WATCH: Tractor and trailer get stuck in medieval archway in Limerick town
BUILDERS of a walled town in the 13th century didn't foresee tractors and trailers in the future as one driver found to his cost in Kilmallock this week.
He was transporting a load of straw through the town's Blossom Gate on Emmet Street and he didn't come up smelling of roses. As a video, which has been widely shared on social media, shows - it was a tight squeeze, a little too tight.
There were long traffic delays in the town due to the sticky situation. Limerick Live understands air had to be left out of the tyres to solve the problem.
Gardaí confirmed they are investigating a single vehicle road traffic collision that occurred on Emmet Street, Kilmallock at approximately 1.05pm on Wednesday, January 4.
"The trailer of a commercial vehicle collided with an archway causing material damage. No injuries were reported. Enquiries are ongoing," said a garda spokesperson.
Despite the clearly visible warning sign on the maximum height for vehicles, the man behind the wheel shouldn't feel too bad as a similar incident occurred in the city in 2021 (story below).
Kilmallock is an important Norman town and was at the centre of Ireland’s political development from the 13th through to the 17th centuries, a history that is evident through the rich architectural heritage that is the town’s national monuments.
The first reference to the town’s defences dates to the 1280s. Kilmallock’s medieval town walls are first mentioned in a murage grant from 1308, which refers to the enclosing and strengthening of the town to protect its inhabitants.
There were at least five gates that led into the walled town - Water Gate, Ivy Gate, North Gate, External Gate/ Friar's Gate and Blossom Gate, which unfortunately for the tractor driver is the only remaining of the five gates originally part of its medieval wall.