Life Love and Limerick

The new italian restaurant in Limerick, Marco Polo is one of the best deals in town. It is directly accross for Chocolat.

I also love Chocolat, but the Marco Polo deal offers a two course lunch (the same offering as Chocolat) : Dinner and Appetizer or Dessert, and Coffee or Tea for 5 euro cheaper. When your on a  student budget 5 Euro makes all the difference.

The decor is really nice, and modern. The place bathrooms and all is immaculate. The food is delicious and cheap, and the staff is nice. They even have a nice waiting area with upholstered seats and magazines, which helps the decision making process when there is a half hour wait at the surrounding restaurants.

The service is a little slow, but I didn’t mind since I like sitting and talking. If you were in a rush, this wouldn’t be the place to go but if your looking for a nice italian lunch, at a low price I think Marco Polo is one of your best options. 

The vegetable pizza is my personal favorite! 

Rag week just passed. Unfortunately I was working too much to enjoy the full extent but I did attend a few events on campus, and got out one night. We don’t have the same tradition in the states but as a student, I can say it was a wonderful time. 

That being said I understand the frustration of surrounding residents. I read the articles  in the Limerick leader which were titled “Residents Under Siege in Limerick Estate During UL “Charity Week”” also the article, “Student arrests during “Charity Week” in UL”. Both articles highlight a reality of charity week. Things are broken, residence are angry, and yes a fair amount of students drink too much. 

I know I am writing from an obviously bias stand point and realize that if I was living in Limerick as a private resident this would obviously bother me too. At the same time, it is important to realize the UL raises tons of money for charity each year during and outside of charity week. I myself, have been to 3 events outside of charity week, this semester alone which raise money for organizations such as MIlford Hospice. 

It is justified for residents to be upset about the damage caused to the surrounding neighborhood as a result of RAG week. That being said, I think it would be fair to dedicate some press to the positive things UL students, and the University do during the week. Tons of students not only raise money but volunteer for charity events, and to take care of the students making bad choices. More importantly thousands of dollars are poured in to local businesses in addition to charity.The final number on the amount raised will not be out until next week but they are already sure it is in the thousands. 

I am unsure of the fate of RAG week, or wether or not its benefits outweigh its costs. Next year, maybe it would be a god idea to have local residents to meet with student representatives before it takes place. The type of strained relationship formed as a result of the few students who act inappropriately should not completely overshadow the accomplishments of the others. 

The Limerick Milk Market is an absolutely wonderful place. The food is eclectic, exciting and delicious. Bon Appetit  makes fabulous Crepes, there is also a stand for tea I really like and a cake stand that is UNREAL.

I don’t know why but there doesn’t seem to be many tourists ever at the market. It is a really good spot that shows another side of Limerick. 

To me this is the real “Ireland”. Unlike the postcards tell us there is more to Ireland than fiddles, castles, or cows. Even though all of these things exist and are a wonderful part of an Irish tourism experience, it is doing travelers a disservice to only take them to attractions entrenched in the past.

Although there is something to be said for catering to tourists perceptions and desires, presenting a new truthful depiction of Irish life is beneficial as well. The hustle and bustle of an Irish city is a reality that is intriguing and the polar opposite of most marketing campaigns directed at tourists.

Changing the perception of tourists by leading them to attraction that highlights everyday life in today’s Ireland may serve to regain some of its lost tourism appeal. Maybe people are interested in things outside of the places and spaces which have been linked to Ireland for so long because they feel it is inauthentic. 

Tourists may like the diverse multicultural experience many Irish Cities, particularly Limerick has to offer. This is the Ireland that I live in and love. The Ireland that I think most tourists never see.