A topographical dictionary of Ireland : comprising the several counties; cities; boroughs; corporate, market and post towns; parishes; and villages, with historical and statistical descriptions embellished with engravings of the arms of the cities, bishopricks, corporate towns, and boroughs ; and of the seals of the several municipal corporations .. (vol. 2)

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Lead mines of Ballinafiuchogue in Glenmalur

   near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow

   In the alternating beds of granite and mica-slate on the northern side of Glenmalur in County Wicklow lay the vein on which the lead-mines of Ballinafiuchogue were situated. The vein comprised galena, white-lead ore, blende, and copper-pyrites.

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   In no part of the county have organic remains been found in its rocks. It is also remarkable that there is a total absence of metallic ores on the western side of the great granitic mass, while on the eastern they are found in abundance. A vein of lead has been worked and apparently exhausted in the granite brow of Carrigeenduff, on the banks of Lough Dan ; a second, called the Luganure vein, wholly in granite, intersects the mountain of Comaderry, and is now very productive. Another great vein which has been worked crosses the upper part of Glendalough ; and in the alternating beds of granite and mica-slate on the northern side of Glenmalur, is the vein on which are the lead-mines of Ballinafiuchogue, and which comprises, besides, galena, white-lead ore, blende, and copper-pyrites. The above minerals are found at all these places, in true veins ; but in the only other metalliferous tract, situated in the clay-slate district, they are found only in beds, in contemporaneous veins, or in alluvial deposits. This tract is about ten miles in length, from Croghan Kinshela, across the northern end of the vale of Ovoca, towards Rathdrum. Its most celebrated produce has been the alluvial gold, found in the gravelly deposits of the streams descending from the eastern side of Croghan Kinshela, and discovered in 1796 ; of this a further notice will be found under the head of Arklow. As no trace of auriferous veins could be found in the mountain by the most persevering efforts, the works necessarily ceased when the stream ore was exhausted. Trials were also made in Croghan Moira mountain, but without effect. Metallic substances, however, are diffused through the whole district in disseminated particles, in slight layers, in contemporaneous veins and strings, and in massy beds, which latter are principally composed of copper-pyrites and iron-pyrites. The rocks have been perforated in various directions by the works of the Associated Irish Vol. II.— 673

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 405

2. Lead mines on Errigal mountain

   Errigal · minor feature · Donegal

   Extensive lead mines on Errigal mountain belonging to the Earl of Leitrim were successfully worked but are at present abandoned. Errigal rises to 2462 feet above sea level in the parish of Tullaghobigley.

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   In the Rosses, at a place called Rosapenna, so lately as 1784 the district was well cultivated, planted, and improved, particularly around the mansion of Lord Boyne, whose demesne excited general admiration ; but now the house, park, garden, and even the tallest trees, are covered with sand blown in from the Atlantic : the chimneys are only visible at times ; and, added to this, 1400 acres of land lie buried beneath the sand, which is every year increasing. The estate of Gweedore, which passed into the hands of Lord George Hill about the year 1838, has been since vastly improved : there is now a comfortable inn ; luxuriant crops are raised ; neat cottages have been erected, and good roads formed. That nobleman has also built a corn-store and a shop near the mouth of the river Gweedore ; a quay for vessels to unload at the store ; a corn-mill ; a dispensary ; and a sessions-house. On the townland of TuUaghobigley iron-ore has been found in large lumps ; and in the Errigal mountain, extensive lead-mines, belonging to the Earl of Leitrim, have been successfully worked, but are at present abandoned. Fairs are held at Gortahock on the first Tuesday, at the Cross Roads the last Thursday, and at Derrybeg on the last Monday, in every 604

   TUL L

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 356

3. Lead ore and copper near Castleblayney

   Castleblayney · town · Monaghan

   Lead-ore was found near Castleblayney both in large blocks and thin veins, with indications of copper also discovered nearby. Ochres, potters'-clay, and soft unctuous earth were found in the same neighbourhood.

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   used for architectural purposes. The south side of this mountain is altogether of jasper, in some places very pure, but mostly in a state of decomposition, much resembling clay-slate, and of a bright vermilion hue : the hills of Grieve are wholly greenstone and basalt. Escars can be traced in several parts, particularly in the neighbourhood of Tyhallon, and, in one respect, are unlike all others in Ireland, being entirely formed of jasper, quartz, agates, and argillaceous sand. Coal has been found in thin seams at the foot of the Slievebeagh mountain near Emyvale, and at Glennon in large blocks ; but the most extensive beds are near Carrickraacross : pits were opened there a few years since, but after a few tons had been raised, the workings were discontinued. Ironstone of inferior quality is frequently found ; slatequarries are worked at the Grieve hills, and flags in three quarries in Dartree. Large lead- works were erected in the Grieve hills for the smelting of lead-ore, but they have been long since abandoned : the ore has been found near Gastle-Blayney both in large blocks and in thin veins ; some promising veins, also, can be traced in the limestone near Carrickmacross. Indications of copper have been discovered near Gastle- Blayney ; and ochres, potters'-clay, and soft unctuous earth, in the same neighbourhood. Potters-clay found near Glaslough is wrought into glazed earthenware ; brick clay, and oxyde of manganese, are distributed over all the country. The bones and antlers of the moose-deer, and the bones of several other kinds of animals, long since extinct in the island, have been dug up. Four teeth of extraordinary size were discovered on the Slievebeagh mountains, which on an examination by the Royal Society of London, were pronounced to be those of an elephant : two of them weighed 2|lb. each ; the other two, 6oz. each.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 161

4. Lead-ore from the strand at Kilmurrin

   Kilmurrin · townland · Waterford

   Lead-ore was formerly obtained from the strand at Kilmurrin in the parish of Kilbarrymeaden, County Waterford, where the Irish Mining Company also raised large quantities of superior copper-ore.

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   KILBARRYMEADEN, a parish, in the southern part of the barony of Upperthird, union and county of Waterford, and province of Munster, 4 miles (S. E.) from Kilmacthomas ; containing 3360 inhabitants. It comprises 6264 statute acres : the surface is generally naked and uncultivated, and includes about 300 acres of bog; but the mineral productions are valuable, the Irish Mining Company raising a large quantity of superior copper-ore ; and lead-ore was formerly obtained from the strand at Kilmurrin. Several neat houses have been built for the miners. Dunbratten is supposed to have been the spot first occupied by the Anglo-Norman invaders, under Raymond le Gros, who here repulsed with great slaughter the Danes of Waterford and the inhabitants of the surrounding country, who had attacked his intrenchments, part of which still exist. There is a small fishing-station at Dunbratten, with about 2."> boats. Much limestone is imported from Dungarvan, and the erection of a pier would be a great benefit. The principal seats are Gardenmorris and Georges-town. The parish is in the diocese of Lismore : the rectory is united to part of the rectories of Kilburn and Kilmeaden, together forming the corps of the precentorship in the cathedral of Waterford, in the patron- 18

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 13

5. Lead ore vein at Kilkeany near Mountain Castle

   Kilkeany · townland · Waterford

   Within the same mineralogical tract as veins of quartz bearing granulated lead ore along the river Mahon, a fine vein of lead-ore was identified at Kilkeany, near Mountain Castle. The rocks north of Lismore were also rich in iron, copper, and lead ores.

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   The GEOLOGY of the county exhibits no great variety, nearly the whole being composed of clay-slate, sandstone, and some limestone. The elevated region between the Suir and the Blackwater, comprising the heights of the Cummeragh and of Knockmcledown, is a table-land of clay-slate, partly liordered by sandstone, and sustaining isolated caps of the same rock. Its outskirts are marked by Carrick, Clonmel, and Clogheen, on the north ; and by Kilmacthomas, Dungarvan, and Lismore. on the south ; on the north, west, and south, it is bounded by limestone. A border of sandstone approaches close to the Suir on the south side, from the vicinity of Ardfinnan to Kilmaiden, four miles west of W'atcrford. The clay-slate throughout the mountain district is of a reddish brown, purpleish, or greenish-grey colour ; it ranges nearly uniformly north-west and south-east, and dips generally from "0 to 75 degrees to the south and south-west. Good slates for roofing are raised in the glen of Ownashad, near Lismore, and in Glen Patrick, near Clonmel. Not far from the junction of the streams that form the river Mahon are veins of quartz, comprising granulated lead ore ; and in the same mineralogical tract, at Kilkeany, near Mountain Castle, is a fine vein of lead-ore. The rocks to the north of Lismore are also rich in mineral veins : iron, copper, and lead ores are of frequent occurrence. Lismore Castle stands on a floetz limestone rock, which, partly separated from the clayslate by a border of fine-grained sandstone, extends in a narrow range down the vale of the Blackwater, to the innermost recesses of Dungarvan harbour : in several places it assumes the character of marble, as at Tourin, where it is variegated with many colours ; near New Affane, where it is black and white; in the parish of Whitechurch, where it is both black and grey, &c.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 374

6. Lead sulphuret veins wrought between Benbo and Lurganboy

   Benbo · mountain or mountain range · Leitrim

   Veins of sulphuret of lead were largely wrought in several places between Benbo and Lurganboy. These were part of the mineral deposits associated with the primary mountain range of the area.

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   The GEOLOGY of the county presents many remarkable features. The lowest strata are those of the primary mountain range entering from the county of Sligo and extending from south-west to north-east : this range is mostly composed of mica-slate ; a green steatite, thickly studded with valuable garnets, has been found at the foot of a mountain near Lurganboy. On the western base of Benbo, a clay of a blueish- white hue has been found, and used for fullers' -earth ; the western side of the same mountain is traversed by a metallic vein containing copper pyrites, which was formerly wrought. Veins of the sulphuret of lead have also been largely wrought in several places between Benbo and Lurganboy. This primary range is generally bordered on both sides by beds of variously coloured freestone, to which limestone succeeds in every direction, occupying the remainder of the northern portion of the county and forming part of the great limestone field of Ireland. All the central portion of the county forms part of the Counaught coal field, constituting a vast basin of which Lough Allen is the centre. The principal vein of coal is about three feet thick, of very great extent, and of excellent quality both for domestic purposes and for smelting ; but the beds are often interrupted by faults, by which portions of the strata are broken and thrown upwards from 20 to 40 yards. It 216

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 70

7. Lead vein worked at Carrigeenduff on Lough Dan

   Carrigeenduff · townland · Wicklow

   A vein of lead was worked and apparently exhausted in the granite brow of Carrigeenduff, on the banks of Lough Dan in County Wicklow. This was one of several metalliferous deposits found on the eastern side of the great granitic mass of the county.

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   In no part of the county have organic remains been found in its rocks. It is also remarkable that there is a total absence of metallic ores on the western side of the great granitic mass, while on the eastern they are found in abundance. A vein of lead has been worked and apparently exhausted in the granite brow of Carrigeenduff, on the banks of Lough Dan ; a second, called the Luganure vein, wholly in granite, intersects the mountain of Comaderry, and is now very productive. Another great vein which has been worked crosses the upper part of Glendalough ; and in the alternating beds of granite and mica-slate on the northern side of Glenmalur, is the vein on which are the lead-mines of Ballinafiuchogue, and which comprises, besides, galena, white-lead ore, blende, and copper-pyrites. The above minerals are found at all these places, in true veins ; but in the only other metalliferous tract, situated in the clay-slate district, they are found only in beds, in contemporaneous veins, or in alluvial deposits. This tract is about ten miles in length, from Croghan Kinshela, across the northern end of the vale of Ovoca, towards Rathdrum. Its most celebrated produce has been the alluvial gold, found in the gravelly deposits of the streams descending from the eastern side of Croghan Kinshela, and discovered in 1796 ; of this a further notice will be found under the head of Arklow. As no trace of auriferous veins could be found in the mountain by the most persevering efforts, the works necessarily ceased when the stream ore was exhausted. Trials were also made in Croghan Moira mountain, but without effect. Metallic substances, however, are diffused through the whole district in disseminated particles, in slight layers, in contemporaneous veins and strings, and in massy beds, which latter are principally composed of copper-pyrites and iron-pyrites. The rocks have been perforated in various directions by the works of the Associated Irish Vol. II.— 673

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 405

8. Leaning round tower at Kilmacduagh

   Kilmacduagh · townland · Galway

   An ancient round tower stands near the church at Kilmacduagh, leaning approximately 17 feet from the perpendicular. It forms part of the early monastic complex associated with St. Colman.

