CITY OF LIMERICK.-The name of Limerick-in Gaelic Lumneach, a grazing ground for horses, applied to the island on which the original city was built-thirills every true-hearted Irishman, and Irishwoman also, with pardonable pride. St. Patrick visited it in the Fifth century. The Danes became masters of it in the Ninth, and they were conquered by King Brian in the Eleventh. Donald O'Brien, King of Thomond, basely swore allegiance to Henry II. When the Normans landed, he subsequently "rebelled" and the town was taken, after a siege, by Raymond le Gros. The towers and spires of Limerick are reflected in the waters of the "Lordly Shannon," as shown, picturesquely, with a splendid sky effect, in the sketch. It is divided into the Irish and English towns-the former being the more ancient portion, and containing renowned "Garryowen." The English town is modern and very handsomely built. Limerick surrendered to the Cromwellian general, Ireton, in 1651. King William III., with his powerful army, was defeated in an attempt to storm it, Aug. 27, 1690, when the Limerick women, by a display of heroic courage, won immortal honor. The town capitulated, on favorable terms, to the Williamite general De Ginkel, Oct. 3, 1691, after another brave defense. But the treaty was feloniously violated by the English King and Parliament after the capitulated Irish army, under Sarsfield, sailed for France. This is Ireland's most bitter memory.
KING JOHN'S CASTLE, THOMOND BRIDGE, LIMERICK. -John Plantagenet, nicknamed "lackland," King of England, is noted in history for cruelty and castle building. His father, Henry II., created him "Lord of Ireland," a title which remained with the Kings of England, whose authority was limited to "the Pale," until advent of Henry VIII., who was the first English monarch to assume the title - confirmed by some recreant Irish princes, who had no authority from the people - of King of Ireland. John visited his new "Lordship" twice-the first time when he was merely Prince and the second when he was King of England. On the first occasion, he insultingly plucked the beards of the foolish old Irish chiefs who came to do him "homage" and give him "the kiss of peace." They rose against him and wrestled the greater part of their country from him and his Norman followers. Eventually a peace was patched up, and then John proceeded to build many castles to cement his ill-gotten power in the island. King John's Castle, paritally shown above, and old Thomond Bridge, were built about the yeare 1205. The original bridge, which had a stormy history, was taken down in 1838, and was replaced by the structure pictured in the sketch. The castle is a fine remnant of Norman military construction. Seven towers of it-all connected by massive walls-still remain almost intact, except for the scars left by numerous bonbardments. The quadrangle which they encompass is now used for an English infantry barrack and parade ground.
ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL, LIMERICK. -The above celebrated cathedral, although for centuries possessed by the Episcopalians, bears its ancient name of St. Mary's. It was, according to many authorities, founded in 1194, by King Donald O'Brien, of Thomond. Some authorities say, however, that its foundation dates from a much earlier period, and that St. Munchin, who flourished in the 6th century, and who established the diocese of Limerick, was its original constructor. King Donald, no doubt, improved the ancient edifice and this may have led some historians to believe that he founded it. St. Mary's is situated in the English Town, not far from King John's Castle and Thomond Bridge. From its tower, the Royal and Irish colors floated during the two memorable sieges of 1690 and 1691, when it was owned by the Catholic church. Under its venerable roof, the patriotic Earl of Tyrconnell, the heroic General Sarsfield, and other Irish leaders, worshipped, and it was frequently thronged to the doors by the soldiers of the brave Irish army of that troublous time. There Te Deum ws chanted when Lieutenant-General St. Ruth arrived to take his fatal command, in May, 1691, and beneath the flag-stones of its chancel, somewhere, the "weary heart" of Tyrconnell, whose life was shortened by the disaster at Aughrim, was laid to rest in August of that memorable year. The cathedral has been in Protestant hands since the fall of Limerick.