Walls of Limerick



Medieval city			Battle of the Boyne
In 1237 a wall was built around the medieval city. This was now known as English town or King’s Island. The native Irish were moved across the Abbey River to Irishtown. The wall was extended around Irishtown in 1320.			These walls protected the city from three sieges in the 17^th century. After defeating James II at the Battle of the Boyne in July 1690, William of Orange headed for Limerick, which was in the command of Patrick Sarsfield.
Siege of Limerick			Women of Limerick
	William had been told that the walls of Limerick could be knocked with “roasted apples” so he left his cannons and ammunition in Ballyneety. He was unable to breach the walls. Patrick Sarsfield sneaked out of the city at night and blew up the ammunition in Ballyneety.		The explosion was seen in Limerick and caused great celebrations. Cannons were brought from Waterford and the walls were breached in August. A three-hour battle ensued. The men and women from the city, using stones and any other weapon they could find, joined the soldiers and defended the city. The Williamites withdrew.
		General Ginkel
		Autumn rains destroyed William’s tents encamped outside the city walls. Plague broke out among his soldiers. William shortly left for England leaving General Ginkel in charge.
		The story continues in the The Treaty Stone