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   The parish comprises 8804^ statute acres, of which about 600 are waste and exhausted bog, and the remainder in a tolerable state of cultivation; from the e.xhausted state of the bogs, fuel is scarce. The living is a vicarage, episcopally united from time immemorial to the vicarage of Kilbeaconty and the rectory of Kiltarton, together constituting the union and corps of the deanery of Kilmacduagh, in the patronage of the Crown ; the rectory is appropriate to the treasurership and precentorship of the cathedral of St. Colman. The tithe rent-charge of the parish is £166. 14. S., of which £5'2. 10. are payable to the treasurer, £4,5 to the precentor, and the remainder to the dean ; the gross annual value of the deanery, including tithes and glebe, before the passing of the Rent-charge act was £45'2. 13. The church, towards the erection of which the Board of First Fruits granted a loan of £1400, in 1814, is a handsome edifice. The same Board contributed £300 and a loan of £500 towards the erection of the deaneryhouse : the glebe of the union comprises 4| acres. The Roman Catholic parish is co-extensive with that of the Established Church, and has two chapels ; one of them at Gort, a large slated building ; and one of smaller dimensions at Taernevin, which is a plain thatched building. Some remains of the monastery built on, the site of the ancient abbey founded by St. Colman, yet exist to the north-west of the cathedral, and are situated on a neck of land between two loughs ; they consist chiefly of the church, which, though small, appears to have been of very elegant design. To the south of the church is the sacristy, and adjoining it is an arched room in which probably were deposited the valuable effects belonging to the establishment ; south of these, are the chapel and refectory. To the north, about two feet from the church, is an old wall, which, according to tradition, belonged to a place for penance ; and not far from it is a holy well, with a circular inclosure. Near the church, also, is an ancieiit round tower, which declines about 17 feet from the perpendicular. In a lake in the parish, called Lough Deehan, the waters having sunk very low in the year 1784 or 1785, a house was discovered in the mud at the bottom, formed of oak timber of great thickness, and the sides and roof of which were of wattle-work of the same substance ; it appeared as if intended to float, and the timber of which it was constructed was perfectly sound.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 42

9. Lea parish and the seizure of Leix

   Lea · townland · Laois

   Lea parish in Queen's County, bounded by the river Barrow, was selected upon the seizure of Leix and the rest of the province of Leinster due to its central situation and proximity to the river.

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   LEA, or Ley, a parish, in the union of Mount- Mellick, barony of Portnehinch, Queen's county, and province of Leinster, on the road from Dublin to Maryborough ; containing, with the greater part of the post-town of Portarlington and with the village of Ballybrittas (both separately described), 7797 inhabitants. This parish is situated in the north-eastern part of the county, and bounded on the north-east and north-west by the river Barrow, which separates it from the county of Kildare and King's county. From its central situation and proximity to the Barrow, it was selected, on the seizure of Leix and the rest of the province of Lein- VoL. II.— 209

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 65

10. Leap's singular ox yoke

    Leap · townland · Offaly

    In the neighbourhood of Leap, a singular kind of yoke is used for harnessing oxen in tillage. The yoke consists of a flat light piece of wood strapped to the horns, bringing the force of the draught to the neck.

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    bottom, this latter is found to be the best manure. The old plough is still in use. Oxen are employed in tillage, and for the harnessing of them a singular kind of yoke is in use in the neighbourhood of Leap : it consists of a flat light piece of wood which lies on the forehead and is strapped to the horns, so that the force of the draught is brought to the neck, in which the animal's strength is supposed chiefly to exist ; the oxen rather pushing than pulling. Another mode has been introduced when four oxen are employed : they are coupled together, and a long beam is laid across their necks, embracing the throat by an iron bow which pierces the beam and is keyed at the top ; from the centre of the beam the long chain is suspended. This kind of yoke is considered to be very easy to the cattle. The Scotch plough and the angular harrow are every where used, except in the mountain districts and by the poorer farmers. The slide car and that with solid wheels, are both exploded, and a light car with iron-bound spoke-wheels has taken their place ; it is formed of framework, consisting of the shafts and a few transverse bars for the body, on which rests a large wicker-work basket, here called a kish : by removing the basket the frame serves to carry bulky articles, such as sacks of grain or hay. This car is very light, not weighing more, when well made, than 1| cwt. The Scotch cart is seldom seen but with the gentry.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 58

11. Lease of Kilbixy to Captain W. Piers (1590)

    Kilbixy · townland · Westmeath · 1590–1837

    In 1590 a lease of the priory lands of Kilbixy was granted to Captain W. Piers at a rent of £60. The lands were still held by his descendants at the time of writing.

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    KILBIXY, a parish, in the union of Mulungar, barony of Moygoish, county of Westmeath, and province of Leinster ; containing, with the market and post town of Ballinacargy, 2246 inhabitants. The castle of Kilbixy is said to have been built by Hugh de Lacy, in 1192, and was subsequently the seat of Geoffry de Constantine, who founded at Tristernagh a priory of Canons Regular, sometimes called the priory of Kilbixy, and richly endowed it. The last prior was Edmund Nugent, Bishop of Kildare, who held it with his bishopric ; and a pension of £26. 13. 4. was granted to him on its surrender. In 1590 a lease of it was granted to Captain W. Piers, at a rent of £60, and the lands are still held by his descendants. It was finally destroyed in 1783. The town arose under the protection of the castle, and in the reign of Henry VI. was one of the borough towns of Meath. Sir Henry Piers, in his chorographical description of the county, states, that in 1782, part of the burgage castle, with 40 acres called the burgage land, existed, besides the ruins of many ancient houses and castles. The place had once an hospital, called the Leper-house of St. Bridgid, of which there are still some ruins. In the reign of Elizabeth, O'Dogherty of Connaught encamped in the abbey demesne with about 600 followers, and being attacked by the queen's forces and refused admission into the abbey, was slain with all his party. The parish contains 6493^ statute acres, and is richly embellished with

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 14

12. Leck parish church rebuilt and glebe-house

    Leck · parish · Donegal · 1820–1835

    The church in Leck parish was rebuilt at a cost of £749, accommodating 200 persons, with £649 from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The glebe-house was erected in 1820 with aid from the Board of First Fruits.

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    LECK, a parish, in the union of Letterkenny, barony of Raphoe, county of Donegal, and province of Ulster, 1 mile (E.) from Letterkenny, on the road to Strabane ; containing 3722 inhabitants. It comprises, including a detached portion, 10,744f statute acres, of which 264 are in the tideway of the river Swilly, which is navigable through the whole of the parish. A large cattle-fair is held at Old Town on June Sth. Here is Rock Hill, the beautiful seat of the Stewart family. The parish formed part of the corps of the deanery of Raphoe, but was separated from it by act of council in 1835, and is now a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Raphoe, and in the patronage of the Crown : the tithe rent-charge is £243. The glebehouse was erected by aid of a gift of £450 and a loan of £50 from the Board of First Fruits, in 1820 ; the glebe comprises 20 acres. The church has been rebuilt, at a cost of £749, of which £649 were from the funds of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners ; it accommodates 200 persons. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish forms part of the district of Conwall. A parochial school is aided by an annual donation from Colonel Robertson's fund ; and there are two other public schools, one of which is supported by Sir E. Hayes, Bart.

    LECKARROW, a village, partly in the parish of St. John's, and partly in that of Killenvoy, union and barony of Athlone, county of Roscommon, and province of Connaught, 8 miles (N. W.) from Athlone, on the road to Roscommon, to both which places it has a receiving-house for letters. A patron takes place on the 24th of June, at which lambs, pigs, &c., are sold ; and petty-sessions are held every alternate week. In the village are a flour and an oatmeal mill ; in the vicinity is a dispensary.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 66

13. Legan Abbey, Benedictine establishment at Monkstown Cork

    Monkstown · townland · Cork · 1300–1399

    Monkstown in Cork derives its name from a small Benedictine monk establishment called Legan Abbey, belonging to the priory of St. John's, Waterford, formed in the fourteenth century on land granted by the McCarthy family as part of their manor of Marniullane. No traces of the buildings remain.

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    MONKSTOWN, a parish, in the barony of Kerrycurrihy, union and county of Cork, and province of Munster, on the new line of road from Passage to Cork, and on the shore of the river Lee, at its confluence with the sea in Cork harbour ; containing, with part of the post-town of Passage-West, 2138 inhabitants, of whom ,538 are in the village of Monkstown. It derives its name from a small establishment of Benedictine monks, called Legan Abbey, belonging to the priory of St. John's, Waterford, and which was formed here in the fourteenth century, on a grant of land made to the original establishment by the family of McCarthy, being part of their manor of Marniullane ; of the buildings there are no traces. A house in the Elizabethan style was built on the side of a glen, in 1636, by Eustace Gould, and is called Monkstown Castle. It is a gloomy structure, and was once rented by the government for barracks, but is now used as a store-house by the proprietor, or lessee, under Lords Longford and De Vesci, who, by the marriages of two heiresses, became possessed of this property, which had been forfeited by the Archdeacons, or Goulds, from their attachment to the cause of James II. in the Revolution of 1688. The PARISH is bounded on the east and south-east by the 352

    Lee and the harbour of Cove; it comprises 1541 statute acres, of which about 100 are scattered woodland and ornamental grounds, 60 rock, and the remainder arable and pasture. The land is moderately well cultivated, though at a great expense, and, being fertile, is productive of good crops of corn and grass. The rocks are of clay-slate, and, near Carrigmahon, are precipitous and interesting ; the steepest is called the Giant's Stairs, being a rocky promontory with receding ledges of rock, having the appearance of a rude staircase when viewed from the opposite bank of the Lee. There are several quarries of a red and brown stone, useful for many purposes ; the former kind is chiefly used for lining limekilns. The river affords every facility for water carriage, and here is excellent anchorage for vessels of all sizes.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 170

14. Leighlin-Bridge of nine arches built 1320

    Leighlinbridge · town · Carlow · 1320

    The bridge of nine arches over the river Barrow at Leighlin-Bridge was built in 1320 by Maurice Jakis, a canon of the cathedral of Kildare, to facilitate intercourse between the religious houses of Old and New Leighlin.

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    LEIGHLIN-BRIDGE, a market and post town, partly in the parish of Augha, barony of Idrone-East, but chiefly in that of Wells, barony of Idrone-West, union and county of Carlow, and province of Lein- STER, 6 miles (S.) from Carlow, and 45 (S. S. W.) from Dublin, on the coach-road to Cork; containing 1748 inhabitants. This place derives its name from a bridge over the river Barrow, which connects the two parts of the town on the opposite banks with each other and is in a line with the road leading to Old Leighlin, in contradistinction to which place, previously to the erection of the bridge, this town was generally called New Leighlin. The lands were granted by Hugh de Lacy to John de Clahul, or de Claville, who in 1181 erected a strong castle or fortress, called the Black Cattle, which was one of the earliest defences of the English in Ireland. Towards the close of the reign of Henry III., a Carmelite monastery was founded near the castle, on the eastern bank of the Barrow, by a member of the Carew family, and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. The bridge, of nine arches, was built in 1320 by Maurice Jakis, a canon of the cathedral of Kildare, to facilitate the intercourse between the religious houses of Old and New Leighlin. As the English settlement here became more insecure, the monastery was much exposed to the hostile attacks of the native Irish; and in 1371, Ed^'ard III. granted ten marks annually for the repair and rebuilding of the house, which grant was renewed six years afterwards. In 1378, Richard II., in consideration of the expense and labour of supporting the house and the bridge against the king's enemies, bestowed on the prior an annual pension of 20 marks out of the rents of the town of Newcastle of Lyons ; he confirmed the gift in 1394, and it was also ratified by Henry IV. and Henry V., the latter monarch ordering that all arrears then due should be paid. In 1408, Gerald, fifth earl of Kildare, built another fortress here, which he called White Castle ; and after the Dissolution the monastery was also converted into a fort, and occupied as a military station by Sir Edward Bellingham, Marshal of the English army and Lord-Deputy of Ireland. This fort was taken in 1577 by Rory Oge O'More, dynast of Leix, who destroyed the town by fire ; and in 1649 it surrendered to the parliamentarians under Col. Hewson, soon after which the main army under Ireton, on their march to Carlow, laid waste the neighbouring country.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 67

15. Leitrim Castle remains and old chapel cemetery

    Leitrim · parish · Galway

    In the parish of Leitrim, County Galway, considerable remains of the castle of Leitrim survive in good preservation. Ruins of an old chapel are attached to the castle, and the chapel's cemetery is still in use.

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    LEITRIM, a parish, in the union of Loughrea, barony of Leitrim, county of Galway, and province of CoNNAUGHT, 8 milcs (W. N. W.) from Portumna, on the road to Loughrea; containing 1562 inhabitants. This parish, which is bounded by the Slievebaughta mountains, comprises 4098^ statute acres ; the land is in general in a profitable state of cultivation, and there is very little bog. The principal seats are Carrowkeel and Dalystown. It is a vicarage, in the diocese of Clonfert, forming part of the union of Lickmolassey ; the rectory is appropriate to the see, and the tithe rent-charge of the parish is £51. 8. 8., of which £10. 7- 9. are payable to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and the remainder to the vicar. There is no church, glebe-house, or glebe. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish is the head of a district, comprising also the parish of Kilcooley ; the chapel here is a neat edifice, and there is also a chapel at Kilcooley. There is a school, of which the school-house was built by the Hon. F. Ponsonby. Considerable remains exist of the castle of Leitrim, in good preservation ; and the ruins of an old chapel are attached to it, the cemetery of which is still used. Petrified cockle and muscle shells are found at Carrowkeel, which is about 18 miles distant from the sea.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 71

16. Leitrim mountains: Lacka, Lugnacuillagh, Doon, Benbo, Green Mountain

    Benbo · mountain or mountain range · Leitrim

    Several disconnected mountains surround Dromahaire, Manor-Hamilton and Glencar, including Lacka (1448 ft), Lugnacuillagh (1485 ft), Doon, Glenfarn or Mullaghusk, Benbo (1365 ft), and Green Mountain (920 ft). They are separated by deep broad valleys containing innumerable steep hills.

