or living in limerick but having a castle in the city centre is fantastic.

johnnyryan89

One of the best things about Limerick for me is being centrally located in the mid west. Love the outdoors, getting out to take photos and its dead handy that you've got places like Kerry, Galway, Clare and North Tipp close by.

In the city itself would be walks along the canal, Condell road and riverside which could be so much better if the council put just a smidgen of effort into it.

Thomond Park. Its my favorite place in the city. Me and the lads actually make a really big deal out of match day. Any match at all. Book a meal, few pints, stroll to the stadium, watch match and hit the town afterwards. Win or lose. We've been doing it years and its one of those things we'll grow old doing.


I was in the mayors office recently too. I'd say its purposely designed to have the best view of Limerick. From the balcony you can see most of the landmarks in the city while looking down the Shannon. We really live in an epic place.

chicorytip

The most beautiful noise created by the pealing of the Redemptorist Church bells. It really can gladden the heart and lift the spirits.

Straight Talker

The Georgian archtitecture, the river front, King Johns Castle.Limerick is a great city with great character.It doesn't put on false tourist fronts and false touristy facades and pretences unlike some other cities.I wish some natives would lose the persecution complex and accept it when people bring up flaws about the city.How can we improve Limerick if we are blind to it's faults and flaws?But to finish up the people make the city.Their so kind warm friendly and they don't put on airs and graces.I love Limerick a lot.

Exeggcute

Straight Talker wrote: »

It doesn't put on false tourist fronts and false touristy facades and pretences unlike some other cities.

That may be so but those other cities are thronged with tourists in the summer whilst Limerick is dead in comparison.

Our tourist office is closed on Sundays for god sake.

Limerick City does tourism badly. Very badly.

Exeggcute

The fantastic riverfront from King John's Castle up to Limerick Docks and the Abbey river by the Locke Bar.

It is by FAR the best thing about our city and it is a damn shame that we don't utilise it more and that most of our city has its back to the river.

purplesnack

CPTM wrote: »

This Frank McCourt quote summarised my time spent in Limerick.

I have to say, if it wasn't for the rain it would be a really nice place to live. Sure it has its rough places, but a lot less riff raff than Dublin these days in my opinion.

With the expected urbanisation that the council seem to be going ahead with I think it would be a major alternative to Dublin.

If it wasn't for the weather.

I think Frank McCourt had a very blinkered view of Limerick and people have latched onto that. It gets less rainfall than most of the west and is more comparable to the east of the country. http://www.met.ie/climate-ireland/rainfall.asp. In fact, the longest absolute drought was recorded in.....Limerick! https://www.met.ie/climate-ireland/weather-extremes.asp

Anyway, for me, the people are the best thing about Limerick. No pretentiousness, down to earth, with a great dry sense of humour.

Silentcorner

purplesnack wrote: »

I think Frank McCourt had a very blinkered view of Limerick and people have latched onto that. It gets less rainfall than most of the west and is more comparable to the east of the country. http://www.met.ie/climate-ireland/rainfall.asp. In fact, the longest absolute drought was recorded in.....Limerick! https://www.met.ie/climate-ireland/weather-extremes.asp

Anyway, for me, the people are the best thing about Limerick. No pretentiousness, down to earth, with a great dry sense of humour.

Frank McCourt was a writer who wrote a book about his childhood/youth using as much artistic licence he could along with a dysfunctional upbringing...he won a Pulitzer prize for his efforts...this is where our image problem (as opposed to a persecution complex) confuses things...we can get very sensitive very quick, understandably I'd say...this city has had an image problem that is now 4 decades old!

For me, the completely unpretentious nature of the place along with a razor sharp humour are our standout characteristics but I love the creativity and confidence of our talented people, it manifests itself in our music/art/theatre/sport/comedians...it can justifiably claim to be one of Irelands most creative hotspots...

Spudmonkey

Balmed Out wrote: »

Not from or living in limerick but having a castle in the city centre is fantastic.

I went in a year ago to try get some night shots of the castle only to find out the entire thing was in darkness. Is the castle lit up at night or not?

panda100

Phoenix Wright wrote:

This one got to me

I know I should say something loftier like viewing the exhibitions in Limerick City Art Gallery but there's something about William St that does it for me. Its the mix of characters and shops. I don't think you get that in Dublin or Cork 😊

chicorytip wrote:

The most beautiful noise created by the pealing of the Redemptorist Church bells. It really can gladden the heart and lift the spirits.

Oh yes this is definitely one I agree with. We lived right beside The Redemptorist when I was younger and I used to love the pealing of those bells. It always give me a lift when i hear them on a Sunday morning.

Just after walking by the river and all along Clancy Strand and the riverfront is just beautiful at twilight.

I also love little Catherine Street on a Saturday morning for a coffee and people watching. Its such a quirky little street with a great blend of cafes and shops.

