King's Island in Limerick in County Limerick, Munster, Ireland — Irish South-West ((Éire) North Atlantic Ocean)

The Bard of Thomond

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 13, 2026

1. The Bard of Thomond Marker

Inscription.
The Bard of Thomond
Michael Hogan
1832–1899

Erected 1994.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.

Location. 52° 40.221′ N, 8° 37.514′ W. Marker is in Limerick, Munster, in County Limerick. It is on King's Island. It is at the intersection of Castle Street and Church Street, on the left when traveling east on Castle Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9 Castle St, Limerick, Munster, 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 Bishop’s Palace (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Bishop’s Palace (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Bishops Palace (a few steps from

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this marker); The North Munster Masonic Centre (a few steps from this marker); Michael Hogan (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bishop's Palace / Saint Munchin's Church (within shouting distance of this marker); King John’s Castle (within shouting distance of this marker); St Munchin’s Church (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Limerick.

Also see . . . Michael Hogan – The Self Proclaimed Bard of Thomond (Limerick Magazine).

In 1994 there was some controversy as to the importance of Hogan as a poet, although he was well received in Limerick he was not perceived to be a poet of influence, such as Yeats. This was chiefly attributed to his primary education but also to his gruff demeanour that came through in his poetry. What cannot be denied is the impact he had at the time and with future generations. A memorial committee, headed by Jim Kemmy, fundraised to erect a new memorial over the Hogan’s grave, this included the Bard’s face in relief. The “Friends of the Bard” society was founded in 1992, along with funding donated by Peter J Hogan, erected a life-size
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 13, 2026

2. The Bard of Thomond Marker
The relief is embedded in the southern wall of the Bishop's Palace.
statue of Hogan outside King John’s Castle in 2005.

(Submitted on May 25, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)

Michael Hogan Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 13, 2026

3. Michael Hogan Statue

Within viewing distance of the relief, a statue of Michael Hogan has been erected.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 25, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.