Lulu’s Virtual Tour of Ireland. County Limerick

Hi everyone. I hope I find you all well wherever you are in the world. During all of these past weeks at home, it has given me so much joy to share this virtual tour of Ireland with you. I just want to thank you all again for your lovely feedback and kind comments-It really does mean so much. So this week the journey continues and off we go to County Limerick. Let’s get started!

County Limerick’s Hidden Gems

1. Golden Vale

Get ready for some classic Irish countryside! The Golden Vale refers to an area of rolling hills and pastures measuring approximately fourteen miles long by seven miles wide. It takes in counties Tipperary and Cork as well as County Limerick. The Golden Vale is hailed as the best land in the whole country for dairy farming. The Golden Vale Drive takes you through this lush green landscape. You can really see up close why Ireland is often called The Emerald Isle!

2. Clare Glens

So next up we’re heading to the nearby Clare Glens. This woodland walkers paradise is situated on the Clare River. The river divides County Limerick and County Tipperary. There are number of well sign posted walks which form part of Ireland’s network of National Looped Walks. Here you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of this lush forest landscape. The sound of the gushing river and waterfalls provide the perfect soundtrack. So blissful!

3. Adare Manor

So who’s in the mood for some 5-star luxury? Feast your eyes on the stunning Adare Manor! The current house dates back to the 19th century. The manor house sits majestically on the banks of the River Maigue in the picturesque village of Adare. Today it is a 5-star hotel and golf resort. It was voted Ireland’s Leading Hotel for 3 years running from 2010-2012. The golf course also hosted the Irish Open in 2007 and 2008.

4. Askeaton Friary

So next up we’re going to take a 20 minute drive west to some impressive medieval ruins. They lie north of the village of Askeaton on the banks of the River Deel. Askeaton Friary was originally built in the late 14th or early 15th century by one of the Fitzgerald dynasty – Earls of Desmond. Large parts of the church, sacristy and cloister arcade survive. Impressive features include carvings of St. Francis of Assisi, stone seating and many tombs of the Fitzgerald clan.

5. Terra Nova Fairy Garden

So now we reach our final stop on the tour. Time to take a well earned rest in the enchanting Terra Nova Fairy Garden. Situated in Dromin and back where we started in the Golden Vale. While this privately owned garden covers only over half an acre, it seems a whole lot bigger with its many nooks and crannies. It is wonderfully quirky and contains a stunning collection of plants and flowers. The area is steeped in folklore and beyond the garden lies an ancient fairy fort. Watch out for the fairy houses as you explore its many winding paths!

Time to sign off now. Thanks so much for your company on the tour.

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu