churches historical limerick

This small church boasts a well-preserved Romanesque doorway dating from the 12th century. Much of it from the 15th century. It was already in ruins by 1657....

The monastery at this site is believed to have been founded by the great reformer Oenghus the Culdee (815AD). The present church on the sight dates back to the 15th or 16th century, and incorporates part of an older church, with later renovations occurring throughout history. Excavations of the near-by 65-foot Round Tower found human bones and a solid clay floor....

There was a church at this site since at least 1209, but the current one is barely earlier than 15th century. The East window is divided into three panes, and then the middle one divided again in the same manner, which is probably the most unusual feature of the building....

This 15th century church is very well preserved. The belfry is very like a turret, and this combines with its narrow windows to give it a curious fortified look....

It is often said that this is the earliest surviving church in Co. Limerick, and indeed it is probably earlier that 12th Century. Much of the west gable has been reconstructed. Unfortunately nothing is known of the church’s history....

The monastery here was founded by St. Nassan. It was raided by Vikings several times throughout the centuries and then destroyed by Donal McLoughlin. Of the six churches that are said to have been built here only two remain. The first one you will come to, as it is near the road, dates from around the 12th century. It was used for a while as a parish church, and of interest are the stairs in the chancel walls that led to a gallery, now destroyed, and the square tower to the west. The second is s...

This Augustinian convent dates from the 13th century and is one of the few medieval convents remaining. There is a cloister with a refectory along its south wall and a church projecting from its east side. A window to the east and door to the north were inserted in the 15th century, the latter presumably to offer access directly to the church. To the south of the church is a room called ‘The Black Hag’s Cell’ where it is said that the last abbess practiced witchcraft; a legend perhaps dating fro...

Castle: This Norman castle may have been built on an earlier ringfort by the main bridge across the Maigue or it may be contemporary. The square tower is of the castle is surrounded by a rampart with battlements To the south a drawbridge crosses the fort’s ditch. Surrounding this ditch is a further wall. Two gates offered access through it, the obviously more strategic south one protected by two towers.

Franciscan Friary: Now surrounded by the Adare Manor golf course, this friary was...

The village of Hospital has it’s origins in a Commandery of the Knights Hospitallers founded in 1215. And the origin of this church as the church of that Commandery is immediately seen from the three effigies of knights. A grotto now occupies the top floor, which was originally part of the living quarters....

Blossom Gate. This is the only gate remaining from the medieval town wall of Kilmallock.
The Collegiate Church. The Round Tower of this church may have originally been part of an earlier monastery. The probably 13th century church has three aisles, a chancel and it’s south wall contains a 13th century door. It’s use as by the Church of Ireland had a bearing on the history of the Earls of Desmond; being the place where the ‘Sugan’ Earl surrendered in 1600 and where the 15th Earl attended a...