During week 6 of the semester, while the rest of the course travelled to London for the contemporary design trip, I stayed
in Limerick. At first, I felt like I was missing out, but I decided to use the time to explore what was around me instead and
make the most of it.
I began by visiting the Limerick City Gallery of Art. It’s a place that often gets overlooked, but I found it genuinely
inspiring. Spending time there made me realise that you don’t need to travel to major cities to experience meaningful and
engaging art. The gallery had a quiet atmosphere that allowed me to really focus on the work, and I found myself
appreciating the details in a way I might not have if it had been more crowded or fast-paced.
After that, I spent time walking around the city, paying more attention to statues and architectural details that I would
normally pass without thinking. Landmarks like King John's Castle stood out to me more than usual, and I started to
appreciate the character of the city. While Limerick might not feel as grand or internationally recognised as cities like
London or Paris, I realised that it still has its own charm and history that is worth noticing.
This experience made me curious about other places in Ireland, so during that same week I decided to take a short trip to
Galway. Walking through the city, I explored different monuments and public spaces, including Eyre Square and the
Spanish Arch. Each place had its own atmosphere, and I found the mix of history and everyday life really interesting. It
was inspiring to see how these spaces are used and how they contribute to the identity of the city.
Overall, even though I didn’t go on the London trip, I feel like I made the most of my time. It encouraged me to slow down
and appreciate what’s around me, and it showed me that inspiration isn’t limited to big, well-known destinations.
Sometimes, it’s just about paying closer attention to the places you already have access to.