Limerick, its history and antiquities; ecclesiastical, civil, and military,from the earliest ages, with copious historical, archaeological, topographical, and genealogical notes

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Plundering of Slane on the march to Dublin

   Slane · town · Meath · 1150

   In 1150, the King of Munster marched to Dublin, plundering Slane in Meath on his way. He successfully exacted hostages from the Danes of Dublin during this campaign.

   Read the passage

   In the year 1149, the King of Munster once more led an army into Connaught, destroying the Dun or Castle of Galway. In the next year he marched to Dublin, plundering Slane, in Meath, on his way, and exacted hostages from the Danes of Dublin. In the following year (1151), while absent in West Munster, opposmg the Macarthies, he was deposed by his brother, Teige Gle, whom he had released from prison, assisted by the king

   • Ibid. Ad. An. 1138. « Ibid. Ad. An. 1134.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 22

2. Reconciliation of O'Brien and O'Connor at Terryglass

   Terryglass · townland · Tipperary · 1144

   In 1144, Turlough O'Brien was reconciled with O'Connor at Terryglass in Ormond. This truce, however, only lasted a year before Ireland was plunged into a wave of predatory excursions.

   Read the passage

   Torlough, the brother and successor of Connor O^Brien, whose son Murtagh was obliged to content himself 'vvith Thomond, began his reigTi by a war with Turlough O^Connor and an invasion of Leinster. He was set upon the throne of Lunerick by Murtagh M'Niell of the line of Heremon, who succeeded to the monarchy of Ireland. In punishment of O'Connor's raid into Munster, in sustainment of the claims of Connor, grandson of Murtagh- ]\Iore O'Brien, Turlough O'Brien marched into Connaught, and cut down the Ruaidh Rheithigh* (the red birch tree of Hy-Fiachra Aadhne, under which the kings were inaugurated), and demolished its stone fort, but returned without effecting any important results^ and in 1144 was reconciled to O'Connor at Terryglass, in Ormond — though, as we learn from the Four Masters,^ the truce only lasted a year, the next year having been signalised by so many predatory excursions that Ireland was made " a trembling sod,'' to use the expressive language of these annalists. Turlough founded a monastery for the Cistercian monks in 1148, the great monastery of Nenay, or Commogue, in the county of Limerick, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.

   In the year 1149, the King of Munster once more led an army into Connaught, destroying the Dun or Castle of Galway. In the next year he marched to Dublin, plundering Slane, in Meath, on his way, and exacted hostages from the Danes of Dublin. In the following year (1151), while absent in West Munster, opposmg the Macarthies, he was deposed by his brother, Teige Gle, whom he had released from prison, assisted by the king

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 22

3. Roderick O'Connor builds castle at Tuam

   Tuam · town · Galway · 1161

   In the year 1161, Roderick O'Connor built a famous castle of lime and stone at Tuam, noted as an important construction event of that period.

   Read the passage

   ' It Avas in the year 1161 Roderick O'Connor built a famous castle of " lime and stone at Tuam." 1 During ttie reign of Murtagh Mac Neil), Monarch of Ireland, there was convened a national Synod at Kennanus or Kells in the county of Meath ; the design of this Council was the reformation of discipline and manners, and to institute two new Archbishopricks in Ireland, viz. those cf Dublin and Tuam. The persons appointed by the Pope to preside in this Council were Giolla Criost O'Conaire, Bishop of Lismore, and Pope's Legate, and the Koman Cardinal Johannes Papiro (Paparo) ; the four palls or copes were then conferred on the four Archbishops. This Council, says Keating, is thus recorded in an old Book of Cluainadnach, viz. in the year from the Incarnation, being bissextile, 1157 (52 for 57 is a mist.ake) was celebrated in the spring, a noble Council at Caennanus, in which Synod presided Cardinal John, a Presbyter of the blessed St. Lawrence, and the Assembly consisted of twenty-two Bishops, five Bishops elect and so many Abbots and Priors belonging to the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and our apostolic father Eugenius. This Cardinal condemned, and by all proper methods extirpated simony and usury, and commanded tithes to be paid by apostolical authority. He delivered four copen (palls) to the four Archbishops of Ireland : — to the Archbishops of Dublin, of Tuam, of Cashel, and Armagh Primate over the rest ; and as soon as the Council was ended the said Cardinal passed the seas. Thus that old Book. Amongst the Bishops that assisted at this Council was Turgesius, Bishop of Limerick. The suffragans then appointed under the Archbishoprick of Cashel, were Limerick, Killaloe, Inniscatha (which, about the beginning of the twelfth century, was united to Limerick), Waterford, Lismore, Cloin, Cork, lioss and Ardfearth Sir James Ware says that this Synod ■was held in 1152. — Andq. Uiber., cap. 16.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 22

4. Roderick O'Connor burns Croom

   Croom · town · Limerick · 1151

   Roderick, the last monarch of Ireland of Milesian descent, entered Thomond and proceeded as far as Croom, which he burned, before returning with great spoils captured from the area.

