Introduction to Limerick
Limerick (Irish: Luimneach: Lom na nEach - the bare place - i.e. open ground - of the horses) is a city and the county seat of County Limerick in the province of Munster, in the midwest of the Republic of Ireland. The city lies on the River Shannon, with three main crossing points near the city centre.
A Brief History of Limerick
Luimneach originally referred to the general area along the banks of the Shannon Estuary, which was known as Loch Luimnigh. The earliest settlement in the city Inis Sibhtonn was the original name in the annals for King's Island during the pre-Viking and Viking eras. This island was also called Inis an Ghaill Duibh.
The city itself dates from at least the Viking settlement in 812. The Normans redesigned the city in the 12th century and added much of the most notable architecture, such as King John's Castle and St Mary's Cathedral. During the civil wars of the 17th century, the city played a pivotal role, besieged by Oliver Cromwell in 1651 and twice by the Williamites in the 1690s. Limerick grew rich through trade in the late 18th century, but the Act of Union in 1800, and the famine caused a crippling economic decline broken only by the so-called Celtic Tiger in the 1990s.
The Waterford and Limerick Railway linked the city to the Dublin-Cork main line in 1848 and to Waterford in 1853. The opening of a number of secondary railways in the 1850s and 1860s developed Limerick as a regional centre of communications.
Areas of Interest in Limerick
Shanagolden Manisternagalliaghduff Convent
Situated in a secluded valley about 2 miles east of Shanagolden, this abbey is unusual in that it is one of the few medieval nunneries know to us. It is a a convent of Augustinian canonesses, dissolved in the 1500s. It consists of a church and cloister, and much of its seems to date from the 13th century. A room to the south of the church is called 'The Black Hag's Cell' where tradition says that the last abbess practised witchcraft.
Irish Palatine Heritage Museum
In 1709 several families of German origin settled in Ireland. Known as the Palatines, they established roots mainly in County Limerick. This exhibition tells their story. There is now new artifacts and graphic presentations making the display more self explanatory to English and German speakers.
Galtee Castle Wood
Galtee Castle Wood is located about 2 km north of Skeheenarinky, off the main Cork/Dublin road (N8) between Caher and Mitchelstown, it is signposted. There is a car park and picnic site with seats on the riverside and woodland and riverside walks.
Saint Johns Cathedral
Saint John's Cathedral was designed by the English architect, Thomas Hardwick. The foundation stone was laid in May 1856. By March 1859 the building was roofed and the administrator of Saint John's, Fr Burke, was given the privilege of saying the first mass ever in the new Saint John's Cathedral.
The Limerick firm of Messrs. Hennessey were commissioned to design the tower and it was completed in 1882. The Cathedral was officially consecrated by the Most Rev. Edward Thomas O Dwyer in June 1894.
Two major programmes of reconstruction have taken place, one in the 1950s and the second beginning in 1977. The reconstruction has been completed by Bishop Dr Jeremiah Newman.
Irish Dresden Centre
Dresden fine porcelain is now a flourishing craft in the rural surroundings of County Limerick. Visitors can view the intricate handcraft which goes into making Irish Dresden.
Kilmallock Museum And HistoryTrail
This museum holds a small collection of implements dealing with industrial, farming, rural, shop and home life in the 19th and 20th centuries. It also features scale models of houses excavated in the area, and a large model of medieval Kilmallock. A guided tour of the town is available. Thirteen points of interest are marked by information plaques. Tourist map of town available in selected shops.
Curraghchase Forest Park
The woodland estate and lakes around the shell of 18th century Curraghchase House home of poet Aubrey de Vere, is now open as a State forest and park. In the vicinity are the turrets and towers of the 19th century castle built by the Earl of Limerick and close to the castle the little Killulta church said to date from the 9th or 10th centuries. Northwest of Curraghchase House is the ancient Killeen church.
St Marys Cathedral
Built in 1172 by Donal Mor O'Brien, King of Munster, this cathedral contains many fine antiquities. The main points of interest are the pre-reformation stone altar, the Lepers Squint; the Reardos of the high altar, and the misericords which are mercy seats used by the clergy during services.
Trinitarian Monastery
Founded by Geoffrey de Marisco in 1230 for the Trinitarian Order it was their only Irish house. The Abbey was destroyed during the suppression of Henry VIII and was restored in the last century by the Earl of Dunraven. Today it is the Roman Catholic Parish church in the centre of the Village.
Traditional Music and Craic in Limerick