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    The form of the county is somewhat pyramidal or approaching to that of a slender cone, having its base resting on Longford, and its apex on the sea-coast : its extreme length is about 46 miles ; its breadth varies from 16 at the former extremity to 2 at the latter. The greater part of the surface not strictly mountainous being occupied by steep hills and deep valleys, the country displays many varieties of picturesque scenery heightened by striking and sudden contrasts of wild heathy mountain, and rich cultivation, wood, and water. The southern extremity from Ruskey to Carrick is fertile and well cultivated, particularly on the banks of the Shannon, which here separates Leitrim from Roscommon and spreads into Lough Boffin, backed by the heights of Sheebeg and Sheemore, forming a fine relief to the lofty grandeur of the more distant mountain of Slieve-an-irin, and the luxuriant swell of the adjacent part of Roscommon. Proceeding northward to Lough Allen, the country, though available for tillage, gradually assumes a gloomy aspect ; and immediately from the verge of this lake, steep ascents stretch to a distance of two, three, and four miles to the mountains, which on almost every side terminate the view : but even here various delightful prospects are obtained, especially near the points where the Shannon enters into and emerges from the lake. The summit of the group called Slievean-irin, or Slieve-an-Jaroin, to the east of Lough Allen, rises 1922 feet above the level of the sea, and is the highest point in this mountainous district, which extends five or six miles northward ; but large tracts of good land appear around Dromahaire, Manor-Hamilton, and Glencar, where the face of the country is extremely varied and pleasing. Not far distant are the mountains of Lacka, 1448 feet high ; Lugnacuillagh, 1485 feet high ; Doon ; Glenfarn or Mullaghusk ; Benbo, 1365 feet high ; and Green Mountain, 9-20 feet. These do not form a connected chain, but are separated by deep and broad valleys containing innumerable low but steep hills. Like those of the Slieve-an-irin group, the mountains are all of similar character, rising at a steep angle from their bases, and, except Benbo, frequently presenting mural precipices from 60 to 100 feet deep ; their summits are all nearly flat, and covered with coarse herbage. Further northward, on approaching the sea, the most

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 69

17. Leitrim town formerly the county and assize town

    Leitrim · town · Leitrim

    The town of Leitrim, once the county town and seat of assizes, had by this period declined to the status of a village with a sub-post office, its judicial functions having transferred to Carrick-on-Shannon.

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    The county is partly in the diocese of Ardagh, but chiefly in that of Kilmore. For purposes of civil jurisdiction it is divided into the baronies of Carrigallen, Dromahaire, Leitrim, INIohill, and Rossclogher. It contains the disfranchised borough, market, and assize town of Carrick-on-Shannon ; the disfranchised borough of Jamestown ; the market and post towns of Manor- Hamilton, Ballinainore, and Mohill ; and the post-towns of Drumod, Drumsna, and Ruskey. The largest villages are Cashcarrigan, Carrigallen, Dromahaire, Drumkeerin, Drunishambo (each of which has a sub-post), Leitrim (once the county and assize town), and Kinlough. The sliirc and its towns sent six members to the Irish parliament : since the Union two only have been returned, for the county, to the Imperial parliament; the election takes place at Carrick. The number of electors registered in 1841 was 1488, of whom 162 were £50, 93 £20 and 1214 £10. freeholders; 2 £-20, and 12 £10, leaseholders. The county is in the Connaught circuit : the assizes and general quarter-sessions are held at Carrick ; quarter-sessions are held also at Manor-Hamilton and Ballinamore. The county gaol and court-house are at Carrick ; and there are court-houses and bridewells at Manor- Hamilton and Ballinamore : the number of oer- 214

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 68

18. Leixlip Castle built by Adam Fitz Hereford, tradition of viceroy residence

    Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1170–1837

    Leixlip was included in the grant to Adam Fitz Hereford, one of the earliest English adventurers, who is said to have built the castle overlooking the river Liffey. According to tradition it was the occasional residence of John, Earl of Morton, while governor of Ireland under Henry II. The castle later became a favourite retreat of several viceroys.

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    LEIXLIP, a market and post town, and a parish, in the union of Celbridge, partly in the barony of Newcastle, county of Dublin, but chiefly in the barony of North Salt, county of Kildare, and province of Leinster, 12 miles (N. N. E.) from Naas, and 8 (W.) from Dublin ; containing 2033 inhabitants, of whom 1086 are in the town. This place was included in the grant made to Adam Fitz Hereford, one of the earliest of the English adventurers, who is said to have built the castle, which is situated on an eminence overlooking the river Litfey, and according to tradition was the occasional residence of John, Earl of Morton, while governor of Ireland in the reign of his father Henry II. Leixlip was afterwards granted to the abbey of St. Thomas' Court, Dublin ; and by an inquisition in 1604 it appears that Thomas Cottrel, the last abbot of that 218

    LEI X

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 71

19. Leixlip Castle purchased by Speaker Thomas Conolly, modernised by Cavendish

    Leixlip · town · Kildare

    The castle and manor of Leixlip were purchased by the Right Hon. Thomas Conolly, speaker of the Irish house of commons, and later became the property of Colonel Conolly of Castletown. The venerable castle was modernised and greatly improved by the Hon. George Cavendish, its present resident.

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    house, was seized of the manor of Leixlip, and the right of a flagon of ale out of every brewing in the town. The castle and manor were subsequently purchased by the Right Hon. Thomas Conolly, speaker of the Irish house of commons, and are now the property of Colonel Conolly, of Castletown. This venerable castle was the favourite retreat of several of the viceroys, of whom Lord Townsend usually spent the summer here ; it is at present the residence of the Hon. George Cavendish, by whom it has been modernised and greatly improved. The other seats are Rye Vale, Leixlip House, and Music Hall.

    The TOWN is situated near the confluence of the Rye Water with the river Liffey, over which is an ancient stone bridge of three arches ; and on the coach-road from Dublin to Galway. It consists only of one street ; the houses, 152 in number, are irregularly built, and, with the exception of a few of handsome appearance, have generally an aspect of negligence and decay. The inhabitants are amply supplied with water from springs. On the banks of the Liffey are rolling-mills for the manufacture of bar and sheet iron, and near them is a flour-mill ; a mill race 40 feet wide has been constructed in the castle demesne, for the purpose of turning another mill, or for applying water power to some manufactory. On the Rye Water is the Rye Vale distillery, which produces more than 20,000 gallons of whiskey annually. In the excise arrangements the town is within the district of Naas. The Royal Canal approaches within half a mile, and is carried over the Liffey by an aqueduct nearly 100 feet high ; affording facility of water-carriage to Dublin. The market is on Saturday ; and fairs are held annually on May 4th and Oct. 9th. There is a constabulary police station.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 71

20. Leixlip granted to St. Thomas' Court abbey; last abbot's brewing rights

    Leixlip · town · Kildare

    Leixlip was afterwards granted to the abbey of St. Thomas' Court, Dublin. An inquisition in 1604 recorded that Thomas Cottrel, the last abbot, was seized of the manor of Leixlip and held the right of a flagon of ale from every brewing in the town.

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    LEIXLIP, a market and post town, and a parish, in the union of Celbridge, partly in the barony of Newcastle, county of Dublin, but chiefly in the barony of North Salt, county of Kildare, and province of Leinster, 12 miles (N. N. E.) from Naas, and 8 (W.) from Dublin ; containing 2033 inhabitants, of whom 1086 are in the town. This place was included in the grant made to Adam Fitz Hereford, one of the earliest of the English adventurers, who is said to have built the castle, which is situated on an eminence overlooking the river Litfey, and according to tradition was the occasional residence of John, Earl of Morton, while governor of Ireland in the reign of his father Henry II. Leixlip was afterwards granted to the abbey of St. Thomas' Court, Dublin ; and by an inquisition in 1604 it appears that Thomas Cottrel, the last abbot of that 218

    LEI X

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 71

21. Lemuel Cox's wooden bridge over the Foyle, 1789-1791

    near Derry · city · Derry · 1789–1814

    A celebrated wooden bridge across the river was erected by Lemuel Cox, an American, begun in 1789 and completed in 1791, replacing a ferry held under the Irish Society. On 6 Feb. 1814, 350 feet were carried away by ice, with repairs costing £18,208.

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    The bridge, a celebrated wooden structure erected by Lemuel Cox, an American, in lieu of a ferry which the corporation held under the Irish Society, was begun in 1789, and completed in the spring of 179I. It is IO68 feet in length, and 40 iu breadth. The piles are of oak, and the head of each is tenoned into a cap-piece 40 feet long and 17 inches square, supported by three sets of girths and braces ; the piers, which are I65 feet apart, are bound together by thirteen string-pieces equally divided and transversely bolted, on which is laid the flooring : on each side of the platform is a railing 4^ feet high ; also a broad pathway provided with gaslarops. Near the end next to the city, a turning bridge has been constructed in place of the original drawbridge, to allow of the free navigation of the river. Ou the 6th of Feb. 1S14, a portion of the bridge extending to 350 feet was carried away by large masses of ice floated down the river by the ebb tide and a very high wind. The expense of its erection was £16,594, and of the re- 263

    pairs after the damage in 1814, £18,208, of which latter sum, £15,000 were advanced as a loan by government : the average annual amount of tolls from 1831 to 18.14, inclusive, was £3693. Plans and estimates for the erection of a new bridge, nearly 200 yards above the present, have been procured ; but there is no prospect of the immediate execution of the design.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 101

22. Leoffoney Castle occupied by Spaniards and royalists

    Leighmoney · parish · Cork · 1601–1641

    On an eminence near the ivy-clad ruins of the church in Leighmoney parish stand the remains of an extensive fortress called Leoffoney Castle. It was occupied by the Spaniards in 1601 and by the royalists in 1641.

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    are some extensive hanging- woods, through which the new road from Kinsale to Bandon passes, disclosing some of the richest scenery in the county. On the river are several salmon-weirs, and great quantities of fish are taken. The living is a rectory, in the diocese of Cork, and in the patronage of the Bishop ; the tithe rentcharge is but £82. 14., and there is neither glebe nor glebe-house. The church is in ruins, and divine service is performed in the parochial schoolroom, which has been licensed for that purpose. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish forms part of the union of Innishannon. The parochial school also serves for the parish of Dunderrow ; a house and five acres of land were given to it by Captain Herrick. On an eminence near the ivy-dad ruins of the church are the remains of an extensive fortress, called Leoffoney Castle, which was occupied by the Spaniards in 1601, and by the royalists in 1641. There are several chalybeate springs, but they are not much used.

    LEITRIM (County of), a county, of which a small portion is maritime, in the province of Connaught; bounded on the west by the counties of Sligo and Roscommon, on the south by that of Longford, on the east by those of Cavan and Fermanagh, and on the north by that of Donegal and by Donegal bay. It extends from 53° 45' to 54° 29' (N. Lat.) and from 7° 33' to 8° S' (W. Lon.) ; and comprises 392,363 statute acres, of which 249,350 are cultivated land, 1 1 5, 869 uncultivated, 3396 in plantations, and 23,748 under water. The population, in 1821, was 124,785; in 1831, 141,303; and in 1841, 155,297.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 68

23. Leper hospital at Maudlintown

    Maudlintown · street · Wexford · 1395–1625

    An inquisition in the time of James I recorded that a hospital for lepers existed at Maudlintown, governed by a master or prior with brethren and sisters. In the 19th year of Richard II they had appropriated 120 acres of land in Maudlintown and Rochestown, contrary to the statute of mortmain.

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    MAUDLINTOWN, a parish, in the barony of Forth, union and county of Wexford, and province of Leinster ; containing, with part of the town ot Wexford, 7'23 inhabitants. By an inquisition taken in the Sth of James I., it appears that there was an hospital for lepers here, governed by a master, keeper, or prior, who, with the brethren and sisters, had, in the 19th of Richard II., acquired and appropriated to themselves and successors in perpetuity, contrary to the statute of mortmain, 120 acres of land in Maudlintown and Rochestown, with the tithes of the parish of Ballyvalloo, kc. The parish is situated on the western shore of the harbour of Wexford, and its south-eastern part forms a continuation of the suburb called "The Faithe :" it comprises 841 statute acres, partly under tillage, and partly occupied by the rugged tract of the trap formation, called the White Rocks. Within the limits of the parish is Rockland Hall, the seat of W. Talbot, Esq. (father of the Countess of Shrewsbury), situated near the shore of the harbour, of which and of the bay it commands an extensive view. For civil purposes this parish has merged into that of St. Peter's, Wexford. It is a rectory, in the diocese of Ferns, forming part of the ecclesiastical union of St. Patrick's, Wexford : the tithe rent-charge is £67. 15. 6. In the Roman Catholic divisions it is part of the district of Wexford. The ruins of the church, dedicated to St. Maud, still exist.