Stab*City

The river, the riverside and the castle. They are the best things about Limerick City. I mean c'mon 'the locke bar' & 'The most beautiful noise created by the pealing of the Redemptorist Church bells' are you people for real?

Insect Overlord

Alas, we're still a long way off open-mindedness and allowing people to express their own unique personal opinions...

Stab*City

Stab*City wrote: »

The river, the riverside and the castle. They are the best things about Limerick City. I mean c'mon 'the locke bar' & 'The most beautiful noise created by the pealing of the Redemptorist Church bells' are you people for real?

Are you for real having a go at the people of Limerick with a username like that?

Stab*City

Insect Overlord wrote: »

Alas, we're still a long way off open-mindedness and allowing people to express their own unique personal opinions...

Cmon will ya. Church bells and a pub the best things about Limerick City? Or did you mean his close mind towards my username?

Stab*City

Snotaul Goodman wrote: »

Are you for real having a go at the people of Limerick with a username like that?

And what about poor Saul Goodman? Its a username get over it.

osarusan

Just one small thing about the castle - it should be lit up a lot more at night. The whole castle in general is poorly lit, and basically in darkness apart from the side facing the river.

One example of this is when you walk towards the bridge, you pass this huge door at the top of some steps, and it should be lit up from a low angle to emphasise the size and character of it.

Stab*City

osarusan wrote: »

Just one small thing about the castle - it should be lit up a lot more at night. The whole castle in general is poorly lit, and basically in darkness apart from the side facing the river.

One example of this is when you walk towards the bridge, you pass this huge door at the top of some steps, and it should be lit up from a low angle to emphasise the size and character of it.

Agreed. I was just at that door taking pics with the kids recently. In a race between the castle and the locke bar i know who my winner is every time.

Stab*City

Stab*City wrote: »

And what about poor Saul Goodman? Its a username get over it.

Thats not my username but anyway...

Paddico

St Marys Cathedral
King Johns Castle
Milk Market on Saturday
Thomond Park Match Nights
Watching Limerick FC

Stab*City

Snotaul Goodman wrote: »

Thats not my username but anyway...

My point exactly its a username don't worry about it.

Insect Overlord

Stab*City wrote: »

Cmon will ya. Church bells and a pub the best things about Limerick City? Or did you mean his close mind towards my username?

The thread would be boring if everyone just posted the same few things, in fairness. We all know how beautiful the River Shannon is. Same with the architecture of King's Island and other buildings around town (St. John's Cathedral, the Georgian houses, etc.) Same with the big match atmosphere in Thomond Park and the Gaelic Grounds for sports fans.

It's just nice to get some more outside-the-box ideas as well. We have a great scene for art and creative writing, for example, which wouldn't get much attention compared to the big hitters which you mentioned.

Stab*City

Insect Overlord wrote: »

The thread would be boring if everyone just posted the same few things, in fairness. We all know how beautiful the River Shannon is. Same with the architecture of King's Island and other buildings around town (St. John's Cathedral, the Georgian houses, etc.) Same with the big match atmosphere in Thomond Park and the Gaelic Grounds for sports fans.

It's just nice to get some more outside-the-box ideas as well. We have a great scene for art and creative writing, for example, which wouldn't get much attention compared to the big hitters which you mentioned.

I hear ya but the title asked whats the best thing. So i guess those things you and I mentioned are the best things in Limerick. I'm not sure creative writing would get a look in really. And the church bells and sunny afternoons in a pub actually sound like creative writing to me.

I'm just thinking in terms of the city itself. Of course i love the people the most but it terms of the streets of Limerick itself the castle and the river have to be our biggest treasures.

source

Stab*City wrote: »

I hear ya but the title asked whats the best thing. So i guess those things you and I mentioned are the best things in Limerick. I'm not sure creative writing would get a look in really. And the church bells and sunny afternoons in a pub actually sound like creative writing to me.

I'm just thinking in terms of the city itself. Of course i love the people the most but it terms of the streets of Limerick itself the castle and the river have to be our biggest treasures.

The thing about this thread is the question leads to a totally subjective answers.

What one person perceives as being the best thing about the city, another will think to be the worst.

This is one of the situations where you truly cannot argue with an opinion, as the question leads to the respondent giving their personal preference, as such, there is no wrong answer, only disagreement from those who don't share the same view.

L.T.P.

One of the best things for me is the fact that its so easy to get from one side of the city to the other via the motorway network. Its also great that Lahinch is less than an hour away.

Its also fantastic that the city centre appears to be regaining its vibrancy and the plans for the Opera centre etc are finally taking shape. The university is a fantastic amenity as are Thomond Park and the Gaelic Grounds even if they are under utilised outside of sporting events.

