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Cork silver coffee pot by John Nicholson

Irish Georgian silver, Art Nouveau, contemporary Irish art, vintage fashion and accessories, Lady Lavery banknotes, Art Deco, Victoriana, well crafted Edwardian furniture, vintage bakelite radios, Oriental rugs, diamond jewellery, a musical drinks trolley – you name it and there is a good chance you will come across it at Ireland’s biggest antique, art and vintage fair at Limerick Racecourse on September 7 and 8.

Whether you are in search of inspiration or want to exercise a connoisseur’s eye, a seasoned collector or simply curious, seeking a bargain or a particular  prime piece this comfortable indoor venue with ample parking is the place to be.  You might happen across something special you did not even know you were looking for or delight in a discovery like a large stoneware wine flagon stamped Maziere & Sainthill, Cork.

A Cork flagon with an interesting stamp.

Lost in the mists of time they were a firm of wine merchants trading in Cork as early as 1750 when wine from Bordeaux was one of our major imports.  Located at Nelson’s Place, the older name for Emmet Place in the city centre, the firm was bought out by Woodford Bourne in 1869. Dan Harnett will offer a flagon engraved as follows: Woodford Bourne & Co Wine & Spirit Merchants, Successors to Maziere and Sainthill, Cork.

Weldons will bring a highly collectible c1770 Cork silver coffee pot by John Nicholson and other rarities like a c1715 Dublin silver tea pot and a large Irish George III silver salver made in 1794 by John Laughlin.  Courtville Antiques of Dublin is another member of the Irish Antique Dealers Association who will attend. Sadly the annual IADA fair in Dublin will not go ahead this autumn.

 A complete collection of Lady Lavery banknotes

There will be no shortage of dealers in coins and banknotes.  Robert Hutchinson will bring a complete collection of Lady Lavery banknotes from ten shillings to £100.  Eily Henry will offer a big selection of vintage fashion including hats and accessories and there will be plenty of collectibles, gold chains, bracelets and costume jewellery to browse through at Bedlam antiques.

Deep in the Woods by Mark O’Neill.

Mark O’Neill is a popular artist and a selection of his work can be found at Treasures of Athlone and there will be a diverse range of art at the Purple Onion Gallery.  A musical table drinks trolley in the form of an elegant carriage will be a feature at La Belle Epoque and along with an array of interesting pieces including old bakelite radios Annamore Antiques will offer 80 vintage and antique Persian rugs and runners.

There is no shortage of smaller collectible items like glorious antique porcelain, Clarice Cliff ceramics at Brian Hurley’s stand, silver and brass candlesticks, treen and even an unusual Free Will Offerings collection box at Edwin Mercer.  This is a wonderful assembly of antique shops, art galleries and vintage dealers from right around Ireland.  Opening times are from 11 am to 6 pm on both days.

St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland and if you drive to Limerick racecourse today and tomorrow you can hunt for all sorts of treasures on this long weekend of national celebration.  There will be dear little shamrocks and plenty of other expensive baubles too. With its ample parking and ease of access Limerick Racecourse has proved itself to be an ideal venue for this extensive quarterly National Antiques, Art and Vintage.  With its antique shops, art galleries and vintage dealers this one will welcome a selection of new dealers along with members of the Irish Antique Dealers Association and regulars like Eily Henry with vintage fashion, Weldons with collectible silver and jewellery and Treasures with Irish art. Newcomers like Rory O’Hanlon will offer a selection of metal objects in brass and bronze along with watches and Gloria Neumann offers antique furniture, porcelain and glass. The Purple Onion Gallery will bring dramatic work by acclaimed American photographer Camille Seaman who lived near Kilkee, Co. Clare for a few years. The national antique fair is a fully indoor event where you can expect the unexpected and even get a new collecting habit underway.  Anyone for some colourful Murano or militaria?

All roads lead to Limerick this weekend for the National Antique Fair at Limerick Racecourse. Opening times are from 11 am to 6 pm on November 18 and 19. There will be more than 80 dealers in attendance showing everything from Irish art and antique furniture to vintage fashion, jewellery, accessories and a wide range of collectibles. Robin O’Donnell will display the late 18th century Irish chair pictured above.