‘Busiest Christmas since 2019’ in Limerick
LIMERICK is enjoying a phenomenal start to the Christmas season with reports of it being the busiest festive season this decade.
One city publican says he’s seeing groups of up to 60 people enjoying festive meet-ups together.
After three Christmas seasons which have been impacted by Covid-19 in some way, the craic is certainly back, Robert Byrne, the proprietor of Bobby Byrne’s pub in the city said.
“There’s been a real uplift. People are very positive about Christmas this year. They are not only socialising at regular work events, but they are there on multiple things. They are out with friends, they are out with families, they are out at work dos,” he told the Limerick Leader.
Mr Byrne, who is the local representative of publicans’ trade group, the Vintners Federation of Ireland said the big difference has been larger bookings.
“The atmosphere in the evenings has been great. It’s been a pleasure to work in. A lot of the offices have been booking in big numbers - in 50s and 60s as opposed to 10s and 15s”.
The city and county remain in high gear as the countdown to Christmas Day next Monday enters its final stages.
Christmas came early for youngsters in the Children’s Ark at University Hospital Limerick as hurling star Gearóid Hegarty gave out presents this Tuesday evening.
The five-time All-Ireland winner was on hand to play the role of Father Christmas and ensure there were many happy faces at the facility, which cares for young people up to the age of 16.
There’s still so much going on in Limerick as Santa Claus gears up to arrive on Shannonside.
With this weekend representing the last shopping days before Christmas, council is once again offering free parking spots at its offices in Merchant’s Quay. In Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock and Newcastle West, free parking is available after 2.30pm each day.
On Christmas Day itself, expect to see many brave souls plunging into the River Shannon for a dip to build up their appetites for the big dinner.
And the fun doesn't stop once Christmas Day draws to a close. As always, St Stephen’s Day will bring road tournaments at GAA clubs across the county.
On the same day, the Carrigkerry Wren Boys and Girls will provide a musical backdrop to proceedings in west Limerick. December 26 will also see the start of four days of horse racing action at Limerick Racecourse near Patrickswell.
It’s unlikely Limerick will enjoy a white Christmas, with forecasters predicting a mix of scattered showers and sunny spells for December 25.