a town of Ireland, county of Limerick, on the Dublin and Cork Railway, 17 miles S. of Limerick. It is supposed to derive its name from St Molach, who founded an abbey here in the beginning of the seventh century. It became the chief town of the Desmonds, and rose to great importance and splendour. Previously to the Union it returned two members to the Irish parliament. The present town is little more than an assemblage of ruins, and has obtained the title of the Irish Baalbec. The ancient houses, occupied at one time by the great families of Limerick, are now the abodes of filth and wretchedness. Externally they are frequently little altered, and are generally ornamented with battlements, stone mouldings, and arched doorways. The Abbey church dedicated to St Peter and St Paul, consists of choir, nave, transept, and belfry. The choir is now used for Divine service. Of the Dominican friary, founded in 1291, only the roofless church and part of the cloisters remain. Two gates and part of the ancient walls still remain. Pop. 1074.