Limerick - Surroundings

On the east side of the River Deel near Limerick are the well-preserved remains of a Franciscan abbey (15th C.; National Monument); church with fine windows, beautiful cloister with two fine marble arches and a figure of St Francis, refectory and other conventual buildings.

Askeaton lies on the banks of the River Deel. On a rocky islet in the river, near the bridge, rise the ruins of Desmond Castle (15th C.; National Monument), a tower house with a banqueting hall measuring 30x90ft/9mx27m, with fine windows, blind arcading and vaulting.

4mi/6km west of Mungret, and to the west of Limerick, stands Carrigogunnell Castle (National Monument), prominently situated on a volcanic crag. It is an imposing structure with two towers (15th and 16th C.), unfortunately in a poor state of preservation. From the castle there are fine views of the Shannon and the surrounding area.

In Glenosheen, a beautiful side valley to the southeast of Kilmallock and south of Limerick, stands Castle Oliver.

In Glenosheen, a beautiful side valley to the southeast of Kilmallock, stands Castle Oliver, a 19th C. structure complete with battlements, towers and bastions which is approached by two avenues with curious lodges at the gates. Near the castle is one of the "follies" built to provide employment during a famine. Castle Oliver is said to have been the birthplace of Marie Gilbert, the famous Lola Montez, mistress of King Ludwig I of Bavaria.

At the foot of the Slievefelim Mountains, a good 12mi/20km east of Limerick, is Glenstal Benedictine Abbey, founded in 1927. The extensive complex, including a terraced garden going back to the 17th C., and the modern church are open to visitors.

On the way south from Lough Gur to Kilmallock a detour can be made to Limerick Hospital, lying to the east. The church (National Monument), originally belonging to an establishment of the Knights Hospitallers founded in 1215, contains three very interesting tombs with effigies.

Kilcornan is the starting point for walks in Curraghchase Forest Park where can be seen the ruins of Curraghchase House, an 18th C. mansion.

In Celtic Park and Gardens replicas of important Irish monuments are to be seen as well as a rose garden. Children especially will delight to see the many horses, sheep, deer and various birds.

In Kildimo can be seen the remains of a small Templar church (13th C.) and a parish church of 1705. Beyond this, on a hill, is little Killulta Church (12th C.; National Monument), with a triangular window.

6mi/10km southeast of Kilmallock, to the south of Limerick, lies the little market town of Kilfinane, at the foot of the Ballyhoura Mountains. Its most striking feature is an unusually large motte, surrounded by three earthwalls. It is 130ft/39m high and 50ft/15m in diameter at the base and 20ft/6m at the top. From the summit there is a magnificent view of the great expanse of the "Golden Vale."

Kilmallock, 21mi/34km south of Limerick on the R512, is an ancient little country town. The Collegiate Church of SS Peter and Paul (15th C., National Monument) incorporates 13th C. work (round tower) and has some fine monuments. King's Castle (14th C., National Monument) and Blossom's Gate in Emmet Street bear witness to the importance of the town in medieval times.

2.5mi/4km from Limerick are the ruins of Mungret Abbey (National Monument), once an important monastic school, which preserves three of its original six churches.

From Kilmallock, to the south of Limerick, the R518 and R520 lead west to Newcastle West, 20mi/ 32km southwest of Limerick, a busy market town with the ruins of a 12th C. Templar castle.

The Desmond banqueting hall is a two-storey structure that was used by the Earls of Desmond for banqueting and entertainment. The Hall was constructed during the 15th C. The restored medieval features include and oak musicians' gallery and a limestone hooded fireplace.

5mi/8km south of Newcastle West is Glenquin Castle (15th C., National Monument), a well-preserved six-story tower house.