   Read the passage

   Altogether there fell of the Mononians five thousand men. The loss on the other side was severe, but not at all to be compared with that of the army of Munster, which the monarch now divided into two principalities, appointing the two treacherous Munster princes its rulers. Roderick, the last monarch of Ireland of Milesian descent, now entered Thomond, and having proceeded as far as Croom, which he burned, returned after the capture of great spoils.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 22

5. St. Peter's Cell nunnery founded in Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1172

   In 1172, Donald, king of Limerick, founded a nunnery for Augustinian nuns of the Order of Canons Regular in the English town of Limerick. The house was dedicated to St. Peter and was called St. Peter's Cell.

   Read the passage

   1172. The said Donald, king of Limerick, founded a nunnery for Augustinian nuns of the Order of Canons Regular, in Limerick, in the English town. This house was dedicated to St. Peter and was called St. Peter's cell.

   30 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 23

6. Synod of Kells distributes palliums to four archbishops

   Kells · town · Meath · 1152

   The great National Council of Kells in 1152, presided over by Cardinal Paparo, papal legate, distributed palliums brought from Rome to the four Archbishops of Armagh, Cashel, Dublin and Tuam, and first introduced tithes into Ireland.

   Read the passage

   right line of succession was restored. But Turlough O^Brien being once more restored by Roderick O^Connor;^ wbo entered IMunster after O^'Neill^s departure for the North, cruelly put out the eyes of the la-w^ul king Connor O^Brien, as well as those of his son — acts of barbarous policy to disqualify them for the throne^ the fruits of which he did not long enjoy, being deposed by his son Murtagh and banished into Leinster. This occurred in 1165, but Murtagh was not recognised as king until 1167, in which year his father, Turlough O'Brien, died. He was slain, however, in the next year by Connor O'Brien, grandson of Connor Na Cateragh, but after a short interval, the assassin and his accomphces were themselves put to death by Dermod Fioun, the brother of his grandfather, aided by OTaolain, prince of the Desies. In the reign of Torlogh O'Brien several interesting events occurred in the history of the Church, amongst others the great Synod or National Council of Kells, at which Cardinal Paparo, Legate of Pope Eugenius III, presided, and distributed the palhums brought by him fi-om Rome to the four Archbishops of Armagh, Cashel, Dublin and Tuam — a concession promised by Innocent II. to St. Malachy, Bishop of Down, who, with a view to obtain this favor, had himself journeyed to Rome in the year 1139. St. Malachy again visited the Continent in the Pontificate of Eugenius III, and ched in the Abbey of Clairvaux, then presided over by Saint Bernard, who wrote his biography, and made those strictures on the state of the Irish Church, the severity of which is partly to be ascribed to the austerity of St. Bernard's character, partly to the want of exact information. Another event referred to this reign which is supposed to have led to the introduction of the English, an important epoch in the history of Ireland, at which we have arrived, was the alleged abduction of Dervoghal, the wife of O'Euarc, prince of Brefihy, by the cruel and sacrilegious tyrant MacMurrough, who was obliged to make ample satisfaction for the outrage. But the truth of this story, which has been so long held as an authentic piece of history, has of late years been seriously questioned ; and we have heard from the late Professor O'Curry, that he had in his possession some Irish manuscripts which invalidate the claims of this episode of the Irish Helen to be regarded as a portion of our authentic history. The date of the Synod of Kells is 1152. By it tithes were first introduced into Ireland, but they were not enforced until after the English invasion, A.D. 1172, when they were estabhshed by the Svnod of Cashel.2

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 22

7. Teige O'Brien blinded in Thomond

   Thomond · street · Dublin · 1153–1154

   On his return into Thomond, Teige O'Brien was barbarously deprived of his sight by his brother Dermod Finn, and died the following year.

