St. Michael’s Graveyard is situated across the road from the Granary building (Limerick City Library) in Michael Street. This graveyard is somewhat hidden down a lane towards a public car park, the graveyard can only be accessed during daytime hours when the car park is open. The church which stood on this site was in ruins by the 17th century, though the graveyard continued to be in use until the mid 19th century. Below are transcriptions and photographs of the remaining headstones.
The church which stood here was probably a Norman foundation and was a ruin in the early 17th century. It was totally dismantled prior to the Cromwellian siege of 1651.
This ancient graveyard contains the burial places of many famous Limerick families. The area was restored by the Limerick Civic Trust through a Teamwork Youth Scheme in 1986.
Pray for the soul of Catherine Barry alias Dunworth who departed this life Feb 12, 1766 aged 92 years.
Pat & Mary Laphins burial place 1819
Erected by Thomas Byrne in memory of his beloved wife Catherine Byrne who departed this life *** His son James who died *** of July ***
This monument was erected by John Joyce in memory of his daughter Mary who departed this life 29th May 1829 in the 20th year of her age. Also his affectionate wife Mary Joyce alias Honan whose remains were deposited here August 30th 1836 aged 56 years.
(Limerick Chronicle, 3 Sept 1836 – “In Patrick-street, to the deep regret of her family and friends Mary, wife of Mr John Joyce, master taylor”.
This stone was erected by Leanord Cosgrave in memory of his daur Johanna and the rest of his children who all died in the year 1794
Erected by John and Margaret Cronin in memory of their children A.D. 1802.
Erected by John Dillon in memory of his mother Mary Young Dillon who departed this life 29 of Sept 1835 aged 43 years. Also his son William died Mar 16 aged 8 months and his son Edward died March 24 aged 6 years 1851. Tho lost to sight to memory dear.
This stone was erected by Mary Downs alias O Keefe in memory of her husband Owen O Keefe who dept. this life Oct 9th 1805 aged 78 years. May He Rest in Peace
This tomb was erected by Henry Ellis in memory of his father and mother, whose remains are here interned. Anthony Ellis and his wife ***
This stone erect by James Fitzpatrick in memory of his father Florence Fitzpatrick who dept. this life Sept. 4 1800 age 52 years. May he rest in peace.
Erected by Francis Grady in memory of his wife Margaret Grady who departed life May 19, 1777, aged 58 years. May the Lord have mercy on her soul.
Erected by William Hick in memory of his son William who dep his life Oct 16th 1796 aged 3 years. Also his son James Deceased June 4, 1797 aged 18 years. May they rest in peace.
Hear lieth the body of Edward Kiely who departed this life April 28, 1786 aged 19 yrs
Here lie the mortal remains of Richard Lynch Esq. R.N. Government Emigration at this port who died on the 2nd day of May in the year of our Lord 1830 aged 70 years. This stone was erected by his dissolute widow in testimony of her *** and affection to his memory as one of the best husbands as also a fond father, a safe companion and steadfast friend. May he rest in peace Amen.
This stone was erected by Denis Mulcahy in memory of his wife Mary Mulcahy Departed this life *** 1824 aged 54.
(Limerick Chronicle, 28 Jan 1824 – “On Merchant’s-quay, suddenly, last night, while in the act of bathing her feet, the Wife of Mr. Denis Mulcahy”)
Erected by Mrs B Hanrahan in memory of Ml O’Halloran and his wife Margt. Also Mr Patk O’Brien and his wife Ursula. Mr Maurice O’Halloran.
Erected by Patrick and Catherine O’Gorman in memory of their dear child Honora who departed this life on the 5th day of April 1831 aged *** years.
(Limerick Chronicle, 6 Apr 1831 – “On Sunday evening, Hanora, daughter of Mr. P. O’Gorman, of Patrick-street – a very interesting child.”)
Erected By M** O’Donn in memory of his father & mother A.D. 1798.
Here rest the remains of Mr. Garrett O’Shaughnessy who died March 1836 aged 63. Here also rest his wife Mary who died November 1838 aged 62.
(Limerick Chronicle, 23 Mar 1836 – “At the Mail-Coach Office, George-street, Garret O’Shaughnessy, Esq. for a number of years the respectable and efficient Representative of that establishment. In the arduous duties, which incessantly devolved upon him in a public capacity, no individual was more distinguished for rectitude, firmness, and probity in all his transactions. As a citizen he ever maintained an independence of principle in mind and action, coupled with an obliging disposition, which those who knew his real worth can best appreciate. In private life his friendship was most steadfast and sincere, while as husband and father his character could not be excelled. Mr. O’Shaughnessy was brother of the late venerable and respected Roman Catholic Bishop of Killaloe”. )(Limerick Chronicle, 10 Nov 1838 – “On Thursday, in George-street, aged 61 years, Mary, relict of the late Garrett O’Shaughnessy, Esq. of this City. She died with all the consolation, and in all the peace, which charity and religion could impart on the confiding Christian”.)
Underneath lie the remains of Alice and Margaret O’Shea the infant children of Henry and Catherine O’Shea they both died in the month of May 1842.
This stone was erected by Michael Ryan in memory of his son James Ryan who Dept. this life 4th of January 1781 aged 9 years.
(the first section is broken) particular his son Michael aged 3 years departed this life June 17 1779.
Although the remaining gravestones pictured were unreadable, it has been possible to trace some more names of those interred in St Michael’s Graveyard through newspaper articles and previously recorded headstone markers.
- This Stone was Erected by Mary Cronine in memory of her husband William Cronine who died March 17, 1776 aged 30yrs
- Erected by Patrick Dem in memory of his wife Margaret Dem who died August 16, 1791 aged 30 years also his son Pat died 1799 aged 13 years
- Source for above two NMAJ Vol 47 2007
There is a possibility that they were taken back to their parish as the Workhouse was also a hospital so there were people there who were not completely destitute.
Thankyou.Not listed so must be elsewhere.
You would most likely be buried in Mount Saint Lawrence, you can check the register for 1905 here http://www.limerickcity.ie/DigitalArchives/MountStLawrenceBurialRegisterBookTwo1896-1935/
Just wondering if you died in the Workhouse limerick No 4 Rural in 1905 where would you have been buried ? thanks