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LIMERICK  5000 YEARS OF HISTORY

 

LIMERICK  5000 YEARS OF HISTORY

 

LIMERICK  5000 YEARS OF HISTORY

 

LIMERICK  5000 YEARS OF HISTORY

  LIMERICK  5000 YEARS OF HISTORY  

LIMERICK  5000 YEARS OF HISTORY

LIMERICK  5000 YEARS OF HISTORY

Comenius          
King's Island

 3000BC

 

2500BC

  1000BC     500AD   1168AD   1200AD   1210AD   1237AD   15thC AD   15thC AD   1691AD 18thC AD 1810 2006AD  
                                                     
  This wedge shaped tomb was built near the lake in about 2500BC. When it was excavated in 1938 the bones at least 8 adults and 4 children were found and there was also some cremated human bones.   The circle is the largest in Ireland. It is 150 feet in diameter and is enclosed by 113 standing stones. The circle was built c 2000BC. It may be much older than this.   These two hill forts are on private land but the local farmer kindly allowed us to explore them. They are dated to c.900BC.  A large variety of axe heads, jewellery and implements were found here. There is a wonderful view of the lake and castle from second hill fort These two hill forts are on private land but the local farmer kindly allowed us to explore them. They are dated to c.900BC.  A large variety of axe heads, jewellery and implements were found here. There is a wonderful view of the lake and castle from second hill fort   Between 500 and 1000AD there was a defended lake dwelling on the lake where the circle of trees are now.  These man-made islands were called 'crannogs'.   In 1168 Domhnall Mór O Brien, King of Thomond, donated his palace to be the foundation of St Mary’s Cathedral.  This is one of the most important medieval buildings in Ireland.   The English captured Limerick in 1194. King John’s Castle was built in the years 1200-1210. It was a symbol of Norman power in Ireland.   Thomond Bridge was originally built at this time also connecting the island to the Clare side of the River. The bridge collapsed in 1292 killing 80 men. It was rebuilt but the present Bridge dates from 1838.   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.   This castle was built in the 15th Century. When the Geraldines revolted their lands were forfeited and the castle was granted to the Bourchier family.   The Earls of Desmond built this small church in the 15th Century so that they did not have to travel to the parish church to attend mass. The priest came to them in their own private church.  It  was used for Protestant services after the Fitzgerald lands were confiscated.   Patrick Sarsfield didn’t want the inhabitants to suffer further so he opened negotiations and signed a treaty. This stone is now known as the Treaty Stone.   Italian architect Daviso de Arcort better known as Davis Ducart designed the Custom House. Work started on site in 1765, and the building was completed in 1769. The building is strongly Palladian in character and regarded as the most distinguished 18th century building in Limerick. The Custom House is home to The Hunt Museum. The County Court House, Merchant's Quay was built in 1810. it replaced an older court house built in 1732 on the site of the Medieval Franciscan Abbey founded in 1279 which stood behind Mary's Street. The face of modern Limerick. The face of modern Limerick.