   Read the passage

   The unfortunate Turlogh O^Brien having ineS'ectually attempted to procure shelter among the Danes of Limerick, fled to Ulster, where he was sheltered by the native chieftains, to whom he was able to make ample recompense for their hospitahty, having carried with him many jewels and valuables to the number of sixty, besides the drinlving horn of Brian Boru, and one hundred and twenty ounces of gold.^ In the arrangement which followed the defeat of Turlogh, Desmond fell to Dermod M'^Carthy, and Thomond to Teige O^Brien. The fortunes of Turlogh CConnor had scarcely obtained the ascendant over those of O^Brien when a new rival appeared in the person of Murtagh 0''Loughlin (MacLoughlin or O^Nedl), representative of the royal Hy-Niells of T}Tone, and the host and champion of the king of Munster, in Avhose favour he formed a league of the Ulster princes, and having conquered Turlogh O^Connor, replaced Tui-logh CBrien on his throne, or as the Four ]\Iasters say, to one-half of his kingdom. On the return of Teige O^Brien into Thomond he was barbarously deprived of his sight by his brother Dermod Finn, and died the next year, 1154. Turlogh O'Brien having made submission three years after his restoration, Roderick, his father, incurred the resentment of O'Neill, who, accompanied by Dermod MacMurrough and his troops, entered Desmond, and exacted the submission of the Macarthies. He next laid siege to Limerick, then chiefly inhabited by Danes, drove out Turlogh O'Brien, expelled the Dalcassians from Thomond, and divided Munster between Dermod Macarthy, whose father had been murdered, as before mentioned, at Cashel, and Connor, the son of Donald O'Brien, in whose person, as the senior representatives of Murtagh-More O'Brien, the

   ' Note to Four Masters, 1151.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 22

8. Tithes affray at Newcastle 1834

   Newcastle · town · Limerick · 1834

   An affray over tithes occurred at Newcastle in 1834, part of the broader agitation against the tithe system in Ireland. This event is noted alongside the parliamentary debate and act on tithes.

   Read the passage

   Tithes introduced in Ireland (1152), 28; not enforced until English invasion in 1172, 28; bill as to [1816] address of Bishops, 437 ; affray at Newcastle [1834], 488 ; debate and act, 488.

   Tokens (see Mint) of traders, seventeenth century, 200; of James II., 287.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457

9. Treachery at Killaloe and O'Brien's Bridge opens path to Limerick

   Killaloe · town · Clare · 1651

   Ireton relied on treachery rather than arms: Fennel was compelled to abandon the pass of Killaloe and Kelly that of O'Brien's Bridge, acts which gave the Parliamentarian army easy passage to the very walls of Limerick.

   Read the passage

   demanded that tlie matter should be referred to a court martial. This A\a3 done, and Colonel Tuthill, who commanded, and his captain were cashiered. At length the besieging army reached the gates of Limerick, and sat down before the walls ; but aware of the strength of the city, and satisfied that it was well nigh impregnable, Ireton did not trust to the chances of arms, but tried what could be done by further exercise of that treachery, which had compelled Fennel to abandon the pass of Ivillaloe, and Kelly that of O^Brien''s bridge, acts of treachery which gave an easy march to the Parliamentarians within the very shadow of the old walls of Limerick.

   From an entry in Dr. Thomas Arthur^s diary, 23rd June, 1651,' it is apparent that the Parliamentarians in their attack on this occasion, made good their footing on the King^s Island ; he states that he professionally attended Dominick FitzDavid Eice, who nobly and strenuously defended the city on the occasion of this invasion of the island by the Parliamentarian army, Mr. Rice having received a severe wound, which demanded amputation of the lower part of the leg. He also saved the life of Doctor Credanus, who was struck by a shell, which lacerated his hands and tendons, and threatened gangrene. He gives the names of several who died of the pestUence which raged through the city, including in the list the names of many distinguished citizens.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 97

10. Turgesius, Bishop of Limerick, attends Synod of Kells

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1152

    Amongst the bishops that assisted at the Synod of Kells was Turgesius, Bishop of Limerick. The suffragans appointed under the Archbishoprick of Cashel included Limerick, Killaloe, Inniscatha, Waterford, Lismore, Cork, Ross and Ardfert.

