The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, known locally as St John’s Cathedral was erected in 1856, replacing an older Roman Catholic chapel of the same name built in 1753.
Historical Significance
Limerick is home to several churches sharing the same names, serving both Roman Catholic and Protestant communities. This includes the two St. Munchin’s churches and the two St. Michael’s churches, which can sometimes confuse tourists and family history researchers.
The connection between St. John the Baptist and the area around St. John’s Cathedral is deeply rooted. According to historian Begley, the Knights Templar had a house dedicated to John the Baptist in this area during the 12th century. Read more at St John’s Cathedral
Architectural Highlights
St. John’s Cathedral, boasting the tallest church spire in Ireland, was designed by Philip Charles Hardwick, who was also working on Adare Manor at the time. Seventeen years after the cathedral’s opening, work began on the spire, designed by Hennessy’s of Limerick.
The bell in the steeple has an interesting history; it was transported from Dublin to Limerick by barge using the canal systems. For more information on the Limerick side of the canal, visit the Canal Walk page.
John Ferrar’s description of the old St. John’s Chapel in his ‘History of Limerick’ 1787
Near John’s gate was finished in the year 1753. The building is a handsome one in the form of a cross, and has a very good painting of the Crucifixion, done by Mr. Collopy, a native of Limerick.