Preview of Pre-TBEX Press Trip – Limerick, City of Culture 2014
Duration: 3 days
Dates: Depart Dublin, Sunday, 29th September and returns Tuesday, 01st October

Visit the Majestic, Riverside City of Limerick –
Ireland’s First City of Culture 2014

Limerick is a bustling University city famed for its rugby legends and sporting passion and for its warmth and home town feel. More recently it has become known as a cultural hotbed, and as it prepares to become Ireland’s First City of Culture in 2014, there’s never been a better time to visit and experience its diverse cultural offering firsthand. On Limerick’s doorstep, is what is often called the Eight World of the World – The Iconic Cliffs of Moher which really are a ‘must-see’. People also love Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest village and the famous Bunratty Folk Village. Bring your camera, some good walking shoes and a keen appetite for local specialities and adventure…

Day 1 –Sunday, 29th September 2013

Depart Dublin 08:30

Arrive Cliffs of Moher 11:30

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most iconic images and one of the top visitor attractions in the country. Towering over the wild Atlantic ocean, you will be given a guided tour of the Cliffs and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the landscape.

Depart Cliffs 12:30, Arrive Bunratty at 13:30

Lunch at Durty Nelly’s – one of Ireland’s oldest and most famous pubs. Legend has it that Nelly herself introduced the potent alcoholic beverage ‘Poteen’ to Ireland….

Visit BunrattyCastlethe most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland and its historic Folk Park.

15:00

Limerick City of Culture themed scavengers hunt (duration 1.5 – 2 hours): followed by a Literary Limerick tour and Competition (1 hour). The Limerick is a verse form which originated in Croom, Co. Limerick in the 18th Century. Limerick invites TBEX delegates to a ‘Limericks’ Slam’ with fun for all including a competition and entertainment.

19:00

Dinner at brasserie in city centre

21:00

Limerick is Ireland’s first ever National City of Culture 2014 in honour of the city’s a rich Sporting, Fashion, Gastronomic and Musical heritage. This weekend sees the city celebrate its annual International Jazz Festival. Delegates will soak up the culture and atmosphere of the festival this evening.

Day 2 – Monday, 30th September

09:00

This morning delegates will be immersed in the Fashion heritage of the city with a visit to the newly extended Limerick City Gallery of Art to experience the best of contemporary art through the extensive exhibition programme. Difference Engine, a local collective including an exhibition of paintings to mixed media, will be installing on the First Floor and TBEX delegates are invited to see behind the scenes. Looking at Limerick City through the eyes of a graffiti artist doesn’t involve a balaclava and risk of a criminal record. Artists have used sophisticated methods to make their mark on the city with the blessing of the City Council, celebrating the approach to Limerick’s urban art tradition. Delegates are invited to look at the City Centre interventions and meet the artists involved.

11:00

Next we take a trip to the Hunt Museum, in the heart of the city with wonderful views over the River Shannon. The museum houses a diverse collection of antiquities and fine and decorative art from Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Olmec civilisation, with archaeological material ranging from Neolithic flints and Bronze Age material. The collection was donated by the Hunt family and unbelievably all the art and artefacts you will see during the exhibition were for the family’s own personal collection and many items were kept in the family home as decorative ornaments!

Tour will be followed by a workshop (TBC) for delegates.

12:15

Enjoy lunch in the relaxed surroundings of the Hunt Café downstairs in the Hunt Museum, followed by a tour to Thomond Park stadium where you will be guided through the history and heritage of Munster rugby in Limerick and see the sights of the marvellous new stadium. Delegates will also be treated to an activity in the afternoon! (Arrive Thomond Park at 12:30, finish tour at 13:00, activity at 13:30, finish at 15:30)

15:30

Delegates will enjoy free time to refresh for this evening’s activities

16:30

Private tour of the newly redeveloped and iconic King John’s Castle: As one of the few administrative castles remaining in Ireland today, this interactive exhibition encapsulates the rich history of the city from the days of King John's reign to the present day. Not just one for the history buffs, the castle experience is something for all to enjoy.

TBEX delegates are invited to a Mayoral reception, apanoramic view of the city and River Shannon from the castle’s ‘looking glass’ exhibition area. The reception will befollowed by an informal dinner (possibly BBQ) and traditional music session in the Curraghgower Bar overlooking the River Shannon.

Day 3, Tuesday- 1st October

Morning

Depart for Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum. Foynes was the original “Shannon Airport” and the layover for transatlantic bound flying boats in the 1940’s. The museum is housed in the original terminal building in Foynes and recalls that nostalgic era when Foynes became the centre of the aviation world from 1937 to 1945. You will be given a guided tour of the museum and learn to make (and maybe taste!) Irish coffee – a skill that will make you very popular with all your friends!! Foynes is the birthplace of the famous beverage!

Visit Adare, Ireland’s Prettiest Village. A picturesque village dotted with traditional thatched cottages and a bustling atmosphere, delegates will have the time to explore the sights of the village including Desmond Castle and the old monastery. Refreshments will be served at the 5* Adare Manor & Golf Resort.

Depart Adare

Visit to Kildare Village Chic Outlet Shopping, the ultimate shopping tourism destination

Country Kildare is known for its great golf, horse-racing, picturesque villages and wonderful countryside. And Kildare Village Chic Outlet Shopping has built a reputation for offering a fantastic luxury shopping experience. Situated close to the heritage village of Kildare in landscaped grounds and presented in an authentic village environment,Kildare Villageis label and shopping heaven and a tourist destination in its own right. Kildare Village is one of the Collection of nineChic Outlet Shopping®Villages operated in Europe by Value Retail and is defined by its luxury brands, a charming open-air ‘village’ setting, a great year-round calendar of events and exceptional value for money.Enjoy some downtime browsing 60 exclusive Irish and international brands offering luxury for less in a chic and casual open-air environment.

Return to Dublin