THE DOCK CLOCK

Up until the construction of the floating docks in Limerick City at Steamboat Quay bulk product arrived in the city via Arthurs Quay, Merchant’s Quay, Howley’s Quay, Bishop’s Quay, Fisher’s Quay and Harvey’s Quay.

The floating dock was completed in 1853 and opened for business on 26 September 1853. The final cost for construction was £54, 000 of which £39,000 was labourer costs. In 1873 the graving docks were opened by the Earl John Spencer.

The Dock Clock at Steamboat Quay is a substantial carved limestone clock tower or campanile designed by the Harbour Engineer William J. Mall in a Renaissance style. This well crafted tower is a landmark, visible from many parts of the city. Unfortunately, as it is effectively in the middle of a scrap-yard it is not easy to photograph it.

Ireland's tallest hotel, the Clarion Hotel , is located near the Dock clock. The iconic, instantly recognisable 158 bedroom hotel dominates the Limerick city skyline offering guests 360 degree views across the river Shannon and Limerick city. The hotel opened in 2002 and I considered staying there a few times but because of the price ended up staying at the George Hotel. This year because the George was asking for more than Euro 300 for two nights I stayed at Pery's Hotel and was intending to stay there next year but much to my surprise i manage to beet a room at the George for three nights at a rate that I could not refuse.