    Read the passage

    ' It Avas in the year 1161 Roderick O'Connor built a famous castle of " lime and stone at Tuam." 1 During ttie reign of Murtagh Mac Neil), Monarch of Ireland, there was convened a national Synod at Kennanus or Kells in the county of Meath ; the design of this Council was the reformation of discipline and manners, and to institute two new Archbishopricks in Ireland, viz. those cf Dublin and Tuam. The persons appointed by the Pope to preside in this Council were Giolla Criost O'Conaire, Bishop of Lismore, and Pope's Legate, and the Koman Cardinal Johannes Papiro (Paparo) ; the four palls or copes were then conferred on the four Archbishops. This Council, says Keating, is thus recorded in an old Book of Cluainadnach, viz. in the year from the Incarnation, being bissextile, 1157 (52 for 57 is a mist.ake) was celebrated in the spring, a noble Council at Caennanus, in which Synod presided Cardinal John, a Presbyter of the blessed St. Lawrence, and the Assembly consisted of twenty-two Bishops, five Bishops elect and so many Abbots and Priors belonging to the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and our apostolic father Eugenius. This Cardinal condemned, and by all proper methods extirpated simony and usury, and commanded tithes to be paid by apostolical authority. He delivered four copen (palls) to the four Archbishops of Ireland : — to the Archbishops of Dublin, of Tuam, of Cashel, and Armagh Primate over the rest ; and as soon as the Council was ended the said Cardinal passed the seas. Thus that old Book. Amongst the Bishops that assisted at this Council was Turgesius, Bishop of Limerick. The suffragans then appointed under the Archbishoprick of Cashel, were Limerick, Killaloe, Inniscatha (which, about the beginning of the twelfth century, was united to Limerick), Waterford, Lismore, Cloin, Cork, lioss and Ardfearth Sir James Ware says that this Synod ■was held in 1152. — Andq. Uiber., cap. 16.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 22

11. Turlogh O'Brien seeks shelter among Danes of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1151

    The unfortunate Turlogh O'Brien ineffectually attempted to procure shelter among the Danes of Limerick before fleeing to Ulster, carrying with him jewels, gold, and the drinking horn of Brian Boru.

    Read the passage

    The unfortunate Turlogh O^Brien having ineS'ectually attempted to procure shelter among the Danes of Limerick, fled to Ulster, where he was sheltered by the native chieftains, to whom he was able to make ample recompense for their hospitahty, having carried with him many jewels and valuables to the number of sixty, besides the drinlving horn of Brian Boru, and one hundred and twenty ounces of gold.^ In the arrangement which followed the defeat of Turlogh, Desmond fell to Dermod M'^Carthy, and Thomond to Teige O^Brien. The fortunes of Turlogh CConnor had scarcely obtained the ascendant over those of O^Brien when a new rival appeared in the person of Murtagh 0''Loughlin (MacLoughlin or O^Nedl), representative of the royal Hy-Niells of T}Tone, and the host and champion of the king of Munster, in Avhose favour he formed a league of the Ulster princes, and having conquered Turlogh O^Connor, replaced Tui-logh CBrien on his throne, or as the Four ]\Iasters say, to one-half of his kingdom. On the return of Teige O^Brien into Thomond he was barbarously deprived of his sight by his brother Dermod Finn, and died the next year, 1154. Turlogh O'Brien having made submission three years after his restoration, Roderick, his father, incurred the resentment of O'Neill, who, accompanied by Dermod MacMurrough and his troops, entered Desmond, and exacted the submission of the Macarthies. He next laid siege to Limerick, then chiefly inhabited by Danes, drove out Turlogh O'Brien, expelled the Dalcassians from Thomond, and divided Munster between Dermod Macarthy, whose father had been murdered, as before mentioned, at Cashel, and Connor, the son of Donald O'Brien, in whose person, as the senior representatives of Murtagh-More O'Brien, the

    ' Note to Four Masters, 1151.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 22

12. Ulysses Burgh serves as Rector of Kilteely and Grean

    Kilteely · town · Limerick · 1672

    In 1672, Ulysses Burgh of Dromkeen was appointed Rector of Kilteely and of Grean, obtaining his first preferment in the district where his family's estates gave him considerable influence. He later obtained the Deanery of Emly in 1685.