    MAUL'S, ST., a parish, in the union of Kilkenny, partly in the barony of Gowran, county of Kilkenny, but chiefly within the liberties of the city of Kilkenny, and province of Leinster; containing 1496 inhabitants, and comprising 31'2| statute acres. It is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Ossory, entirely appropriate to the see : the tithe rent-charge is £3*. 10., now payable to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish forms part of the district of St. Canice.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 140

24. Leper-house of St. Bridgid at Kilbixy

    Kilbixy · townland · Westmeath

    Kilbixy once had a hospital called the Leper-house of St. Bridgid. Some ruins of this institution survived into the 1830s.

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    KILBIXY, a parish, in the union of Mulungar, barony of Moygoish, county of Westmeath, and province of Leinster ; containing, with the market and post town of Ballinacargy, 2246 inhabitants. The castle of Kilbixy is said to have been built by Hugh de Lacy, in 1192, and was subsequently the seat of Geoffry de Constantine, who founded at Tristernagh a priory of Canons Regular, sometimes called the priory of Kilbixy, and richly endowed it. The last prior was Edmund Nugent, Bishop of Kildare, who held it with his bishopric ; and a pension of £26. 13. 4. was granted to him on its surrender. In 1590 a lease of it was granted to Captain W. Piers, at a rent of £60, and the lands are still held by his descendants. It was finally destroyed in 1783. The town arose under the protection of the castle, and in the reign of Henry VI. was one of the borough towns of Meath. Sir Henry Piers, in his chorographical description of the county, states, that in 1782, part of the burgage castle, with 40 acres called the burgage land, existed, besides the ruins of many ancient houses and castles. The place had once an hospital, called the Leper-house of St. Bridgid, of which there are still some ruins. In the reign of Elizabeth, O'Dogherty of Connaught encamped in the abbey demesne with about 600 followers, and being attacked by the queen's forces and refused admission into the abbey, was slain with all his party. The parish contains 6493^ statute acres, and is richly embellished with

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 14

25. Lepers' hospital and castle ruins at Timoleague

    Timoleague · town · Cork · 1206

    Near the Spital Mills at Timoleague stand the ruins of a hospital for lepers founded by the first M'Cartly. On the banks of the river are the ruins of a castle built by the Morils in 1206.

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    The LIVING is a rectory, in the diocese of Ross, forming the corps of the prebend of Ross in the cathedral of St. Faughan, and in the patronage of the Bishop ; the tithe rent-charge is £310. 1. 6. The glebe-house, a neat villa residence, was erected by aid of a gift of £100 and a loan of £900, in 1S16, from the Board of First Fruits ; the glebe comprises five acres. The church is a small neat structure, built in ISIO by aid of a loan of £500 from the Board. It lately underwent a thorough repair ; the east gable was raised tn correspond with the other, and an entirely new roof was added, covered with the best slate : the ceiling is particularly beautifxd, and upon the whole the church is one of the most comfortable and suitable places of worship in the diocese. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish is the head of a district, comprising also the parish of Kilmaloda ; the chapel of Timoleague is a plain building. The parochial schools are held in a handsome building erected in iy42. Here is a dispensary ; and an Indigent-Housekeepers' Society has been established, and is supported by voluntary contributions. In the town is also a parochial library, the books of which were given by James Duncan, Esq., of London. In a field not far from the Spital Mills are the ruins of an hospital for lepers, founded by the first M'^Carty : on the banks of the river stand the ruins of the castle, built by the Morils in 1206.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 334

26. Lerha or Laragh, a Cistercian abbey with ruins

    Laragh · townland · Longford

    Lerha or Laragh was a monastic institution belonging to the Cistercians. Ruins of the abbey still remain.

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    The REMAINS of remote .\NTiauiTY are very few in number. A large rath, usually called the Moat of Granard, stands at one end of the main street of that town ; another, called Lisardowlin, situated near the road from Longford to Edgeworthstown, is by the people of this country generally believed to be the centre of Ireland. Monastic institutions were numerous, and for the most part held in great veneration, and well endowed. Abbeyshrule belonged to the Canons Regular ; Ardagh, to the Franciscans ; and Lerha or Laragh, to the Cistercians : the wealthy abbey of Longford was founded by the O'Farrels ; there were also abbeys or priories at Moydow, Clone, Clonebrone, Dcrg, Druimchei, and Killinmore, besides those on the islands of Innismorey, Innisbofin, Inniscloran, and All Saints. Ruins of all the above still remain ; but of the priories at Ballynasaggard, Kilglass, and St. Johnstown, no vestiges of the

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 107

27. Lewisburgh district almost uninhabited c.1770s

    Louisburgh · town · Mayo · 1770–1775

    Lewisburgh (Louisbourg), situated near the mouth of Clew Bay on the southern shore, is described as romantic and beautiful in summer but wild and uncultivated. About sixty years before the publication, the district was almost entirely uninhabited, yet by the 1830s it contained a population exceeding 12,000 and includes the isles of Clare and Innisturk.

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    LEWISBURGH, or Louisbourg, an ecclesiastical district, and a market and post town, in the parish of Kilgavower, union of Westport, barony of Murrisk, county of Mayo, and province of Connaught, 1 1 miles (\V. S. W.) from Westport. This place is situated near the mouth or entrance of Clew bay, ou the southern shore; the district is romantic and beautiful in the summer months, and well worthy of the notice of tourists, but although capable of great improvement, it is yet in a wild and uncultivated state. It includes the isles of Clare and Innisturk ; and contains a population exceeding 12,000, though about sixty years ago it was almost entirely uninhabited. The village, which contains 448 inhabitants, has some few good houses lately built, and would be a suitable place for trade, were efforts made to encourage it : it has a receiving-house for letters in connexion with Westport ; a market for provisions, held on Monday ; and fairs on the 24th of June, August 4th, and Sept. 29th. A constabulary police force, also, is stationed in the village. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the diocese of Tuam, and in the patronage of the Bishop and the Incumbent of Westport ; the stipend is, £80 paid by the incumbent

    LICK

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 72

28. Liafail inauguration stone at Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    During the inauguration ceremony at Tara, monarchs were placed upon the Liafail or Stone of Destiny, which was later removed to Scotland for the same purpose and eventually taken by Edward I to Westminster Abbey, where it remains.

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    TARAGH, Tarah, or Tara, a parish, in the union ofNAVAN, barony of Skreen, county of Meath, and province of Leinster, 3^ miles (X. by W.) from Dunshaughlin ; containing 5S6 inhabitants, of whom 126 are in the village. Taragh Hill, which was also named Teagh-mor, signifying " the Great House," and frequently called Temora, derived that appellation from its having been, to the end of the sixth century, the place where the convocation of the states-general of Ireland was held every three years, for the decision of civil and ecclesiastical matters, and also for the election and investiture with supreme authority of one chief, sovereign of all Ireland. This triennial convocation of the provincial kings, priests, and bards, is said to have been originally instituted by the great Ollamh Fodhla, one of the ancient monarchs, celebrated as a great legislator, in the traditional records of the kingdom. Tuathal, a Milesian prince, is conjectured to have convoked an assembly here after his victory over the Firbolgs, when he was recognised by the states as supreme monarch. During the ceremony of inauguration, the monarchs were placed upon the Liafail, or " stone of destiny," 551

    TARA

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 316

29. Liberties of Limerick divided by the Shannon

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The liberties of Limerick were divided into North and South by the river Shannon. The North liberties comprised 1,714 acres and the South liberties 14,754 acres, totalling about 26,600 statute acres. The 1840 act curtailed these boundaries, adding 24,000 statute acres to adjoining baronies.

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    The liberties, as they were defined previously to 1840, were divided into North and South by the river Shannon. The limits of the North liberties varied from one to four statute miles, comprising 1714 acres, as rated to the grand jury cess ; the South liberties, extending from four to five statute miles, comprehended 14,754 acres assessed : making in all 16,458 Irish acres, equal to about 26,600 statute acres ; exclusively of the site of the town. By the new act, the extent of the liberties was much curtailed, except for parliamentary purposes ; as many as 24,000 statute acres being added to the adjoining baronies north and south. The small island of Inniscattery, about 60 miles distant, at the mouth of the Shannon, forms a part of the parish of St. Mary, and is within the jurisdiction of the corporation. The mayor is a justice of the peace within the county of the city, and ex officio a magistrate for the county at large : he is a judge in local courts, and is named first in the commission with the judges at the assizes for the county of the city ; he is also clcrk-of-the-markets ; and was, until lately, the coroner of the city, and had chartered admiralty jurisdiction over the Shannon. The other magistrates are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant.

    LIME

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 79

30. Liberty stone boundary mark near Corbally, Kilquane

    Corbally · townland · Clare

    In Kilquane chapelry near Limerick, midway between Corbally mills and St. Thomas's Island, is a boundary mark called the 'Liberty stone,' marking part of the north liberties of the city of Limerick.

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    KILQUANE, or St. Patrick's North, a chapelry, in the union of Limerick, partly in the barony of ClanwiLLiAM, county of Limerick, and partly in the city of Limerick, but chiefly in the barony of Lower Bun- RATTY, county of Clare, and province of Munster, 2 miles (N.) from Limerick, and on the north side of the river Shannon ; containing 4132 inhabitants. It comprises 5409 statute acres, chiefly in tillage. The state of agriculture has of late years improved, from the proximity of the district to the city of Limerick, of which it includes a small portion of the north liberties ; midway between Corbally mills and St. Thomas's Island is the boundary mark called the " Liberty stone." There is a considerable portion of bog ; and limestone, containing fossil shells, is used for building and burnt for manure. On the river Blackwater, which runs into the Shannon, are two large flour-mills. Manorial courts for the recovery of small debts are occasionally held at Athlunkard and Parteen ; and at Ardnacrusha is a station of the constabulary police. The seats are. Spring Hill ; Quinsborough, formerly the residence of Lord George Quin ; Whitehall ; Fairy Hill ; Thomas Island ; and Cottage. Kilquane is a perpetual cure, and forms, with Singland, or St. Patrick's South, the rectory of St. Patrick, and part of the union of St. Patrick, and of the

    K I L— Q U

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 50

31. Lifford corporation and borough returning MPs to Irish parliament

    Lifford · townland · Donegal

    The corporation of Lifford consisted of a warden, 12 free burgesses, and freemen, and returned two members to the Irish parliament until the Union, when it was disfranchised. The corporation has since become extinct.

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    The TOWN is situated in a beautiful valley at the base of an extensive range of mountains, and on the western bank of the river Foyle, over which is a stone bridge of twelve arches leading into the county of Tyrone. It consists of two streets, and contains 122 houses, of which several are neat and well built : the market and fairs have been discontinued. There are infantry barracks for 3 officers and 54 non-commissioned officers and privates. A post under Strabane has been estalished ; and there is a constabulary police station in the town. The corporation by the charter consisted of a warden, 12 free burgesses, and an indefinite number of freemen, assisted by two serjeants-at-mace and other officers. The warden, who was also clerk-of-the-market, was annually elected from the free burgesses, who were chosen for life from the commonalty or freemen by a majority of their own body, by whom also the freemen were admitted and the serjeants-at-mace and other officers appointed. The borough returned two members to the Irish parliament till the Union, when it was disfranchised. A court of record for the recovery of debts to the amount of £3. 6. 8. was granted by the charter, to be held weekly before the warden, but no proceedings appear to have issued from it for a long period ; the corporation seems to have ceased in the last century to exercise any other municipal function than that of returning members to the Irish parliament, and since the Union it has become quite extinct. The assizes and January quarter-sessions are held in the town. The court-house is well adapted for holding the various courts, and the county gaol is a very spacious and handsome building in the castellated style, the newportion on the panoptic plan ; it is divided into six wards, is well arranged for classification, and capable of receiving 124 prisoners. The men are employed in breaking stones, and in pounding bones for manure, for which there is a large demand, and the women in needlework, spinning, and washing ; there is a good school, and the discipline and interior economy have been recommended to the imitation of the managers of other prisons.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 73

32. Lifford county gaol in castellated style on panoptic plan

    Lifford · townland · Donegal

    The county gaol at Lifford is a spacious castellated building with a new portion on the panoptic plan, divided into six wards and capable of receiving 124 prisoners. The discipline and interior economy were recommended for imitation by managers of other prisons.

