Much to my surprise, a few years ago, I discovered a public park that I had been unaware of. When I first entered I thought that I had come across the Peoples Park via a different route. My confusion was partly due to the fact that I often explore at random and lose track of my exact location.

Unfortunately, because of my surprise at finding the park, I failed to photograph the outstanding feature of the park which is officially described as follows:“Freestanding concrete gateway, built c. 1940, constructed as a classical triumphal arch, with the effect of ashlar masonry, forming a tripartite arrangement reminiscent of the John Russell gate to the People's Park (Pery Square). This forms the main entrance to O'Brien's Park. Central round-arched opening within elevation having parapet entablature, repeated at lower flanking walls which are punctuated by round-arch pedestrian gateways. Steel gates to all openings. Set back from road, flanked by curved cast-iron railings on concrete plinth wall. An interesting early use of concrete executed in a classical manner. The allusion to a triumphal arch to this modest park enhances the streetscape and is further complimented by being directly opposite the entrances to Limerick Institute of Technology.”

I also failed to explore Clare Street at the time but this visit [April 2022] I took the opportunity to explore the street which features the, already mentioned public park,The Limerick School of Art & Design and Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Church. There are also a few derelict or semi-derelict properties but that is typical throughout the city.

The Limerick School of Art & Design (LSAD) is a world-renowned centre of Art, Design and Media education located on Clare Street, it is only a 4-minute drive or 7-minute walk from the Absolute Hotel Limerick the closest hotel to Limerick School of Art and Design. Founded in 1852, the school has a long history of excellence, with famous graduates including artists such as John Shinnors, Sean Lynch, Donald Teskey and Michael Canning just to name a few. LSAD students have won many national and international awards and the school is renowned for its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. LSAD offers an attractive option to students of art and design and its significant history and reputation make it an appealing choice for students.

Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Church is a simple, but well-executed, example of a pre-Emancipation church that boasts being the first still in-use Catholic church in the city. With its good masonry and fine roof, this structure remains an important component of the streetscape. Generally well-maintained.