St. Mary’s Cathedral is one of Limerick city’s most photographed landmarks, rich in history and architectural beauty. Founded in 1168, St. Mary’s Cathedral was established on the site of a palace donated by Donal Mor O’Brien, the King of Munster. It is believed that elements of this original palace are integrated into the cathedral’s current structure.
The West Door is particularly significant, as tradition holds it was once the main entrance to the palace. Interestingly, the palace itself was built on the site of an earlier Viking meeting house, the heart of government in the early medieval Viking city.
St. Mary’s boasts the only full set of misericords in Ireland, showcasing its unique heritage and craftsmanship.
In 1651, during the Cromwellian conquest, the cathedral was reputedly used as a stable by parliamentary forces. Remarkably, it emerged from this period relatively unscathed and remains as Limerick’s oldest building still serving its original purpose.
Imbedded in Folklore
St. Mary’s Cathedral as an ancient site in the city unsurprisingly is linked to many stories which enter the world of folklore. One of these tales tells of the Italian bell maker and his journey to Limerick to listen to the bells of St Mary’s Cathedral one last time. While another is away with the birds, telling of the wise crows of St. Mary’s Cathedral.
The Graveyard
The cathedral’s graveyard tells many stories, with plots belonging to notable families such as the Shanny’s, Clancy’s, and Hayes, who were fishermen from the Abbey Area. Folklore suggests that Donal Mor O’Brien himself bequeathed the Clancy family their plot, as they were the Brehons (lawyers) to the O’Briens. The origins of the Shannys’ plot, however, remain a mystery.
Some of the headstones in St. Mary’s Graveyard have been photographed and transcribed here.
The churchyard also contains a memorial to those who died while in service with the United Nations.