saint marys cathedral

The first evidence of settlement in Limerick is found on Kings Island, and dates back to the Vikings of the 9th century. It was the only river crossing then, and served as a base for raiding local monasteries and Celtic settlements.

The English took over the town of Limerick in the late 12th Century, and in 1197 granted a charter declaring Limerick a city. King John, who visited in 1210, ordered that a castle and a bridge (Thomond Bridge) be constructed. Residents of the island city turned to trade but were hampered by access imposed by the tidal river. Exports of agricultural produce eventually brought prosperity to the city in the 15th century. Irishtown thrived on this trade, and Irish traders established strong links with the merchands of Englishtown. When the faction fighting of the surrounding districts threatened to interrupt trade, the city walls were extended to include Irishtown.