    Read the passage

    This Ulysses Burgh of Dromkeen, was, like his father, a Protestant clergj-man. He improved his interest by marrying a lady of illustrious descent, Marj' Kingsmill, daughter of William Kingsmill, M.P. for Mallow, and grand-daughter of Sir Warham St. Leger, by Ursula, daughter of George Lord Abergavenny, and grand-daughter of the ill-fated Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. She was consequently very nearly related to the house of Plantagenet. Ulysses Burgh obtained his first preferment in the district where the estates of his family gave him considerable influence, and in 1672 we find him Rector of Kilteely and of Grean. In 1685 he obtained the Deanery of Emly, with a house and some preferment in the City of Cashel. But in three j'ears more Ireland became the scene of civil war. The Dean of Emly was obliged to fly — and we next find him in London. He accompanied William III. to Ireland. However, in 1692, Dean Burgh was named Bishop of Ardagh ; and as this see was a very poor see, and before and since has only been held with another Bishopric, the King promised Dr. IJurgh speedy promotion, and gave the Deanery of Emlj', which he was vacating, to his son-in-law. Dr. Thomas Smyth,* afterwards Bishop of Limerick. The new Bishop of Ardagh, however, never received the promised advancement, for he died in less than six months after obtaining the mitre. He was ancestor of that gallant soldier — Sir Ulysses Burgh, Lord Downes, G.C.B., general in the army, and aid-decamp to the Duke of Wellington in the Peninsular War ; and also of that eminent lawyer and statesman — Chief Baron Hussey Burgh ; whose grand-son now holds part of the Dromkeen estate.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 126

13. Vereker family mansion at Roxborough with Dutch-style gardens

    Roxborough · townland · Limerick · 1702–1733

    Connel Vereker purchased the estate of Roxborough near Limerick from the Hollow-Sword-Blade Company during Queen Anne's reign and erected a mansion in a park laid out with canals, terraces, and hedges in the stiff Dutch fashion, all long since removed. He served as High Sheriff for County Limerick in 1729 and died in 1733.

    Read the passage

    * The family of Vereker first settled near Limerick in the reign of Queen Anne, when Connel Vereker of Douglas and Grange, in the County of Cork, (a gentleman paternally of Dutch descent, but whose mother was heir to a branch of the Celtic O'Connells), purchased the estate of Koxborough from the Ilollow-Sword-Blade Company, and erected a mansion, which still exists, in a park laid out with cnnals, terraces, and hedges, in tlie stiff Dutch fashion, all long since removed. He served as High Sheriff for the County of Limerick in 172'J, and died in 1733. Henry, hi*

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 126

14. William appears before Limerick after the Boyne

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    Forty days after the Battle of the Boyne, William arrived before Limerick with apprehension, as Sarsfield and the majority of Irish officers had resolved to defend the city to the last, despite the departure of much of the French army.

    Read the passage

    Forty days after the battle of the Boyne, William appeared before Limerick, not indeed without a trembling apprehension of the consequences — because, though he had been made aware of the existence of divided councils within, and though a large portion of the French army had already gone to Galway to take shipping for Prance, the advice of Sarsfield and the majority of the Irish officers had prevailed to defend the city to the last. Boisseleau had been left in command of twenty thousand Irish soldiers, not one half of whom had been armed.^ Three thousand five hundred horsemen were encamped, in addition, within five miles of Limerick, beyond the river Shannon, and kept up a free communication with the city.

    Limerick, at this period, was not the Limerick of to-day. Within the time, no city in Ireland or England has undergone so extensive a change, and such wonderful improvement. The city was then confined within the walls of the Englishtown and the Irishtown, but both were distinct ; whilst forty or fifty years before, as we learn from Dr. Thomas Arthur's MSS., portions of the Irishtown were a suburb — the south suburb of the city. The chief houses of business, the dwelhngs of the gentry and nobihty, the Cathedral, the churches, the gaol, and the Courthouse, were in the Englishtown. It was here that the Lord of Brittas, the Earl of Thomond, Sec. &c., had their residences. The bright river washed the walls which ran in a hue with King John's Castle, where the Castle Barracks now are, and with the ground on which the City Gaol and the City and County Court House now stand, down by

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 128

15. Williamite reconnaissance on Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    King William sent out a detachment of horse and foot that advanced within cannon-shot of Limerick, facing opposition from Irish regiments. William later approached within two miles of the city.

