LIMERICK, or Lough-Meath, a market town, a borough, and a bishop's see, now the metropolis of the province of Munster. It is situated on the river Shannon, 94 miles from Dublin; and was the strongest fortress in the kingdom. Its ancient name was Lunnach; and during the first ages it was much frequented by foreign merchants, and after the arrival of the Danes was a place of considerable commerce until the 12th century. It was plundered by Mahon, brother of Brien Boromh, after the battle of Sulchoid, in 970; and Brien, in a future period, exacted from the Danes of this city 365 tons of wine as a tribute, which shows the extensive traffic carried on by those people in that article. About the middle of the 6th century, St Munchin erected a church and founded a bishopric here; which, however, was destroyed by the Danes on their taking possession of this port in 853, and remained in ruins until their conversion to the Christian faith in the 10th century; at which period the church of St Munchin was rebuilt, and the bishopric established.
Donald O'Brien, about the time of the arrival of the English, founded and endowed the cathedral; and Donat O'Brien, bishop of Limerick, in the 13th century, contributed much to the opulence of the see. About the close of the 12th century, the bishopric of Innis-Cathay was united to that of Limerick. It was besieged by King William III. in the year 1690, and though there was no army to assail it, the king was obliged to raise the siege. In the year 1691, it was again besieged by the English and Dutch on the 21st of September; and it was obliged to surrender on the 13th of October following, not without the loss of abundance of men; however, the garrison had very honourable and advantageous conditions, being permitted to retire where they thought fit, and the Roman catholics by these articles were to be tolerated in the free exercise of their religion. Within a century this place was reckoned the second city in Ireland; at present it has lost its rank; not because it thrives less, but because Cork thrives more. It is composed of the Irish and English town; the latter stands on the King's island, formed by the river Shannon. The town is three miles in circumference, having weekly markets on Wednesday and Saturday, and fairs on Easter Tuesday, 1st July, 4th August, and 12th December. There is a privilege annexed to the fair held on 4th August, that, during 15 days, no person can be arrested in the city or liberties, on any process issuing out of the tholsel court of Limerick. Ardfert and Achadoe, in the county of Kerry, are united to the bishopric of Limerick. This city formerly returned two members to parliament; and gives title of viscount to the family of Hamilton. It is governed by a mayor, sheriffs, recorder, aldermen, and burgesses; there is also a barrack and a military governor and town major: it had some time the privilege of coinage; and different parliaments have been held there. The town was formerly entirely walled in; and in 1760, there were 17 of the city gates standing; but to the great improvement of the place they are now all demolished, except the water-gate of King John's castle. The linen, woollen, and paper manufactures, are carried on here to great extent, and the export of provisions is very considerable. Here are many charitable hospitals, and handsome public buildings, besides the cathedral and other churches. A charter was granted to this city by King John, and confirmed in succeeding reigns. Dr Campbell observes, that as you approach Limerick, the grounds grow rich and exquisitely beautiful; the only disagreeable matter is, that the situation renders the air moist, and consequently rather unwholesome to strangers. About six miles from this is the famous Cattle-connel spa. Limerick is 50 miles from Cork, 50 from Galway, and 73 from Waterford. It appears that Limerick obtained the privilege of having mayors 10 years before that right was allowed to the citizens of London. It was before governed by provosts, of which the first was John Spafford in 1195 and 1197; during the provostship of Henry Troy a charter was granted, 9 Richard I. whereby the citizens were allowed to choose mayors and bailiffs, Adam Servant, in 1198, being the first mayor. It continued to be governed by mayors and bailiffs, until the office of bailiff was changed into that of sheriff in 1609.
LIMERICK