My Limerick - Tom Dowling: ‘People are more engaging and not so much in a hurry’

What’s your idea of a perfect day in Limerick?

Wandering around the Milk Market on a Saturday morning, lunch on Little Catherine Street, a theatre event at The Belltable followed by a pint in The White House. We moved to Limerick three years ago and our friend Maeve Butler introduced us to all the great spots in Limerick.

What’s your first Limerick memory? 

Duggan Glass in the late 1970s. My Dad worked for a glass company and during my school holidays I traveled the 32 counties with him.

What’s your favourite part of the county and why?

My first time to visit Kilmallock was with a theatre show in 2014. I was totally blown away by its rich medieval past which I knew nothing of before then, it’s a hidden gem.

What about a favourite local walk or view?

My wife likes doing the three bridges in the evenings and I generally tag along. I love the view from the boardwalk on the far side of the river in fading light with the silhouette of old and modern Limerick. I also enjoy cycling the greenway to UL.

What do you think gives Limerick its unique identity?

Being a provincial city people are more engaging and not so much in a hurry. There is a good music scene and arts community and also a passion for hurling and Munster Rugby.

Do you have a favourite local restaurant?

There is such a wide variety of fine dining in the city centre. On the rare occasion I can escape the studio for lunch it’s lovely to visit Factory 13 and The East Room at Plassey House close by.

How would you describe the people of Limerick?

Good humoured people, willing to go out of their way to help. I dropped my phone on O’Connell St before Christmas and within 20 minutes it was handed into the garda station. But Limerick probably has the worst drivers in the western world – if there is half a space, they will park on it.

How important do you think film is to Limerick?

There are currently 3,700 students involved in creative studies in Limerick and in the past most of these students would have migrated to Dublin or other centres to pursue their career. It will take time to develop the skillset required; however within five years Troy Studios aims to fill 80% of all positions from the region and we continue to develop courses and trainee-
ships.

2019 will see further growth of the studios and building suppliers, graphics companies and many other businesses are already feeling the rippling effect.