'Slow down and connect': New willow artwork offers calming space in Limerick city park

LIMERICK City and County Council has installed Tidewoven, a new public artwork by Catherine McDonald and David Ian Bickley at The People’s Park.

Inspired by traditional woven fish traps used along the Shannon Estuary, the work features two benches enclosed by sustainably sourced willow.

It was crafted by basketmaker Rosemary Kavanagh of Wild Rose Basketry using willow harvested in Glin.

The installation also includes four ambient soundscapes aligned to north, south, east and west. These blend musical tones with field recordings from locations across Limerick, including Thomond Park, Lough Gur, the Shannon Estuary and St Mary’s Cathedral bells.

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Designed to enhance the acoustic experience of the park, Tidewoven provides a sheltered listening space, with QRactivated soundscapes inviting visitors to pause and engage with their surroundings. 

The Council’s Environment Section and Limerick Arts Office collaborated to develop the pilot “audio islands,” offering focused listening spaces and opportunities for rest and restoration.  

Etain McCooey, Arts Officer, Limerick City Council, said: “Tidewoven brings together place, craft and innovation in a way that enriches our shared public spaces. This installation encourages people to slow down and connect with their environment in a fresh and sensory way. We are delighted to present a project that enhances the cultural and environmental experience of our wonderful People’s Park.” 

Simon Jennings, Environment Section, Limerick Council, said: “As the city continues to grow, maintaining high quality sound environments in our public spaces is increasingly important. Tidewoven demonstrates how creative approaches can support the aims of our Noise Action Plan, offering visitors a restorative listening experience while highlighting the value of healthy soundscapes.”