Irish Explorer's Journal

25/05/2025

Limerick Civic Trust working to restore, maintain, and promote the historic street environment & built heritage of Limerick City

Limerick City is steeped in Irish heritage, offering a rich store of historical sites in a vibrant and small city-scape. Here are our ten must-visit attractions for a heritage-loving tourist:

King John's Castle – A stunning medieval fortress dating back to the 13th century, offering interactive exhibitions and breathtaking views of the River Shannon.

St. Mary's Cathedral – Founded in 1168, this cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Limerick and Ireland, rich in architectural beauty and historical significance.

The Hunt Museum – Home to an impressive collection of Irish and international artifacts, including works by Picasso and Yeats.

Limerick Museum – A fascinating place to explore the city's history, from Viking settlements to modern-day Limerick.

The Treaty Stone – A significant historical monument marking the signing of the Treaty of Limerick in 1691

St. John's Cathedral – Known for its towering spire, this cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture

Henry Street – A street with deep historical roots, named after Edmund Henry Pery, 1st Earl of Limerick.

St. John's Square – A historic area with Georgian-style architecture, reflecting Limerick’s urban development.

Bishops' Palace – A beautiful building on King's Island, historically linked to Limerick’s religious and civic leadership

While you are there grab something to eat and drink at the Milk Market – While not strictly a heritage site, this bustling market is a cultural institution, offering traditional Irish produce and a lively atmosphere.

19/04/2025

19/04/2025

Fragile hopes of a Fungie revival have been raised after a local fisherman claims he may have spotted the friendly mammal off the county’s coast.

The world-famous dolphin disappeared five years ago after almost four decades in Di**le Bay where he became synonymous with County Kerry.

Fungie made Di**le his home in the early 1980s before becoming a major tourist attraction due to his playful and mischievous personality which endeared him to thousands of locals and tourists.

His disappearance in 2020 caused a major search operation in Di**le Bay that made national and international headlines amid hopes of a return. Marine experts insist he either moved to different waters or died.

But hopes that Fungie might still be out there have been rekindled following a possible sighting in waters between the Blasket Islands and Skellig Michael.

08/01/2025

St.Anne's, the beach house shaped like a ship 🚢 in Derrynane, South Kerry. Built in 1952, for a family from Macroom Co.Cork. Facing west towards Abbey Island and Derrynane, it commands great views of incoming tides , of Wild Atlantic storms and Derrynane Bay in fine weather. It's a fantastic building 🌊💚☘️🚢
-click on photo for full image 💙⚓️
Ferd's Photos 📸

02/01/2025

25/09/2024

⛵️ Last weekend we had 11 young people from the 5th Port Dollymount Sea Scout Group, onboard our vessel. The conditions were challenging but we pulled through.

This weekend, we're taking another group to sea from the 1st Port Scouts. "The sea does not like to be restrained." – Rick Riordan

26/07/2024

03/04/2024

Loher Stone Fort, Co.Kerry 💚☘️.
The Loher Fort was built in the 9th century and served as a fortification of a farm yard.Behind the high walls humans and animals found protection from attackers. Within the Fort, the remains of two buildings can be found, one with a circular layout, the other one with a square layout .
Ferd's Photos 📸

01/04/2024

Printed in Ireland

06/03/2024

IGRS Top Research Tip #92: All of Ireland’s approx 60K townlands are noted on the early 19th century Ordnance Survey maps. The sources for their names are recorded in a series known as the OS Name Books and Letters.

But the added importance of these books & letters is that they also record alternative placenames and subdivisions, many of which are often only used locally.

Search the scanned images here: https://shorturl.at/DJMQ4

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