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    The TOWN is situated in a beautiful valley at the base of an extensive range of mountains, and on the western bank of the river Foyle, over which is a stone bridge of twelve arches leading into the county of Tyrone. It consists of two streets, and contains 122 houses, of which several are neat and well built : the market and fairs have been discontinued. There are infantry barracks for 3 officers and 54 non-commissioned officers and privates. A post under Strabane has been estalished ; and there is a constabulary police station in the town. The corporation by the charter consisted of a warden, 12 free burgesses, and an indefinite number of freemen, assisted by two serjeants-at-mace and other officers. The warden, who was also clerk-of-the-market, was annually elected from the free burgesses, who were chosen for life from the commonalty or freemen by a majority of their own body, by whom also the freemen were admitted and the serjeants-at-mace and other officers appointed. The borough returned two members to the Irish parliament till the Union, when it was disfranchised. A court of record for the recovery of debts to the amount of £3. 6. 8. was granted by the charter, to be held weekly before the warden, but no proceedings appear to have issued from it for a long period ; the corporation seems to have ceased in the last century to exercise any other municipal function than that of returning members to the Irish parliament, and since the Union it has become quite extinct. The assizes and January quarter-sessions are held in the town. The court-house is well adapted for holding the various courts, and the county gaol is a very spacious and handsome building in the castellated style, the newportion on the panoptic plan ; it is divided into six wards, is well arranged for classification, and capable of receiving 124 prisoners. The men are employed in breaking stones, and in pounding bones for manure, for which there is a large demand, and the women in needlework, spinning, and washing ; there is a good school, and the discipline and interior economy have been recommended to the imitation of the managers of other prisons.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 73

33. Lifford town on the Foyle with twelve-arch stone bridge

    Lifford · townland · Donegal

    Lifford is situated in a valley at the base of mountains on the western bank of the river Foyle, connected to County Tyrone by a stone bridge of twelve arches. The town consists of two streets with 122 houses, infantry barracks, and a constabulary police station.

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    The TOWN is situated in a beautiful valley at the base of an extensive range of mountains, and on the western bank of the river Foyle, over which is a stone bridge of twelve arches leading into the county of Tyrone. It consists of two streets, and contains 122 houses, of which several are neat and well built : the market and fairs have been discontinued. There are infantry barracks for 3 officers and 54 non-commissioned officers and privates. A post under Strabane has been estalished ; and there is a constabulary police station in the town. The corporation by the charter consisted of a warden, 12 free burgesses, and an indefinite number of freemen, assisted by two serjeants-at-mace and other officers. The warden, who was also clerk-of-the-market, was annually elected from the free burgesses, who were chosen for life from the commonalty or freemen by a majority of their own body, by whom also the freemen were admitted and the serjeants-at-mace and other officers appointed. The borough returned two members to the Irish parliament till the Union, when it was disfranchised. A court of record for the recovery of debts to the amount of £3. 6. 8. was granted by the charter, to be held weekly before the warden, but no proceedings appear to have issued from it for a long period ; the corporation seems to have ceased in the last century to exercise any other municipal function than that of returning members to the Irish parliament, and since the Union it has become quite extinct. The assizes and January quarter-sessions are held in the town. The court-house is well adapted for holding the various courts, and the county gaol is a very spacious and handsome building in the castellated style, the newportion on the panoptic plan ; it is divided into six wards, is well arranged for classification, and capable of receiving 124 prisoners. The men are employed in breaking stones, and in pounding bones for manure, for which there is a large demand, and the women in needlework, spinning, and washing ; there is a good school, and the discipline and interior economy have been recommended to the imitation of the managers of other prisons.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 73

34. Lighthouse on Hook peninsula

    near Hook Head · promontory · Wexford

    A lighthouse on the peninsula of Hook serves as a primary landmark for ships making for Waterford harbour. The harbour lies approximately four and a half leagues from Land's End to this lighthouse.

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    The harbour is 4'2 leagues from the Land's End, in Cornwall, to the lighthouse on the peninsula of Hook, which lies N. ^ E. When making for it from the south or east, it is necessary to keep Slievenaman, a remarkable mountain inland, N. E. i N., or the Great Salter Island E. S. E., till the lighthouse is seen on the east side of the harbour : Hook Point must be kept at the distance of a cable's length, to avoid falling into irregular streams of tide that run near it ; the west side of the harbour is deep along shore as far as Credan's Head, and shews a red light at Dunmore pier. Passing the Hook, anchorage may be obtained with a flood tide or leading wind at Passage.

    In 1845. an act was passed for the construction of a railsvay from this city to the city of Limerick : this is a new undertaking, to supply a line for which an act was passed in 18'26, but which was not carried into effect. Part of the present line is to be constructed for the joint use of this and the Great Southern and Western railway. The main line is nearly 7* British miles long, and a branch to the upper part of Waterford one mile ; the capital of the company is fixed at £7')0,000, with a power of raising £250,000 by loan. In 1 845, also, an act was passed for a railway from Waterford to Kilkenny, with a branch to Kells, in the county of Kilkenny : the length of the main line of this undertaking will be 31 miles; the capital is fixed at £'250,000, with power to raise an additional sum of £83,000 by Ician.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 384

35. Limerick Academy founded in Cecil Street

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1836

    The Limerick Academy in Cecil Street was opened in 1836, founded and conducted by Messrs. Brice and Brown. It comprised a commodious house for resident pupils and two spacious class-rooms, offering education from infancy through collegiate study.

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    The present county of the city, agreeably with the provisions of the Municipal Corporations' act, comprises the parish of St. Mary, and part of the parishes of Killeely, St. John, St. Laurence, St. Michael, St. Munchin, St. Nicholas, and St. Patrick: the area is '2618 statute acres. Killeely and St. Patrick's are separately described. The living of St. Michael's is a rectory, united, from time immemorial, to the rectory of Kildimo and the rectory of Ardagh, the three parishes constituting the union of St. Michael and the corps of the archdeaconry of Limerick, in the patronage of the Bishop. The tithe rent-charge of the parish is £67. 10. per annum : the gross income of the archdeaconry, including the rent of a small glebe, before the passing of the Rent-charge act was £6'20. 17. 8. per annum. The church was destroyed in the siege of 1651 and no parish church existed until very recently, when one was completed agreeably with an act of parliament passed in 1843. There is a chapel of ease, called St. George's, built aud endowed in 17S9 by the Pery family : it is a plain commodious edifice ; its east window, which is very lofty, formerly belonged to the old Franciscan abbey. The minister is appointed by the Earl of Limerick. An Episcopal chapel, in connexion with the Blind Asylum, was erected in this parish, in 1834, by subscriptions exceeding £5000, raised in England and Ireland by the personal exertions of the Venerable Edward N. Hoare, Archdeacon of Ardfert, now Dean of Achonry, who was the first chaplain and is one of the trustees. St. George's parochial schools are in connexion with the Kildare-place Society, but are chiefly supported by voluntary subscriptions and the sale of needlework; they afford instruction to 214 children. There are also schools in connexion with the London Hibernian Society, and the Wesleyan Methodists : very large schools for males and females have just been erected from a bequest by Mrs. Viiliers. The Limerick Academy, in Cecil-street, founded and conducted by Messrs. Brice and Brown, was opened in 1 836. It consists of a commodious house for the accommodation of resident pupils, •237

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 79

36. Limerick: ancient origins and Danish settlement

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 812

    Limerick, possibly the Regia of Ptolemy, was called Rosae-de-Nailleagh in the Annals of Multifernan and identified with the place named Lumneach in ancient divisions of Ireland. The Danes plundered it in 812 and later made it a principal maritime station, enclosing the area now known as English Town with walls and towers.

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    LfMERlCK, a city, a county of itself, and the head of a poor-law union ; situated on the river Shannon, locally in the county of Limerick (of which it forms the capital), and jirovince of MuNSTER, 51 miles (N.) from Cork, and 94 (s. vv.) from Dul)lin ; containing, in 1S41, in the parliamentary borough, 6ri,'29C inhabitants, of whom 48,39 1 were in the city and suburbs, and the remainder in the rural district. This ancient and important city, supposed by some writers to be the Regia of Ptolemy, is called liosaede-Nailleagh in the Annals of Multifernan ; and is believed to be the place described under the name of Liimneach, as forming the western extremity of the southern half of the island as divided A.M. '2870 and 3970. The last-mentioned name, indeed, appears to have been modified by the English into its present designation. St. Patrick is said to have visited the district about the middle of the fifth century ; but the first authentic notices of Limerick represent it as a Danish settlement. The place was plundered by them in Sl'2 ; and about the middle of the same century they made this one of their principal maritime stations, surrounding it with walls and towers, which inclosed the area now occupied by the English Town. Eor nearly a century their power continued to increase, until Brien Boroimhe assumed the dominion of Munster and Thotnond, when he expelled the Danes from Inniscattery, and reduced Limerick ; allowing the inhabitants however to continue, subject to their own laws and customs, on payment of an annual tribute, said to have been fixed at 365 tuns or casks of wine, of 32 gallons each. In 1064, Turlogh, King of Munster, received here the homage of Donsleibhc, King of Ulidia ; and his successor Murtogh, having given Cashel to the church, removed the seat of royalty to Limerick in 1106, from which time it continued to be the residence of the kings of Thomond, or North Munster, until its conquest by the English : from this circumstance, his successors were styled indiscrimmately kings of North Munster or of Limerick. The Danes of Limerick did not embrace Christianity until the 11 th century, and in the following they elected their first bishop. In 1153, Turlogh O'Conor, King of Connaught, besieged the city, and compelled the Danes to renounce the authority of Turlogh O'Brien, and drive him west of the Shannon.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 75

37. Limerick: Anglo-Norman conquest and Donald O'Brien's resistance

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1175–1234

    Raymond le Gros captured Limerick in 1175 by fording the Shannon, but the city changed hands repeatedly. Donald O'Brien burned it rather than let it remain a nest for foreigners, and William de Burgo later established a permanent settlement with a strong castle and bridge.

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    A succession of intestine wars among the native princes was carried on until the landing of Hknry II., who soon obtained possession of Limerick, and placed a garrison here ; but after his departure, Donald O'Brien, King of Thomond, regained it. In 1175, Raymond le Gros, with the assistance of the King of Ossory, invested the place, and, by fording the river in the face 2'27

    of the enemy, so daunted them that he entered it without opposition, obtained a great booty, and secured the town by a garrison ; but on the death of Karl Strringbow, it was again evacuated by the EngliEb, and subsequently burned by order of Donald, who declared that it should no longer be a nest for foreigners. In 1179, Henry H. gave the kingdom of Limerick to Herebert Fitz-IIerebert, who having resigned his claim to an inheritance so uncertain, it was granted to Philip de Braosa ; and he, aided by Milo de Cogan and Robert Fitz-Stepheu, advanced against the city, which the garrison set on fire. This so dispirited Braosa, that he immediately retreated ; and so assured was Donald O'Brien afterwards of the security of his metropolis, that, in 1194, he founded the cathedral church of St. Mary, on the site of his palace. In 1195, the English appear to have regained p;)Ssession of the city, for it was then governed by a provost ; but Mac Carthy of Desmond forced them once more to abandon it.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 75

38. Limerick as English army headquarters during Desmond rebellion

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1579–1583

    During the Earl of Desmond's rebellion, Limerick served for some time as the headquarters of the English army, underscoring its strategic importance in the southern province.

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    On the arrival of Sir William Pelham, Lord-Deputy, in 1579, the mayor appeared before him attended by 1000 citizens well armed; and in 1584, the city militia amounted to SOO men, being double that of Cork, and a third more than that of Waterford, demonstrating that Limerick was then the most important city in the island next ta Dublin. During the Earl of Desmond's rebellion, the city was for some time the head-quarters of the English army. From the commencement of the reign of James I. until the war of 1641, it enjoyed undisturbed tranquillity : and notwithstanding accidental conflagrations, in 1618 and 16»0, considerable improvement in the construction of buildings and public works took place. The customs' duties for the year ending Lady-day, 1633, amounted to no less a sum than £1619. 1. "f. In 1636 the city was visited by the Lord-

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 75

39. Limerick Bishop's Palace

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The palace of the See of Limerick is a modern brick edifice situated in the New Town. It fronts the Shannon and commands an extensive view of the opposite shores of County Clare.

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    see of Ardfert and Aghadoe was added to it in 1660, and has ever since been annexed to it. The see of Limerick is valued in the king's books at £40 sterling, according to an extent returned in the 5th of Charles I. The see lands comprise eT'iO acres ; the gross yearly revenue of the bishopric, including Ardfert and Aghadoe, amounted to £5368. 13., on an average of three years ending Jan. 1, 183'2. The palace is a modern brick edifice in the New Town, with a front to the Shannon, commanding an extensive view of the opposite shores of the county of Clare. The consistorial court is held in the city by the vicar-general, with a surrogate and registrar, who is keeper of the diocesan records, the oldest of which is intituled the " Liber Niger," copied by Bishop Adams in I6l6, from a book which he states to have been then much defaced by age, and to contain an account of all the parishes, their procurations, taxation, subsidies, &c.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 79

40. Limerick charter granted with Bristol privileges, 1653

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1653

    In 1653, an act permitted English adventurers, officers, and soldiers to purchase forfeited houses at six years' purchase, and a charter was granted conferring upon Limerick's citizens the same privileges and franchises as those enjoyed by the city of Bristol.

