Englishtown in Limerick in County Limerick, Munster, Ireland — Irish South-West ((Éire) North Atlantic Ocean)

St. Mary's Cathedral

South Gate Entrance Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 13, 2026

1. South Gate Entrance Marker

Inscription. This Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin has stood at the heart of Limerick for nine centuries. It is on the site of a one-time Viking Parliament and a later Royal Palace of the Kings of Munster.

It was founded in 1168 by King Dónal Mór O’Brien, died around 1194, King of Thomond. Indeed, for long, local belief held that the fine surviving Romanesque west door was constructed of stones from the Royal Palace of Ulster seized in battle by the victorious O’Briens.

Many memorials of the O’Brien family are to be found within the Cathedral as are other medieval treasures, some, the only ones of their type in Ireland: a pre-Reformation altar, richly carved misericords, a lepers’ squint. The stained glass is rich and varied while the Cathedral abounds in carved stone memorials of great interest.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1168.

Location. 52° 40.071′ N, 8° 37.461′ W. Marker is in Limerick, Munster, in County Limerick. It is in Englishtown. It is at the intersection of Merchants Quay and Saint Augustine Place, on the right when traveling north on Merchants Quay. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8 Merchants Quay, Limerick, Munster V94 E068, Ireland. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Ancient East.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

on the Island of Ireland,

on the Celtic Fringe,

in the European Union,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The United Nations Peace Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named United Nations Peace Garden

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The West Door (within shouting distance of this marker); Sylvester O’Halloran (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named St. Mary’s Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); Katie (Cis) Smyth (within shouting distance of this marker); Maidenhair Fern (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sexten Family Vault (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Limerick.

Also see . . . Our History (St. Mary's Cathedral). (Submitted on May 22, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)

St. Mary's Cathedral Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 13, 2026

2. St. Mary's Cathedral Marker

This plaque is located outside of the cathedral's west gate.

St. Mary's Cathedral image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 13, 2026

3. St. Mary's Cathedral

The western entrance to St. Mary's Cathedral.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 22, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.