Limerick is definitely on the up and will only get better!!!

riverrocked

The best thing about Limerick to me is the variety of food in a small area. I think there is more choice here than any where else in the country. The Thomas Street area is great. We really should push our food tourism more.

zulutango

I live in the city centre, and much of what I like about Limerick is linked to that, and it also won't resonate with those who live outside the centre. It's easy for me to get around, so much so that I was able to get rid of my car last year and get around by bike or renting a car the odd time. When GoCar comes in a few months then it'll be even easier. At the drop of a hat I can go and meet somebody for a pint. Or I can go to two or three meetings or events in the evenings easily enough.

It's inexpensive (partly because I don't have the expense of a car). Generally the cost of living is low and the wages are good.

I have lots of leisure time (mainly because I don't have to commute) and plenty of spare cash and this means I have a good social life. I'm not sure what I'd change to be honest. Basically, Limerick gives me a lifestyle that I probably would not be able to have elsewhere.

Then, there's other important things. We're near the west coast and all the great things that it offers, and some really beautiful countryside in County Clare and County Tipperary especially. (I've found that not having a car isn't the disadvantage that I'd have expected it to be. I find myself out and about in our rural hinterland as much as I did before.)

Limerick City has a good community too. I guess it's a small enough city that a lot of people know each other, to see at least, and quite often they know each other well. That feeds into the good social scene. It's not necessarily about going to pubs all the time, but it's the chats on the street or in the market or in the sports clubs. So many social circles overlap. Perhaps it's because I come from here, but I've heard non-Limerick people say the same, and I've never discovered this in any other city I've lived in, so I think it's a Limerick thing.

There's a lot of little things that add up, but they make living here really enjoyable place to live, despite its faults.

Stab*City

Stab*City wrote: »

My point exactly its a username don't worry about it.

I'm not worried about anything. I just wonder why we can't have an opinion about the city without being slated.

Stab*City

Snotaul Goodman wrote: »

I'm not worried about anything.

Ok well that's good. Your previous comment lead me to believe otherwise.

Snotaul Goodman wrote: »

I just wonder why we can't all just get along.

Im sorry, please forgive me.

Poxyshamrock

I still stand by my answer Stab*City. I've been away from Limerick during the good weather over the last few weeks and I'd have killed to be at the Locke during that time. I know it's just a pub but I think when the sun is shining and it's packed to the rafters, there's no where like it. Maybe it's cos of its location on your beloved riverside! :pac:

Stab*City

Poxyshamrock wrote: »

I still stand by my answer Stab*City. I've been away from Limerick during the good weather over the last few weeks and I'd have killed to be at the Locke during that time. I know it's just a pub but I think when the sun is shining and it's packed to the rafters, there's no where like it. Maybe it's cos of its location on your beloved riverside! :pac:

Ah ya sher I'm sure if your that way inclined and it was a hot day it would be great craic. Honestly in the heat i could think of nothing worse than spending it at a pub. But horses for courses.

Ok so if we are talking about things we think are fun to do in Limerick as opposed to what is the best thing about the actual city then there are loads of things.. but if its about the actual streets and places then the river and johns castle are tops for me. Just looking at them gives you a sense of pride in the actual city i think.

zulutango

Not a huge fan of the Locke myself. Never thought the atmosphere or service were particularly good, and they ruined it when they ripped out the old bar. It's amazing it's the only place in the city centre which has a nice outdoor area that gets a lot of sunshine. The Curraghower faces north so it doesn't get the evening sun. Otherwise it would be a super spot.

johnnyryan89

Stab*City wrote: »

Ok so if we are talking about things we think are fun to do in Limerick as opposed to what is the best thing about the actual city then there are loads of things.. but if its about the actual streets and places then the river and johns castle are tops for me. Just looking at them gives you a sense of pride in the actual city i think.

It's a pity that the street leading up to the castle is a bit of a dump though. Clancy strand and the civic area are nice but once you get onto Nicholas St its a right dump. At one end of it you've got St Mary's cathedral and on the other end the castle, is there another place in Ireland that has that so close to their city centre?

panda100

johnnyryan89 wrote: »

It's a pity that the street leading up to the castle is a bit of a dump though. Clancy strand and the civic area are nice but once you get onto Nicholas St its a right dump. At one end of it you've got St Mary's cathedral and on the other end the castle, is there another place in Ireland that has that so close to their city centre?

Nicholas Street is one of my favourite things about Limerick. Not only is there St Marys Cathedral leading all the way to King Johns castle, sandwiched in between is St Mary's Aid/Widows alm house which is a lovely building. St Marys aid are also in the process of building a boat building school in premises beside Tracey's shop. Work on that has begun and will be a great community amenity when finished. I also love the shop front for 'Once upon a time'.

It's a pity the rest of the street is so derelict. There is a real chronic problem there with vans and cars parking on the pavements blocking access for many. I really do not think cars should be allowed along this street. All in all its such a missed opportunity for the city.