National Kart Centre Limerick

The event that I have chosen was undertaken on Thursday the 20th of October 2011, I have chosen the National Kart Centre (NKC) in Limerick because of my keen
interest in motorsport and
due to the
compliments I have came across about the centre.

Since I arrived at UL I was anxious to find a facility that deals with some form of motorsport and through various internet searches I came across a forum complimenting the NKC, the boards thread showed numerous pictures of the track and many comments on kart performance, track layout etc.

Following on from the thread I googled the NKC's website. The website is layed out well and gives plenty of useful information. Finding that the track was situated roughly 10 minutes from UL campus I was eager to visit it. The opportunity arose when the UL racing and motorsport society posted a facebook status saying that they were organising an endurance race on Thursday the 20th so I

placed my name down for the event. On arrival to the track we were welcomed, preped and soon ready to race.

The teams were picked and the endurance race began, each team had total control over their kart, fuelling, pit-stops etc. which I found added immensely to the atmosphere of it all. The adrenaline flowed through each one of us as we battled to gain the best time and most laps. The event continued for over an hour with 5 karts at a time racing and constant changes in team drivers, each team with different tactics. We all thoroughly enjoyed the event and will definitely be going again in the near future. Not only does the track hold races but also a national prodrift karting competition is being held there soon. An example of the centres karts in action is linked to this youtube video.

Limerick Milk Market

This market which is called "Milk Market " is one of the greatest events running in the city centre of Limerick city, in Ireland. This market has a great history combing Ireland in the present and England in the past. It was set by the English parliament at 1852, and after a long disapproval of setting this market. In 1898, the Milk market was finally pointed to be for Limerick cooperation after a long struggle between other trustees. This was judged by the court of chancery to let Limerick cooperation managing their own affairs. And in February 1988, issues of debts were terminated when trustees cleared their debts to own this market by paying 508,000 euro, when it was announced from the manager of Limerick city.

It was consisted of butter market, pig market and the hay market, where they were transferred to the new market area. However, Potato market and corn market, which is know as "milk market" is remained. However, the Milk market nowadays consists of widely range of different products. These products combine the ancient and traditional Irish goods with the taste of consumed modern goods, to captivate consumers from different range of perspectives. In behalf of old traditional goods, the milk market is consisted of natural and special different type of cheese having the brand name of Old Irish Creamery, smoked butter formulated from the finest ingredients, and many other similar ancient products in terms arts, plants and cloths, which they reflect the Old Irish Creamery. In terms of the modern goods, this market serve first class burgers, french pies and other modern coffee shops. This market does 13 different types of goods under one roof!, which gives the consumer the appropriate desire in spending nice time over this market.

At the 17th of October 2011, I went to Milk of market in Thomas street and I refined myself once again due to great experience of Irish culture and also to the diversity of different products, which will drive up the satisfaction of people. In my opinion, the milk market is one of the most important places in reflecting the history of Limerick city. The disadvantage that I was there alone because it worths going there with friend especially on Fridays.I think that its a great place to spend couple of hour in such weekends, as it does not run during the week days.

Amar Hariri ( 10003073 )

King John's Castle

King John's Castle is a 13th century castle found on King's Island in the center of medieval Limerick City. Overlooking the Shannon River, this place offers some impressive views of the city as well as having its own personal history.

History

Before 1200 rolled around there were large earthen defences erected on high river ground to protect the river crossing. In the following centuries it was repaired and extended several times. In 1642 the Great Siege almost ran Limerick and the city to the ground. Siege mines weakened the front wall (East curtain wall in case you were wondering) of the castle and countersiege mines were used during the later and subsequent sieges. To date roughly 1000 objects have been excavated (including skeletal remains). What was left of a medieval garrison and soldiers quarters was recently found near the sallyport area of the castle and can be seen from the courtyard. A couple of houses believing to be of Viking origin were unearthed during recent restorations of the castle and are worth checking out if you're interested. Between 1690 & 1691 the Williamite sieges led to the Treaty of Limerick being signed. The Treaty Stone is said to be the site of the document's signing and can be seen on the far shore of the river from the battlements. The Pre-Norman Limerick features found here are both defensive and settlement. Good evidence of an early defence system and a strong earthen rampart, revetted with limestone boulders and protected by a deep ditch show that this castle was built on an existing fortification. The castle itself retains many of its pioneering features, making its construction unique to this day. Its massive gate house, battlements and corner towers are currently waiting to be explored by visitors while the armoury and its contents remain as evidence of its turbulent history.

A Brief Tour of the Castle

1. The main entrance (of course).

2. A reconstruction of a medieval courtyard displaying some of the trades and conditions of the 16th century.

3. Cylindrical towers fortified the corners of the castle, stopping any attack on the walls (sort of). This is the north-east tower and is well worth checking out to hear what King John has to say about himself.

4. Any attacker who managed to get over the moat and drawbridge (as far as the main gate itself was concerned) had to deal with this strong portcullis which further protects the main door.

5. The wall along the battlements still connects the gatehouse to the corner towers, but today it's a rather nice walk without an enemy to take you down (provided you don't fall off of course).

6.The tops of the corner towers give panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. This "fayre city", along with the river, is a sight worth seeing.

7. The window seats in the north-west tower show signs of domesticity. This was where the constable resided in. As it was the strongest room it housed all the valuables. The mint is also found in this tower.

8. This wall's part of the 18th century Castle Barracks.

9. Archaeological excavations were carried out here from 1993-1995. This area will be open to visitors once all walls, doorways and paths have been restored.

10. Also found and exposed is the sallyport (the side entrance), in the castle wall, ready for a quick escape or a secret entrance.

11. The south-west tower now details 17th century events of sieges, treaties and prominent personalities of the time.

12. The archaeological excavations and the evidence there from, are presented in situ beneath the interpretative building. The stairs in the area lead up to the shop and exit.

13. Next door, outside the Castle Walls, the buildings are made of bricks or stone salvaged from demolished buildings in the city. These provide retailing, restaurant and pub facilities for the traveller of today.

14. The Tavern at the Castle is a unique licensed bar themed in the 18th century and is available for special functions.

Here's the URL if anyone's interested in checking out the site:

http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/KingJohnsCastle/