Lonely Planet guide gives it’s latest review of Limerick
LIMERICK has been described as, “an unflinchingly honest town that doesn’t shy away from it’s tough past as portrayed in Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes,” in the latest Lonely Planet guide to Ireland.
Although the guide begins, “this is a city that generations of people have fled as soon as they could”, overall it gives a favourable impression of the city. It describes local people as friendly, “that old cliché about friendly people really does apply here.
Locals are glad to see you; just pause on a street corner and people will almost certainly start asking if you need directions”.
The guide gives an objective view not often afforded by the media. Under the heading dangers and annoyances, it states, “Reputation and unfortunate nickname ‘Stab City’ aside, central Limerick is not any less safe than other urban Irish areas”.
When described as hardscrabble (bare/ impoverished) it does so in an inoffensive manner. “Even today, trees and other urban amenities are few in town”.
It suggests that there are constant hints that the city is trying to distance itself from this barren image. “Schemes to polish Limerick’s image by making the city more upmarket come and go (during the present economy they’ve vanished)”.
The guide also makes a quip at the city’s present economic make-up: “These days, technological and service industries are major employers. Call a helpline from anywhere in the world and you may be speaking to someone in Limerick (or India)”.
It also jokes that the people of “twee Adare” are somewhat upset by being associated with the “gritty, honest vibrancy” of Limerick City.
Sights reviewed in the Lonely Planet guide include King John’s Castle, Hunt Museum, Georgian House and Garden, Limerick City Gallery of Art, St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick City Museum and Thomond Park Stadium.
Lough Gur, Kilmallock and Adare are also given favourable reviews and are said to contain, “a clutch of outstanding historical sites”.