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    Deputy Wentworth, who was splendidly entertained by the mayor for nine days, and on his departure presented to the corporation a valuable cup of silver gilt. On the approach of the insurgent army under Lord Ikerrin, Lord Muskerry, and General Barry, in 164'2, the gates were thrown open by the citizens ; and the royal garrison, consisting only of 200 men who had shut themselves up in the castle, were compelled to surrender after an obstinate defence ; after which, the magistrates sent representatives to the Catholic convention at Kilkenny, and made every exertion to repair and strengthen the fortifications. In 1646, when it was attempted to proclaim the pacification that had just been concluded between King Charles and the parliament, the attempt was met by violence ; and afterwards, the supreme council, headed by Rinuncini, the pope's nuncio, removed hither, to encourage the besiegers of the neighbouring castle of Bunratty, on the Clare side of the Shannon, in which the parliamentarians had placed a garrison. In 1650, the Marquess of Ormonde marched info the city, in the hope of securing it for the king ; but the nuncio's party having deprived him of all power, he at length quitted the kingdom, leaving the command of the royalist troops to the Earl of Castlehaven,who induced the magistrates to accept his offer to defend them against the threatened attack of Ireton. The latter, however, did not commence operations until the spring of 1651 ; and the siege being protracted until the approach of winter, famine, misery, and death made formidable ravages among the ranks of both parties. The attempts of the Irish forces to relieve the place were defeated, but a sally by O'Nial, who commanded the garrison, nearly proved fatal to the besiegers. The privations of the inhabitants at length compelled the troops to turn out all useless persons, who, to prevent them from communicating the plague, which then raged at Limerick, to the parliamentarian forces, were, at the command of Ireton, immediately whipped back ; and dissensions gradually arose among the besieged, as to the propriety of capitulating. The resistance of the clergy to a surrender being at length overbalanced by some officers who took possession of one of the gates and turned the cannon against the city, the place was surrendered to the besiegers on condition that the garrison should march out unarmed, and the inhabitants be allowed time for removing, with their effects, to any place where they might be appointed to live. Twenty-four persons were excluded by name from the benefit of this treaty : the soldiers, who marched out to the number of 2500, were greatly reduced by disease contracted by the sufferings of a protracted siege of six months. After the surrender, the emblems of royalty were removed, the magistrates displaced ; and for five years the city was subjected to a military government. In 1653 an act was passed permitting the English adventurers, officers, and soldiers, to purchase the forfeited houses at six years' purchase ; and a charter was granted conferring upon the citizens the same privileges and franchises as those enjoyed by the city of Bristol. In 1656, the municipal government was restored, by the election of a mayor and twelve English aldermen.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 76

41. Limerick city militia at Collooney (1798)

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1798

    During the French invasion of 1798, the Limerick city militia distinguished itself by the stand it made at Collooney under Colonel Vereker, who in consequence received the thanks of parliament.

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    After the termination of the American war, the improvement and extension of the city were renewed with unexampled spirit : and although contested elections, and alarms of insurrection in the neighbouring districts, at times disturbed its tranquillity, they never retarded its improvement. During the French invasion in 179S, the city militia distinguished itself by the stand it made at Collooney under Colonel Verekcr, who in consequence received the thanks of parliament. In 1S03, a design was formed by those engaged in Emmett's conspiracy to take the city by surprise ; and the plan was conducted with so much secrecy that it was unknown to the military commandant in Limerick until the evening preceding the intended day of attack ; but the prompt and decisive measures adopted prevented the apprehended danger. In 1S'21, symptoms of insubordination in the liberties led to a proclamation declaring the county of the city to be in a state of disturbance, and to require an extraordinary establishment of police, which was accordingly sent. In the winter of 1833, the town suffered severely by storms and high tides.

    The CITY of Limerick, situated in an extensive plain watered by the Shannon, is composed of three portions, the English Town, the Irish Town, and Newtown-Pery ; the whole containing 5866 houses. The EiiglUI, Town, the oldest, occupies the southern end of the King's Island, a tract formed by the Shannon, here divided into two streams of which the narrower and more rapid

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 77

42. Limerick corporation under James I charter

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1603–1840

    Under the charter of James I, the corporation of Limerick was styled 'The Mayor, Sheriffs, and Citizens of the City of Limerick' and comprised a mayor, two sheriffs, aldermen, burgesses, and freemen with various officers. Limerick enjoyed the title of mayor ten years before it was granted to London.

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    Under the charter of James I., the corporation was, until 1840, styled "The Mayor, Sheriffs, and Citizens of the City of Limerick;" and consisted of a mayor, two sheriffs, and an indefinite number of aldermen, burgesses, and freemen, aided by a recorder, four charter justices, a town-clerk (who was also clerk of the crown, and of the peace, for the county of the city), chamberlain, common-speaker, water-bailiff, sword-bearer, high constable, petty constables, serjeants-at-mace, weigh-master, crane-master, and other inferior officers. The mayor (which office and title were enjoyed by Limerick ten years before they were granted to London), the sheriffs, recorder, and town-clerk, were annually elected by the common-council on the 2ud Monday after the 24th of June ; the four charter justices by the same bod}', on the 2nd Monday after the 29th of September. The chamberlain was elected from among the burgesses, for life or during pleasure, by the mayor, sheriffs, and recorder. The aldermen were elected for life, from among the burgesses, by the common-council : the title, however, was a mere honorary distinction, usually conferred on the person who had served the office of mayor. The common-speaker was elected every two years, under the provisions of the act of 1823, by the body of freemen assembled on the first Tuesday after June 24th, in the court of d'oyer hundred, and was obliged to be approved of by the common-council before he could be sworn into office. The other officers were appointed respectively by the common-council, the mayor, and the sheriffs. The freedom was, and is still, under the Municipal act, obtained by birth, for the eldest son, or marriage with any daughter, of a freeman ; also by apprenticeship to a freeman within the city, but no longer by gift of the corporation ; the admissions of freemen were made by the common-council, subject to the approbation of the court of d'oyer hundred. The act of 1823 required the council to hold quarterly meetings on the first Monday after June 24th, second Monday after Sept. 29th, and the first Mondays in January and April ; extraordinary meetings were convened on requisition of the mayor. All acts of the corporation, except the election of officers, were latterly obliged to be approved of and confirmed by the freemen at large in the court of d'oyer hundred. This court had been re-established by the act of 1823, after having for about seventy years previously fallen into almost total disuse ; and was held on the day following each of the four stated quarterly 234

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 79

43. Limerick County Court-house

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1810

    The County Court-house in Limerick was completed in 1810 at an expense of £12,000. It is an elegant quadrangular building of hewn stone with a portico supported by four lofty pillars.

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    The old City Court-house, in Bridge-street, was erected in 1763, at an expense of £700 only ; it is 60 feet by 30, and fronted with hewn stone, with a rustic gateway. This building has been recently converted into a Roman Catholic parochial school, and a new court-house was completed in 1846, at a cost of £1200; it stands on Merchants'-quay, adjoining the county court-house, and on part of the ground belonging to the city gaol. 7'he Exchange, erected in 177S at an expense of £1500, is one of the chief ornaments of the Old Town ; the front is of hewn stone, and is adorned with seven Tuscan columns connected by a handsome balustrade. The council-chamber is a fine room of the Ionic order ; and there are various convenient municipal offices. The County Court-house, an elegant structure, completed in 1810, at an expense of £12,000, is a quadrangular 235

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 79

44. Limerick Custom-House Construction

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1769

    The Custom-House in Limerick was situated at the entrance of the New Town from the Old Town. It was completed at an expense of £8000 and built with hewn stone.

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    a bazaar, and commercial chambers. There are four annual fairs, on Ea.ster-Tucsday, July 4tli, Aug. 4th, and Dec. I'2th : to the August fair was attached a privilege by virtue of which no person, for fifteen days after it, could be arrested in the city or liberties on process issuing out of the late tholsel court. The principal commercial edifices are the Custom-House and the Commercial Buildings. The Custom- House, situated at the entrance of the New Town from the Old, was completed in 1*69, at an expense of £8000, and consists of a centre and two wings, built with hewn stone and handsomely ornamented : a surveyor's house and habitations for boatmen have been erected at the Pool. The Comnurnal liuildings were erected in 1 806, at a cost of £8000, by a proprietary of 100 shareholders. They consist of a large and well-supplied news-room on the ground floor, above which is a library, with apartn)cnts for the Chamber of Commerce, which was incorporated in 181.5, for the protection of the trade. Its fund arises from fees on the exports and imports of the members ; the surplus is employed in promoting the commercial interest of the city, improving the navigation, and aiding the manufactures. The Post-office is a small building, in a situation so inconvenient that none of the coaches can approach it ; mails start for Dublin, Cork, Tralee, Waterford, and Gahvay.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 79

45. Limerick declared no longer a fortress (1760)

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1760

    In 1760, Limerick was declared to be no longer a fortress, and the dismantling of its walls and other defences was immediately commenced. The work was completed by slow degrees as the extension of various improvements rendered it necessary.

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    effects destroyed, and the entire city a scene of desolation and misery. While all classes were engaged in repairing their losses, the poorer by erecting small liutn under the walls, the richer by re-edifying their houses, and the soldiers by restoring and enlarging the fortifications, a new and unthought of casualty nearly involved the whole in a second destruction : one of the towers on the quay suddenly fell, and I'Ai barrels of gunpowder which it contained blew up with a tremendous explosion, by which '240 persons were crushed to death or dreadfully maimed, some being struck dead by stones that fell a mile from the town. For more than 60 years after the siege, the fortifications were kept in complete repair, a garrison and several companies of city militia maintained, and every precaution of an important military station observed. In I698, the Marquess of Winchester and the Earl of Galway, lords justices, on a tour of inspection, visited the city ; which in the same year suffered most severely by a storm and high tide. In 1703 an act was passed providing that no Roman Catholic strangers should reside in the city or suburbs, and that the existing inhabitants of that persuasion should be expelled, unless they gave sufficient securities for their allegiance; but in 17'24 these restrictions were removed. During the Scottish rebellion in 174.5, similar precautions were used, but no symptom of disaffection was discovered. In 17'>1, a storm, accompanied with high tides, overflowed a part of the place, and did great damage. In I76O, Limeri<k was declared to be no longer a fortress ; and the dismantling of its walls and other defences was immediately commenced, and completed by slow degrees, as the extension of the various improvements rendered it necessary. On the breaking out of the American war, three volunteer corps were formed under the names of the Limerick Union, the Loyal Limerick Volunteers, and the Limerick Volunteers.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 77

46. Limerick: Edward Bruce holds court, 1316

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1316–1317

    Edward Bruce terminated his career of conquest southward at Limerick in 1316 and kept his court there until the following Easter, marking the high point of his campaign in southern Ireland.

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    King John renewed the grant to Pliilip de Braosa, with the exception of the city of Limerick, the cantred of the Ostmen, and the Holy Island, which he committed to the custody of AVilliam de Burgo, who formed a settlement here which from that period set at defiance all the efforts of the Irish. A strong castle and bridge were erected ; and, encouraged by the privileges offered to them, English settlers flocked hither in great numbers, between whom and the inhabitants of the adjacent country amicable relations appear to have been soon established ; for, among the names of the chief magistrates for the ensuing century, besides those which seem to be English, Norman or Flemish, and Italian, there are several purely Irish. Money was coined here in the reign of John. In 1234, the city was taken, after a siege of four days, by Richard, Earl Marshal of England, then in rebellion ; and by the continued wars in the surrounding country, especially among the O'Briens, De Burgos, De Clares, and Fitzgeralds, its progress in commercial prosperity appears to have been greatly checked. In 130S, Pierce Gaveston, the viceroy, passed through Limerick with an army, and compelled O'Brien to submit; but the tranquillity was of short duration. In 1314 De Clare burned the suburbs; in 1316, Edward Bruce terminated his career of conquest southward at this place, and kept his court here until the following Easter. The hostilities of the O'Briens and others, and the unbounded authority assumed by the Earl of Desmond and other Anglo-Norman leaders, rendered additional military defences necessary for the protection of the city ; and various grants were made by Edward II. for inclosing the suburbs with a stone wall, and for repairing the castle. In 1331, the Earl of Desmond was committed to the custody of the marshal of Limerick.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 75

47. Limerick-Galway commercial hostilities ended by treaty

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1524–1536

    In 1524, commercial jealousies between Limerick and Galway erupted into open hostilities by sea and land. These were eventually terminated by a formal treaty and a royal injunction in 1536 requiring better behaviour from the men of Galway.

