Stretched as tightly as is possible.
Mount Kenneth and contemporary art seems like an odd combination. The Shannon can be seen and the self destructing flags devour themselves in the estuary gales. Down the side of Jury's Inn a piece of text that reads "Stretched as tightly as is possible" is embedded in the concrete. It doesn't look like art, it doesn't read well (a bit like this blog post) yet it's curiously delightful. No doubt this artwork has confused many a back alley rambler and long may it continue to do so. The artwork was created by Lawrence Weiner, as part of the Twentieth Annual Exhibition of Visual + Art, Limerick, Ireland, 1996.
Heartbeat of the city
Shannon Bridge, home to Limerick vagabonds, seagulls and the Polish lad fishing for ells. This is the only sound based piece of art to feature on this list, the format in keeping with the character of the locals. Directly under the bridge, in sync with the passing traffic above, a loud beat can be heard. The passing traffic plays the role of metronome determining the tempo based on the time of day. The resulting beat is that of a heartbeat. The ticker of the city being fed by the urban aorta above. A stunning image of an otter by Mary Conroy keeps you company while you both enjoy the beat of the city. Hit this spot around rush hour to hear the rhythmic thump in all its delights.
Heart of stone
Local legend has it that the stone mason who built the wall placed a stone shaped heart in among the mortar to declare his love to his cousin. Other equally believable urban legends tell of a stone mason who had recently lost his wife, his poor heart couldn't take it and slowly turned to stone. In proper Limerick fashion he ripped it out of his chest and placed his heart in the wall. Classic Limerick. Whichever take is true it's good to know that this city will always have a good heart.
Rocky bal 061
If there was ever an award for contemporary land art, we might just have a contender. It's not often you meet a rock with this much protection. A collaboration between over zealous city council workers and Limerick of old. The past elaborately protected by the present. A high visibility enclosure ensures this rock will never come to any harm. In the past this rock used to hold onto boats. A fine, sturdy rock. Not just any rock, it's Limericks rock.
Do you know of any other secret Limerick artwork? Leave a comment below.