    Read the passage

    At one in the morning of the eighth, King William sent out nine hundred horse and two hundred foot, detached out of the Eegiments of Oxon, Trelawney, Cuts, Lanier, Loyd, and Danes, under the command of Herr Bentiuck, Earl of Portland, and Brigadier Stewart, &c., who advanced within cannon-shot of the city, notwithstanding the opposition made by three regiments of the Irish foot, one of horse, and another of dragoons, who stood but one volley, though they had the cover of the hedges through which they fired. About four hours after, the detachment returned to the camp, and gave William an account of the position of the Irish. About seven o'clock, P.M., William himself proceeded with a fresh party of 200 select horse, being accompanied by Prince George, Major-General Ginkle, the Herr Overkirke, and other great officers, and approached within two miles of the city.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 127

16. William marches to Caherconlish

    Caherconlish · town · Limerick · 1690

    On the 8th of August, William entered the county of Limerick and marched to Caherconlish, within a short distance of Dromkeen.

    Read the passage

    On the 6th he reached Sallywood, having sent a party of horse the day before towards Limerick. In the army of William were several refugee Protestant clergymen, who accompanied him on his march, and among them was Ulysses Burgh, Dean of Emly. On the 8th of August William entered the county of Limerick, marching to Caherconlish, within a short distance of Dromkeen, the ancient patrimony and residence of the Burghs of Dromkeen.3 Burgh visited his house, which he found standing,

    • The epitaph on Strafford's tomb shows what was thought of him : — " Here his wise and valiant dust

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 125

17. William's tent and pillar standard at Singland

    Singland · townland · Limerick · 1690

    William's tent was situated in Singland, where the pillar standard on which he raised his flag could still be seen. Cannon from the city played throughout, with several shots coming over William's tent and falling near it.

    Read the passage

    * This tent was situated in Singland, where the " pillar standard," on which William raised his flag, may yet be seen.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 129

18. William's trumpeter sent to summon Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    William ordered a trumpeter sent with a summons to the city at six or seven in the evening. Governor Boisseleau, the Duke of Berwick, and Colonel Sarsfield opposed capitulation, claiming 50,000 French had made a descent on England. Boisseleau sent back the answer that he would commend himself to the Prince of Orange by a vigorous defence.

    Read the passage

    It was now resolved at a Council of war, at which William presided in person, to march towards the citj in order of battle, for they were aware that the country being very close, the Irish soldiers lined the hedges, and had determined to fight it out with undiminished valor. As they moved from the height of Park through the boggy ground towards the citadel, two great guns, which were mounted on the Abbey of the Canons Eegular of St. Augustin near Ball's Bridge,^ did much mischief to them. Between six and seven in the evening William ordered a trumpeter to be sent with a summons to the city, as a deserter had previously informed them, a great part of the garrison, with some of the officers, were for capitulating ; but Monsieur Boisseleau, the Governor, the Duke of Berwick, and Colonel Sarsfield, &c. resolutely opposed it, telling the garrison of the great divisions that were in England; upon which 50,000 French had made a descent they said; and the Prince of Orange would be obliged to draw off his army in a few days, to defend the kingdom of England, and thereupon prevailed upon them to stand to their arms. The trumpeter was sent back with this answer from Monsieur Boisseleau, the Governor, that as King James had entrusted him with the garrison, he would recommend himself to the Prince of Orange by a vigorous defence. About eight at night William went to his camp a short mile from the city, having been on horseback from four in the morning, giving the necessary orders, and exposing himself amidst dangers, in which the Prince of Denmark everywhere accompanied him. The cannon ceased not all the time to play from the city, several of the shot coming over WiUiam^'s tent and falling near it.^ The same evening a party of the Eoyal

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 129

19. Cahirconlish House, old castle that split

    Caherconlish · town · Limerick

    Cahirconlish House, seat of Charles Monk Wilson Esq., occupies the site of one of the old castles of the area. The old mansion house suddenly split from top to bottom, leaving one half standing.

    Read the passage

    Seats. — Cahirconlish House (Charles Monk Wilson, Esq.). The old mansion house was one of the old castles abovementioned, which suddenly split from top to bottom, leaving one half standing.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 427

20. Castle Brittas ruins, built by the Bourkes

    Brittas · townland · Limerick

    The ruins of Castle Brittas, built by the Bourkes, Lords of Brittas, are listed among the antiquities near the town.

    Read the passage

    Antiquities near the town: Carrigoreely, or " O'Farrell's Rock", built by the Bourkes, and last occupied by the O'Dalys ; Croc-a-ySenenachuslean, or " the old Hall of the Castle", the outer wall of an old fortress apparently ; and the ruins of Castle Brittas, built by the Bourkes, Lords of Brittas.