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    In the reign of Henry VII. the city recovered some degree of prosperity ; in 15'24 it was harassed by the open hostilities, both by sea and land, resulting from the commercial jealousies between it and Galwaj', but these were at length terminated by a formal treaty, and by an injunction from the king, in 1536, requiring a better demeanour from the men of Galway. In the reign of Henry VIII., Alderman Sexton, of this city, took a distinguished part in favour of the British interest. In 1542, the proclamation declaring Henry king of Ireland was received with demonstrations of the greatest joy, and in the following year Sir Anthony St. Leger held a parliament here, in which divers important acts were passed. Towards the close of Mary's reign, the Lord-Deputy Sussex arrived in the city to suppress a revolt of some inferior branches of the O'Brien family against their chief, on which occasion the Earl of Thomond and all the freeholders of his country swore fealty to the crown of England. During the entire reign of Elizabeth, and throughout the wars that devastated the whole surrounding province, Limerick maintained the most unshaken loyalty, and was made a centre of civil and military administration. Sir Henry Sydney, lord-deputy, who visited it in 156;, in 1569, and in 1576, states that he was received here with greater magnificence than he had hitherto experienced in Ireland. At this period Limerick is described as a place well and substantially built, ■with walls extending round a circuit of about three miles.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 75

48. Limerick gas lighting contract of 1824

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1824

    Limerick city was lighted with gas under a contract made in 1824 with the United London Gas Company, initially confined to the New Town but later extended to the Irish Town and Dublin Road. A rival Gas Consumers' Company of citizen shareholders subsequently competed, reducing prices.

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    The Streets in the New Town, which are spacious, intersect each other at right angles, and are occupied by elegant houses, splendid and well-stocked shops, and merchants' stores. Patrick-street, George-street, and the Crescent form a continuous line of houses, extending about a mile from the New bridge. The city was till lately lighted with gas under a contract made in 1824 with the United London Gas Company ; the original engagement was confined to the New Town, but it was extended by the liberality of the corporation to the Irish town and Dublin road, and by private subscriptions to part of the English Town. The Gas Consumers' Company, of more recent establishment, and of which the chief shareholders are citizens, now lights the public streets ; and the terms for lighting in shops have been much reduced by the competition of the rival companies. Works for supplying Limerick with water were commenced in 1S34 by a London company : there are two tanks about a mile from the city, at Cromwell's- Fort, near Gallows'-Green, on the site of two forts occupied by Cromwell and William III. ; their elevation is 50 feet above the highest part of the city, and 72 feet above the river, from which the water is raised through a metal pipe 12 inches in diameter by two steam-engines, each of 20-horse power. In excavating for a foundation for the tanks, several skeletons, cannon and musket balls, armour, and divers remains of military weapons were found ; and in forming the new line of road along the Shannon, on the county of Clare side, heaps of skeletons were found, some of which were 15 yards in length and 6 feet in depth ; they are supposed to be the remains of those who died in the great plague. In military arrangements. Limerick is the head-quarters of the south-western district, which com'prises the counties of Clare and Limerick, with the town of Mount- Shannon, in the county of Galway ; the county of Tipperary, except the barony of Lower Ormond, but including the town of Nenagh ; and that part of the county of Kerry north of the Flesk. There are four barracks ; the Castle barrack, in the English Town, for infantry, capable of accommodating 17 officers and 270 non-commissioned officers and privates, with an hospital for 29 patients ; the Neir barrack, on the outside of Nevvtown-Pery, adapted for 37 officers, and 71-i infantry and cavalry, and 54 horses, with an hospital for 60 patients ; the Artillery barrack, in the Irish Town, for 6 officers, 194 men, and 104 horses, with an hospital for 35 patients ; and an Infantry barrack, in St. John'ssquare, for 4 officers and 107 men : a military prison, lately built in the New barrack, has six cells.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 77

49. Limerick: Irish Town fortifications and St. John's Gate

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1450–1495

    During the fifteenth century, Limerick's fortifications were extended beyond the English Town to include the Irish Town on the southern bank of the Shannon. The defences, including St. John's Gate and neighbouring works, were begun in 1450 but not finished until 1495.

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    bank of the river, called the Irish Town, the defences of which were completed by the erection of St. John's gate and the neighbouring works, begun in 1450, but not finished until 1495. In the reign of Edward IV., Connor O'Brien, Prince of Thomond, drove the English from various parts of ^lunster, and compelled the citizens of Limerick to pay him an annual tribute of 60 marks. Another remarkable proof of the distracted state of the country is afforded by a statute of the 2Sth of Henry VI., from which it appears that, owing to the prevailing power of the " Irish enemy and English rebels " in the surrounding country, the inhabitants were under the necessity of deriving their provisions principally from France, which were sent only on condition of the ships being placed under the special protection of the King of England. In 1467, a mint was established in the city ; in I4S4, Gerald, Earl of Kildare, held a parliament here ; and in 1495, the brotherhood of the guild of merchants was erected.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 75

50. Limerick: mint established and parliament held

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1467–1495

    A mint was established in Limerick in 1467, and in 1484 Gerald, Earl of Kildare, held a parliament in the city. The brotherhood of the guild of merchants was also erected in 1495, reflecting the city's growing civic institutions.

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    bank of the river, called the Irish Town, the defences of which were completed by the erection of St. John's gate and the neighbouring works, begun in 1450, but not finished until 1495. In the reign of Edward IV., Connor O'Brien, Prince of Thomond, drove the English from various parts of ^lunster, and compelled the citizens of Limerick to pay him an annual tribute of 60 marks. Another remarkable proof of the distracted state of the country is afforded by a statute of the 2Sth of Henry VI., from which it appears that, owing to the prevailing power of the " Irish enemy and English rebels " in the surrounding country, the inhabitants were under the necessity of deriving their provisions principally from France, which were sent only on condition of the ships being placed under the special protection of the King of England. In 1467, a mint was established in the city ; in I4S4, Gerald, Earl of Kildare, held a parliament here ; and in 1495, the brotherhood of the guild of merchants was erected.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 75

51. Limerick Municipal Charters

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1199–1609

    The city of Limerick received its first documentary grant of municipal privileges from John, Earl of Morton, in 1199. A late governing charter granted by James I in 1609 constituted the city a county of itself.

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    The CORPORATION exists both by prescription and charter, and its authority is confirmed and regulated by statute. The first documentary grant of municipal privileges was by John, Earl of Morton and Lord of Ireland, in 1 199, conferring the same liberties and free customs as were enjoyed by the citizens of Dublin, which were secured and explained by a charter of the IQih of Edu-anI I. Charters confirming or extending these privileges were granted in the 1st of Henry IV., 1st of Henry V., 8th of Henry VI., 'Jnd of Henry VII., 6th of Edward VI., and 17th and "^oth of Elizabeth .- the former charter of this last-named sovereign granted, among other new privileges, that a sword of state and cap of maintenance should be borne before the mayor within the city and liberties. The late governing charter, granted by James I. in 1609, constituted the city a county of itself, excepting the sites of the king's castle and the county court-house and gaol ; conferred an exclusive admiralty jurisdiction, both civil and criminal, over so much of the Shannon as extends three miles north-cast of the city, to the main sea, with all its creeks, banks, and rivulets within those limits ; constituted the mayor, recorder, and four of the aldermen annually elected, justices of the peace for the county of the city ; and incorporated a society of merchants of the staple of Dublin and Waterford. By the " New Rules " of the '25th of Charles IL, the Lord- Lieutenant and Privy Council were invested with the power of approving and confirming the appointment of the principal officers of the corporation, who were thereby required to take the oath of supremacy ; and the election of all corporate officers was taken away from the body of freemen, and vested in the (ommon-council. The discussion of any matter connected with municipal affairs in the general assembly of freemen, or court of d'oycr hundred, which had not previously passed the commoncouncil, was forbidden under penalty of disfranchisement, and it was provided, as in other corporate towns, that foreigners and other Protestant settlers in the town 2H

    LIME

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 79

52. Limerick municipal government restored with English aldermen

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1656

    In 1656, the municipal government of Limerick was restored through the election of a mayor and twelve English aldermen, re-establishing civic administration after years of military rule.

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    Deputy Wentworth, who was splendidly entertained by the mayor for nine days, and on his departure presented to the corporation a valuable cup of silver gilt. On the approach of the insurgent army under Lord Ikerrin, Lord Muskerry, and General Barry, in 164'2, the gates were thrown open by the citizens ; and the royal garrison, consisting only of 200 men who had shut themselves up in the castle, were compelled to surrender after an obstinate defence ; after which, the magistrates sent representatives to the Catholic convention at Kilkenny, and made every exertion to repair and strengthen the fortifications. In 1646, when it was attempted to proclaim the pacification that had just been concluded between King Charles and the parliament, the attempt was met by violence ; and afterwards, the supreme council, headed by Rinuncini, the pope's nuncio, removed hither, to encourage the besiegers of the neighbouring castle of Bunratty, on the Clare side of the Shannon, in which the parliamentarians had placed a garrison. In 1650, the Marquess of Ormonde marched info the city, in the hope of securing it for the king ; but the nuncio's party having deprived him of all power, he at length quitted the kingdom, leaving the command of the royalist troops to the Earl of Castlehaven,who induced the magistrates to accept his offer to defend them against the threatened attack of Ireton. The latter, however, did not commence operations until the spring of 1651 ; and the siege being protracted until the approach of winter, famine, misery, and death made formidable ravages among the ranks of both parties. The attempts of the Irish forces to relieve the place were defeated, but a sally by O'Nial, who commanded the garrison, nearly proved fatal to the besiegers. The privations of the inhabitants at length compelled the troops to turn out all useless persons, who, to prevent them from communicating the plague, which then raged at Limerick, to the parliamentarian forces, were, at the command of Ireton, immediately whipped back ; and dissensions gradually arose among the besieged, as to the propriety of capitulating. The resistance of the clergy to a surrender being at length overbalanced by some officers who took possession of one of the gates and turned the cannon against the city, the place was surrendered to the besiegers on condition that the garrison should march out unarmed, and the inhabitants be allowed time for removing, with their effects, to any place where they might be appointed to live. Twenty-four persons were excluded by name from the benefit of this treaty : the soldiers, who marched out to the number of 2500, were greatly reduced by disease contracted by the sufferings of a protracted siege of six months. After the surrender, the emblems of royalty were removed, the magistrates displaced ; and for five years the city was subjected to a military government. In 1653 an act was passed permitting the English adventurers, officers, and soldiers, to purchase the forfeited houses at six years' purchase ; and a charter was granted conferring upon the citizens the same privileges and franchises as those enjoyed by the city of Bristol. In 1656, the municipal government was restored, by the election of a mayor and twelve English aldermen.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 76

53. Limerick parliamentary representation from earliest convocations

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Limerick city returned two representatives to the Irish parliament from the period of its earliest convocations until the Union, after which it sent one member to the Imperial parliament. Under the act of 2nd William IV it again sent two members.

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    By this act, so much of all former charters, grants, letters-patent, &c., then in force, as was inconsistent with its provisions, was repealed or cancelled ; and as at present constituted, the corporation consists of a council of forty burgesses elected by such citizens as, being qualified by a six months' residence in a house or tenement of the yearly value of £10, are on the burgess-roll. The city being divided into five wards, each ward returns eight burgesses, viz. : two as aldermen and six as councillors. The mayor is elected annually by the town-council, from among its members, on the 1st of December, and takes office on the 1st of January following. Under the old regime, the city had two sheriffs, appointed by the corporation ; but the number is now limited to one, and the appointment is vested in the Lord-Lieutenant, in the same manner as sheriffs are nominated for counties at large. The city returned two representatives to the Irish parliament from the period of its earliest convocations until the Union, after which it sent one member to the Imperial parliament ; but under the act of the 2nd of WiUiam lY., c. 88, it sends two. Besides the freemen, the right of voting belonged to the freeholders of the county of the city, estimated in 1831 at about 2000, making the total number of electors at that period 2413. The above-named act extended the franchise to £10 householders, and to £20 and £10 leaseholders for the respective terms of 14 and 20 years ; the non-resident freemen, except within seven miles, were disfranchised ; and the 40s. freeholders allowed to retain the privilege only for life. The total number of voters in 1845 was 2100: the sheriff is the returning officer.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 79

54. Limerick port customs from 1277 onward

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1277–1672

    The first recorded customs return for Limerick port in 1277 amounted to only £6 18s., far behind Waterford and Cork. Customs rose dramatically under James I and Charles I, reaching £1,619 by 1633, and continued to fluctuate with political events through the 17th century.

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    The TRADE of the port is comparatively of modern origin. The first return of the customs on record, made in 1277, gives an amount of but £6. 18. In 1337 they were only 8 marks; in 1495, £9- 0. 10.; in 1521, £6. 7. 4. ; in 1537, £9- 8. 4i. ; and in 1607, when King James called for a return of the customs of all the ports inlreland, those of Limerick were stated to be £15. 14. 8., while at Waterford they were £954. 18. 2., and at Cork £255. 11. 7. But they increased rapidly during the reigns of James I. and Charles I. ; in 1633 the customs had risen to £1619. 1- 7|-. During the war of 1641 they diminished considerably, but after the Restoration again rose, insomuch that, in 1672, the customs were £"1906. 19. 8., and the tolls at the city gates £310. 12. 4. In i6S8, during the government of Lord Tyrconnel, they fell to £801. 3. 4.; and it was not till the middle of the last century that Limerick took a position among the principal commercial ports. At present, it is a great place of export for the agricultural produce of the most fertile tracts in Ireland : from Kerry, Tipperarj-, Clare, and Limerick, are sent in corn, provisions, and butter, which are exported to London, Liverpool, Bristol, and Glasgow.

