Visit Bruff

Based in the Old Convent, Bruff, Co. Limerick,  Eithne Hehir of Ballyhoura Ceramics creates functional and aesthetic porcelain vessels.   All the pieces are lovingly  hand made in Limerick by using the traditional handcrafted  method of throwing on the wheel creating a unique piece of porcelain. The rhythm of the wheel is replicated in each piece as they begin to echo the movement of the river and its calming effect.  Their colours of turquoise, yellow, grey and deep blue/green,mirror its mood and motion. The glazes are made in the studio with the inside of each piece glazed, while the outside of the surface is unglazed. This results in a tactile surface and a sense of curiosity in each  finished piece. Eithne was selected for the RDS Student Arts Award in 2014 and selected for the Curators exhibition 'The Edit' at  RDS Showcase in 2015 and 2016.

The Studio is opened by Appointment only by ringing 0872982061.

Classes are available on request.

www.ballyhouraceramics.ie

Follow the Fitzgerald Trail around Bruff, to walk in the footsteps around the ancestral home of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. The trail is well signposted in the village.

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The Thomas Fitzgerald Centre
Thomas Fitzgerald who emigrated from Bruff in 1852, was Great Grandfather to John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 35th President of the United States.  This wonderful Centre is a fitting tribute to this world famous family. Including, the Fitzgerald Family Tree Mural, a John F Kennedy 1963 Limerick Visit Photo Exhibition, and an exhibition from the Caroline Kennedy visit of 2013 including the plaque Caroline unveiled on her visit. The main exhibition is completed by a display acknowledging the Irish Army guard of honour used at John F Kennedy’s funeral. A real treat for anybody with even a passing interest in this celebrated family.

Now open every weekday from 10am to 2pm. Open by appointment also.

Please ring 061 382829 for details. Email ThomasFitzgerald2013@yahoo.com.

From the kitchen to the farmyard the collection built up by Denis over a number of years represents an Ireland of bygone days.
An old kitchen with a traditional open fire and numerous kitchen and cookery utensils. The humble eternal fire which was the engine room of the home cared for by the lady of the house. The fire was used for so many purposes including all house cooking and boiling root vegetables and corn for animals. Many sick animals recovered in front of the fire. It has taken electric cookers, hobs, kettles, irons, tumble dryers, boilers, radiators and waste incinerators to replace the humble fire. Its flame drew the attention that the television now commands. It takes many steps forward to replace a simple step backwards.
An old pub represents an institution, which was at the heart of Irish life, which also incorporated a local shop. On display is various items which would have been commonly seen in every Irish pub and shop throughout the country. From old well known earthenware jars to bottles, from an array of trays to a collection of water jugs and of course the famous Guinness timber barrel, Denis has re-created in detail this Old Irish pub.
The Irish Creamery which was also a great institution in every local community has been creatively re-created and on display are various implements that were used in the production and subsequent processing of milk and butter.
Other displays in Old Irish Ways includes a old style Irish classroom, an old blacksmith forge, a carpenters workshop, a
typical old Irish hardware shop, a display of old farming implements ranging from a Slan that was used in the bog for cutting turf, a vast array of farming and craftsman’s tools to 1964 Massey Ferguson Tractor. For the motoring enthusiast there is one of the largest displays of motor oil cans, advertising signs and associated memorabilia.
This award-winning museum represents a true and unique reflection of a forgotten Ireland

Please contact Denis to book an appointment or if you have any questions on 0861541078.

You can use the SatNav co-ordinates : N 52-30-17, W 8-35-05 to find us.

www.oldirishways.com

A new Bruff Sli na Slainte walking route has been launched in Bruff, the 12th such route to be developed in Limerick.
Developed by the Irish Heart Foundation and supported by Bruff Tidy Towns, Limerick Sports Partnership and Limerick City & County Council, the 3.5 kilometre route is located north of the town and is designed to encourage people to get more active and get walkingThe sign-posted route was launched by Deputy Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr. Gerald Mitchell.

“We have already seen in other parts of Limerick how Slí na Sláinte routes have benefited those local communities. There is no doubt that these routes have been a tremendous success and I am sure that this new “Path to Health” will be well used by the local community in the future,” he told community members in attendance.

“Active involvement in recreational activities is important throughout life as it has a positive impact on our health and well-being. The Slí na Slainte routes enhance the recreational opportunities for children, youths and adults in the local community. I look forward to similar developments taking place in other parts of the County in years to come,” the Deputy Mayor added.

Tara Curran from the Irish Heart Foundation said: “Getting active makes such a big difference to your heart and overall health, helping to reduce stress, ease back pain and reduce the risk of heart disease. For heart health adults need at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as brisk walking, five days a week.  By having a clearly marked and safe walking route, we aim to make it easier for people in Bruff to get active as part of their normal day.”

The world famous archaeological site and visitor centre at Lough Gur being one of the most important archaeological sites in europe, is located only 2 miles from Bruff and is open from May to September from 10.30 am to 5 pm.

The centre tells the story of the first arrivals of the Celts through interpretative panels and audio visual means, and guided tours are run once a week through song and story telling the history of the crannogs, church sites, megalithic tombs, stone circles and ring forts. (Off season tours can be organised on prior request with a guide) www.loughgur.com

The largest trail network of it's kind in Ireland. 98 Km of trails including forest road climbs, tight twisty single track with loads of ups and downs, board walk, tight turns and technical rocky bits are guaranteed to leave you smiling. The trails range from the moderate 6 Km Greenwood loop to the demanding Castlepoo loop, over 50 Km in length! 

For further information go to www.visitballyhoura.com or email info@ballyhouracountry.com or telephone (063) 91300

Ballyhoura Bike hire offers a selection of mountain bikes for hire at exceptional rates. For details see www.ballyhourabikehire.com

Ballyhoura Country is a walker's paradise, offering spectacular walks in ancient and unspoilt landscapes. Whether your interested in short or long distance walking, whether you perfer guided walks or to walk independently, walkers of all abilities will be invigorated by the sheer beauty and tranquility of the area. Walking in Ballyhoura Country offers plenty of choice to waling enthusiasts, there are exciting nature walks, river bank walks, quiet country roads, the Ballyhoura Waymarked Way, rugged mountains, rich bogs and mythical landscapes.

 For further information contact Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club at www.ballyhourabears.com or email info@ballyhoura.org