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
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
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.