    The exports for the year ending 1st of September. 1835, were, beef, 1364 tierces; pork, 14,263 tierces and barrels; butter, 72,630 firkins; bacon, 81,839 cwt. ; lard, 9697 cwt. ; wheat, 1 17,874 barrels ; barley, 32,847 barrels ; oats, 285,623 barrels ; flour, 22,725 cwt. ; oatmeal, 16,320 cwt.; eggs 26,214 crates; besides hams, tongues, spirits, porter, ale, flax, lineu, wool, feathers, and^salmon : the estimated value of all which amounted to £726,430. The chief imports are timber, coal, iron, salt, flax-seed, tallow, pitch, tar, hoops, staves, tea. coffee, sugar, tobacco, wine, and fruit ; the gross estimated value of which in a recent year amounted to £323,740. The number of vessels entered inwards trom foreign ports in 1835 was, 51, of the aggregate burthen

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 78

55. Limerick Port on the River Shannon

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1837

    The port of Limerick on the River Shannon is described as having an easy entrance nearly nine miles wide, capable of accommodating large ships. Its position deep in the interior of Ireland made it highly eligible as a Trans-Atlantic packet-station.

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    along the whole extent of the river, are capable of accommodating almost any number of line-of-battle ships and transports, which may ride in any depth of water. The entrance to the Shannon is easy, nearly nine miles in width, and clear of all danger ; and the port, though one of the most western in the United Kingdom, is far in the interior of Ireland, and has direct communication with Dublin and the north, by means of railways now in course of construction, and by the junction of the Upper Shannon and the Grand and Royal Canals. Its position renders the port highly eligible for a Trans- Atlantic packet-station ; by this route, passengers and mails, via Dublin, might at once clear out into the Atlantic in the tenth degree of west longitude, free from the numerous dangers and difficulties attendant upon a Channel voyage, in the short space of twenty-two hours from London. The trade of the port will be much benefited by the formation of several Railways. At the close of the year 1843, a railway was proposed from Dublin to Cashel, 985 British miles in length, with a branch from Monastercven to Carlow '24 miles long ; and though the preliminary measures necessary to bring the scheme before parliament were not commenced until February, 1844, being several months later than the period required by the standing orders of the house of commons, yet the great national importance of the undertaking was considered a sufficient reason for deviating from the established rule, and consequently a bill was introduced, which passed rapidly through both houses, and received the royal assent on the 6th August. At the first general meeting of the company, held on the 4th October, it was resolved to take immediate steps for extending the line to Cork and Limerick ; and in the year 1S4.=>, so remarkable for railway projects, an act was passed, authorising the construction of a line from Cashel to Cork, "7 miles long, with a branch to Limerick of 'i\^ miles. As, however, the branch to Limerick is nearly identical in plan with part of the Waterford and Limerick line, which was before parliament at the same time, one railway will be made for the use of both companies : if the Waterford Company complete their line, the powers granted to the Dublin and Cork Company for making a branch are not to be carried into effect. The capital of the original line to Cashel and Carlow is £1,300,000, with power to borrow £433,300 ; and of the extension to Cork and Limerick, £1,200,000, with power to borrow £400,000. Already the Waterford and Limerick Company are constructing a splendid terminus m Nelson-street, in the very heart of the New Town.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 79

56. Limerick's four barracks and military headquarters

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Limerick served as head-quarters of the south-western military district, comprising Clare, Limerick, part of Tipperary, and northern Kerry. Four barracks operated across the city: Castle barrack in the English Town, New barrack outside Newtown-Pery, Artillery barrack in the Irish Town, and an Infantry barrack in St. John's-square.

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    The Streets in the New Town, which are spacious, intersect each other at right angles, and are occupied by elegant houses, splendid and well-stocked shops, and merchants' stores. Patrick-street, George-street, and the Crescent form a continuous line of houses, extending about a mile from the New bridge. The city was till lately lighted with gas under a contract made in 1824 with the United London Gas Company ; the original engagement was confined to the New Town, but it was extended by the liberality of the corporation to the Irish town and Dublin road, and by private subscriptions to part of the English Town. The Gas Consumers' Company, of more recent establishment, and of which the chief shareholders are citizens, now lights the public streets ; and the terms for lighting in shops have been much reduced by the competition of the rival companies. Works for supplying Limerick with water were commenced in 1S34 by a London company : there are two tanks about a mile from the city, at Cromwell's- Fort, near Gallows'-Green, on the site of two forts occupied by Cromwell and William III. ; their elevation is 50 feet above the highest part of the city, and 72 feet above the river, from which the water is raised through a metal pipe 12 inches in diameter by two steam-engines, each of 20-horse power. In excavating for a foundation for the tanks, several skeletons, cannon and musket balls, armour, and divers remains of military weapons were found ; and in forming the new line of road along the Shannon, on the county of Clare side, heaps of skeletons were found, some of which were 15 yards in length and 6 feet in depth ; they are supposed to be the remains of those who died in the great plague. In military arrangements. Limerick is the head-quarters of the south-western district, which com'prises the counties of Clare and Limerick, with the town of Mount- Shannon, in the county of Galway ; the county of Tipperary, except the barony of Lower Ormond, but including the town of Nenagh ; and that part of the county of Kerry north of the Flesk. There are four barracks ; the Castle barrack, in the English Town, for infantry, capable of accommodating 17 officers and 270 non-commissioned officers and privates, with an hospital for 29 patients ; the Neir barrack, on the outside of Nevvtown-Pery, adapted for 37 officers, and 71-i infantry and cavalry, and 54 horses, with an hospital for 60 patients ; the Artillery barrack, in the Irish Town, for 6 officers, 194 men, and 104 horses, with an hospital for 35 patients ; and an Infantry barrack, in St. John'ssquare, for 4 officers and 107 men : a military prison, lately built in the New barrack, has six cells.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 77

57. Limerick's New County Gaol

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1821

    The new County Gaol on the south-east side of Limerick city was completed in 1821 at a cost of £23,000. It features a castellated design with a central polygonal tower from which five rays of buildings diverge.

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    building of hewn stone, with a portico supported by four lofty pillars, and is surrounded by a light iron balustrade ; it contains civil and criminal courts, juryrooms, and other ofiices. The City Gaol, in the Old Town, is a gloomy quadrangular edifice, with which the old county gaol is now united : it contains 88 cells, 9 day-rooms, and 12 yards, besides debtors'-rooms, a good hospital, and a chapel ; and is remarkably well regidated, orderly, and clean. But the buildings do not admit of proper classification, or sufficient means of employment ; and they are, in consequence, now being extended. The new County Gaol, which occupies a favourable situation on the south-east side of the city, was completed in 1821, at an expense of £23,000, and £2000 more were afterwards expended on additions : it has a noble castellated appearance, and its internal construction and arrangement are exceedingly well contrived. The grand entrance is composed of hewn stone, and is of the Doric order. In the centre of the gaol is a polygonal tower, 60 feet high, containing on successive stories the governor's residence, the committeeroom, a chapel, and an hospital, and having round the second story an arcade commanding the several yards. Five rays of buildings diverge from this tower, forming ten wards ; each communicating by a cast-iron bridge with the chapel, and C(mtaiuing in the whole 22 apartments for debtors, and 131 cells for criminals, 12 dayrooms, 4 work-rooms, 12 yards, and 4 solitary cells. Between the wall immediately surrounding these and the outer wall, is a space containing two tread-wheels, the female prison, various odices, and some ornamented plots. The whole is supplied with excellent water from two springs.

    The See of Limerick, one of the eleven which until lately constituted the ecclesiastical province of Cashel, but now in that of Dublin, is 27 miles in length and 17 in breadth, extending over an estimated surface of 306,950 acres, of which 12,500 are in Clare and the remainder in county Lime-

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 79

58. Limerick's Old City Court-house

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1763

    The old City Court-house in Bridge-street, Limerick, was erected in 1763 at a cost of £700. It is a stone-fronted building that has recently been converted into a Roman Catholic parochial school.

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    The old City Court-house, in Bridge-street, was erected in 1763, at an expense of £700 only ; it is 60 feet by 30, and fronted with hewn stone, with a rustic gateway. This building has been recently converted into a Roman Catholic parochial school, and a new court-house was completed in 1846, at a cost of £1200; it stands on Merchants'-quay, adjoining the county court-house, and on part of the ground belonging to the city gaol. 7'he Exchange, erected in 177S at an expense of £1500, is one of the chief ornaments of the Old Town ; the front is of hewn stone, and is adorned with seven Tuscan columns connected by a handsome balustrade. The council-chamber is a fine room of the Ionic order ; and there are various convenient municipal offices. The County Court-house, an elegant structure, completed in 1810, at an expense of £12,000, is a quadrangular 235

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 79

59. Limerick under military government after Ireton's siege

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651–1653

    After the surrender of Limerick, the emblems of royalty were removed, the magistrates displaced, and for five years the city was subjected to a military government. In 1653, English adventurers and soldiers were permitted to purchase forfeited houses at six years' purchase.

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    Deputy Wentworth, who was splendidly entertained by the mayor for nine days, and on his departure presented to the corporation a valuable cup of silver gilt. On the approach of the insurgent army under Lord Ikerrin, Lord Muskerry, and General Barry, in 164'2, the gates were thrown open by the citizens ; and the royal garrison, consisting only of 200 men who had shut themselves up in the castle, were compelled to surrender after an obstinate defence ; after which, the magistrates sent representatives to the Catholic convention at Kilkenny, and made every exertion to repair and strengthen the fortifications. In 1646, when it was attempted to proclaim the pacification that had just been concluded between King Charles and the parliament, the attempt was met by violence ; and afterwards, the supreme council, headed by Rinuncini, the pope's nuncio, removed hither, to encourage the besiegers of the neighbouring castle of Bunratty, on the Clare side of the Shannon, in which the parliamentarians had placed a garrison. In 1650, the Marquess of Ormonde marched info the city, in the hope of securing it for the king ; but the nuncio's party having deprived him of all power, he at length quitted the kingdom, leaving the command of the royalist troops to the Earl of Castlehaven,who induced the magistrates to accept his offer to defend them against the threatened attack of Ireton. The latter, however, did not commence operations until the spring of 1651 ; and the siege being protracted until the approach of winter, famine, misery, and death made formidable ravages among the ranks of both parties. The attempts of the Irish forces to relieve the place were defeated, but a sally by O'Nial, who commanded the garrison, nearly proved fatal to the besiegers. The privations of the inhabitants at length compelled the troops to turn out all useless persons, who, to prevent them from communicating the plague, which then raged at Limerick, to the parliamentarian forces, were, at the command of Ireton, immediately whipped back ; and dissensions gradually arose among the besieged, as to the propriety of capitulating. The resistance of the clergy to a surrender being at length overbalanced by some officers who took possession of one of the gates and turned the cannon against the city, the place was surrendered to the besiegers on condition that the garrison should march out unarmed, and the inhabitants be allowed time for removing, with their effects, to any place where they might be appointed to live. Twenty-four persons were excluded by name from the benefit of this treaty : the soldiers, who marched out to the number of 2500, were greatly reduced by disease contracted by the sufferings of a protracted siege of six months. After the surrender, the emblems of royalty were removed, the magistrates displaced ; and for five years the city was subjected to a military government. In 1653 an act was passed permitting the English adventurers, officers, and soldiers, to purchase the forfeited houses at six years' purchase ; and a charter was granted conferring upon the citizens the same privileges and franchises as those enjoyed by the city of Bristol. In 1656, the municipal government was restored, by the election of a mayor and twelve English aldermen.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 76

60. Limerick walls described as three-mile circuit

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1565–1584

    During the Elizabethan period, Limerick was described as a place well and substantially built, with walls extending round a circuit of about three miles, making it a significant fortified urban centre.

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    In the reign of Henry VII. the city recovered some degree of prosperity ; in 15'24 it was harassed by the open hostilities, both by sea and land, resulting from the commercial jealousies between it and Galwaj', but these were at length terminated by a formal treaty, and by an injunction from the king, in 1536, requiring a better demeanour from the men of Galway. In the reign of Henry VIII., Alderman Sexton, of this city, took a distinguished part in favour of the British interest. In 1542, the proclamation declaring Henry king of Ireland was received with demonstrations of the greatest joy, and in the following year Sir Anthony St. Leger held a parliament here, in which divers important acts were passed. Towards the close of Mary's reign, the Lord-Deputy Sussex arrived in the city to suppress a revolt of some inferior branches of the O'Brien family against their chief, on which occasion the Earl of Thomond and all the freeholders of his country swore fealty to the crown of England. During the entire reign of Elizabeth, and throughout the wars that devastated the whole surrounding province, Limerick maintained the most unshaken loyalty, and was made a centre of civil and military administration. Sir Henry Sydney, lord-deputy, who visited it in 156;, in 1569, and in 1576, states that he was received here with greater magnificence than he had hitherto experienced in Ireland. At this period Limerick is described as a place well and substantially built, ■with walls extending round a circuit of about three miles.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 75