CLARE STREET PARK IN LIMERICK [ALSO KNOWN AS OBRIENS PARK]

Much to my surprise I discovered a public park that I was unaware of. When I first entered because of the park shelter I thought that I had come across the Peoples Park via a different route.

O’Brien’s Park on Clare St has a children’s playground, park shelter and a cast iron drinking fountain which may be Victorian.


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.”