    An insciiption in the chancel of Cahirconlish Church is on the tomb of Theobald, son, we believe, of the first Lord Castleconnell, who was killed in action against Fitzmaurice, during the Desmond war. Fitzmaurice also lost his life in it, being killed by Theobald ; and consequently Sir Williain de Burgh was created Lord Castleconnell by Ehzabeth. The following is all that can be read of the inscription :

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 427

21. Croc-a-ySenenachuslean, old Hall of the Castle

    Caherconlish · town · Limerick

    Croc-a-ySenenachuslean, meaning 'the old Hall of the Castle', is described as the outer wall of an old fortress, identified among the antiquities near the town.

    Read the passage

    Antiquities near the town: Carrigoreely, or " O'Farrell's Rock", built by the Bourkes, and last occupied by the O'Dalys ; Croc-a-ySenenachuslean, or " the old Hall of the Castle", the outer wall of an old fortress apparently ; and the ruins of Castle Brittas, built by the Bourkes, Lords of Brittas.

    An insciiption in the chancel of Cahirconlish Church is on the tomb of Theobald, son, we believe, of the first Lord Castleconnell, who was killed in action against Fitzmaurice, during the Desmond war. Fitzmaurice also lost his life in it, being killed by Theobald ; and consequently Sir Williain de Burgh was created Lord Castleconnell by Ehzabeth. The following is all that can be read of the inscription :

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 427

22. Fossil remains of polar bear found in Lough Gur

    near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick

    Fossil remains of the polar bear have been found in Lough Gur, as well as many tons of bones and skulls of deer, pigs, cows, horses, dogs, sheep, and according to some, a rhinoceros.

    Read the passage

    General Charles Vallancey notices Lough Gur,' and attributes to the Fomori or giants, the first inhabitants of the western isles, the erection of these cir-gors, or circles, or temples of the sun, of which he states there are many in Ireland, particularly around Lough Gor, or Gur, in the county of Limerick, on the borders of the lake, and from thence to Bruff. He adds that if an inquirer will venture in a corroch or leaky punt to tlie centre of the lake, with a peasant of the neighbourhood, he will pretend to show him the great city and cir-gor that sunk ni one night, when the water rose above it and formed the lake. Fossil remains of the Polar bear have been found in this lake,^ as well as many tons of bones of skulls of deer, pigs, cows, horses, dogs, sheep, and according to some, a rhinoceros !

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 426

23. Franciscan Rock Abbey cloisters and burials at Askeaton

    Askeaton · townland · Limerick

    The Franciscan or Rock Abbey at Askeaton was a splendid cruciform building with very perfect gray marble cloisters enclosed by twelve pointed arches on each side. The chapter house serves as the burial ground of the Naishes of Ballycullen, and a monument with a black letter Latin inscription was erected by ladies of the Brien and Browne families to their Stephenson husbands.

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    The Franciscan or Rock Abbey, was a splendid cruciform building. The cloisters, of gray marble, which are very perfect, are enclosed on each side by twelve pointed arches, supported by cylindrical columns. The abbey was one of the finest in Ireland. The chapter house forms the burial ground of the ancient family of the Naishes of Ballycullen, the oldest, I believe, Catholic family of the county. There is an old black letter Latin inscription on a monument erected by two ladies of the Brien and Browne families to their husbands, members of the Stephenson family, in the central chapel. Tuesday is market day. Population 1637.

    Messrs. J. N. Russell and Sons have very large flour mills at Askeaton, in fact they are amongst the finest in the south of Ireland, and contribute much to the industrial prosperity of the town.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 424

24. Killalough castle at Lough Gur

    near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick

    The castle of Killalough, a little further on from the Black Castle, was placed for the defence of the almost isolated spot of Knockadoon at Lough Gur.

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    The lake, or Lough Gur, lies embedded between high green hills, rendered in several places precipitous by gray limestone rocks, which stand thick and frequent upon their surface. It is almost of a circular, perhaps, more properly, an oval form, being from west to east. In the centre stands a steep hill, called Knockadoon — the hill of the castles or fortresses ; it being defended at the east and south by two (of which hereafter), around whose base the waters spread like a river, varying throughout but little in their breadth. The whole extent seems to have been about two English miles.^ The view of Garrode's Island from Knockadoon is beautiful. At the north side stands the hill of Knocknasilla. The house of a Mr. Harte, sub-agent of Count de Salis, owner of the property, is passed at the west side, and farther on is a fort or lioss, standing above the water's edge on the hill slope, of about seventy-five feet in diameter, and ten feet above the surrounding level. Ascending this hill still higher, are two natural caves in the rock, about which there are some notices of no interest; thence there is a view of the Black Castle at the opposite side, standing at the northeast base of Knockadoon. A quick descent down the hill, and a walk of about a quarter of a mile, brought me sufficiently near it. It is a square, thick tower, evidently built about the period of the Roses ; its upper story, the bower, as well as the roof and parapets, are gone, so also are the outworks, whose site is occupied by a farmhouse and offices, and near it the handsome residence of Mrs. Cleary, sister of E. J. Synan^ Esq., M.P. Crofton Croker was much mistaken in saying that it stood on an island out of the reach of musketry. It stands on the isthmus which connects Knockadoon with the surrounding country, and was placed there, as well as the castle of Killalough — a little further on — for the defence of that almost isolated spot ; but neither castle could be deemed out of the reach of musketry; neither at the Brufi' side is the country in the least rugged, so as to render the approach of cannon a matter of difficulty. In 1600, Sir George Carew, President of Munster to Queen Elizabeth, reconnoitred the place, then held by 200 men for the Earl of Desmond. He found it

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 425

25. Large flour mills at Askeaton

    Askeaton · townland · Limerick

    Messrs. J. N. Russell and Sons operated very large flour mills at Askeaton, among the finest in the south of Ireland, contributing much to the industrial prosperity of the town.

    Read the passage

    Messrs. J. N. Russell and Sons have very large flour mills at Askeaton, in fact they are amongst the finest in the south of Ireland, and contribute much to the industrial prosperity of the town.

    Askeaton was a parliamentary borough before the Union ; the names of the representatives of Askeaton are given in Addenda, page 743.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 424

26. Silver chalices and coins found at Askeaton

    Askeaton · townland · Limerick

    Silver chalices, crosses, and coins have been found near the abbey and castle at Askeaton, indicating the site's ecclesiastical and aristocratic significance.

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    Silver chalices, crosses, and coins, have been found near the abbey and castle.

    The Deel is tidal, and navigable for small coasters.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 424

27. Templeen at Bruff built by Templars

    Bruff · town · Limerick · 1285

    North-east of Bruff are traces of Templeen or Templebodeen, said to have been built by the Templars in 1285.

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    Bruff, a post and market town, situated on the Morning Star or Dawn River, 12 miles s. s. b. of Limerick, was another of the principal towns of the Geraldines. In the reign of Henry III. a castle built in the town, and another near it by the De Lacys, who subsequently held under the princes of Desmond, in whose fortunes they shared. A few fragments of the ancient castle remain, and not far distant, the foundation of an ancient friary. North-east of the town are some traces of Templeen or Templebodeen, said to have been built by the Templars in 1285.

    1600. Pierce De Lacy, the governor, defeated by Captain Slingsby, from Kilmallock, with the loss of 300 men. The castle was garrisoned by the Lord President.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 424

28. Tomb of Theobald Bourk in Cahirconlish Church

    Caherconlish · town · Limerick

    An inscription in the chancel of Cahirconlish Church marks the tomb of Theobald Bourk, believed to be son of the first Lord Castleconnell, killed in action against Fitzmaurice during the Desmond wars. Fitzmaurice also died in the same encounter. Parts of the inscription are now concealed by a vault erected by the Wilson family.

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    An insciiption in the chancel of Cahirconlish Church is on the tomb of Theobald, son, we believe, of the first Lord Castleconnell, who was killed in action against Fitzmaurice, during the Desmond war. Fitzmaurice also lost his life in it, being killed by Theobald ; and consequently Sir Williain de Burgh was created Lord Castleconnell by Ehzabeth. The following is all that can be read of the inscription :

    Hiinc tnmulum Theobaldus Bourk

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 427

29. William III and Ginkle encamp near the town

    Caherconlish · town · Limerick · 1690–1691

    William III encamped at this town on 7 August 1690. The following year, Ginkle (Godert de Ginkel) also encamped there during the Williamite campaign.

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    1690. August 7, William III. encamped here, as did also Ginkle in the following year.

    Antiquities near the town: Carrigoreely, or " O'Farrell's Rock", built by the Bourkes, and last occupied by the O'Dalys ; Croc-a-ySenenachuslean, or " the old Hall of the Castle", the outer wall of an old fortress apparently ; and the ruins of Castle Brittas, built by the Bourkes, Lords of Brittas.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 427