List of national monuments in County Limerick facts for kids

The Irish government has officially recognized many special places in County Limerick as "national monuments." These are important historical sites or buildings that are protected by the state because they are so valuable to Ireland's past. Sometimes, even the land around these monuments is protected to keep them safe. Think of them as treasures from long ago that we need to look after for future generations!

Amazing Places in County Limerick

Kilmallock Abbey

The beautiful ruins of Kilmallock Abbey.

Kilmallock Abbey is an old Dominican friary located in Abbeyfarm. A friary is a type of monastery where monks lived and prayed. This abbey has stood for many centuries. It tells a story of religious life and architecture from long ago. It is a very important historical site.

Desmond Castle (Adare)

Desmond Castle in Adare, a strong reminder of medieval times.

The impressive Desmond Castle is found in Adare. This castle is a strong reminder of medieval times. Castles like this were built for defense and as homes for powerful lords. It shows us how people lived and protected themselves centuries ago.

Askeaton Castle

Askeaton Castle, overlooking the River Deel.

Askeaton Castle is another historic castle in Askeaton. It is a significant landmark in the area. This castle played an important role in Irish history. It often changed hands during different conflicts. Its ruins still stand proudly today.

Lough Gur

A view of Lough Gur, a place rich in ancient history.

Lough Gur is a truly special place near Bruff. It is not just one monument but a whole area filled with ancient sites. People have lived around Lough Gur for thousands of years. You can find many different types of old structures here. These include tombs, stone circles, and even old house sites. It's like an open-air museum of ancient Ireland.

Lough Gur Tomb

Ancient tombs at Lough Gur.

Among the many treasures at Lough Gur are several ancient tombs. One of these is a megalithic tomb. Megalithic means "made of large stones." These tombs were built by early people. They used them to bury their dead. These structures give us clues about their beliefs.

Lough Gur Stone Circle

The large stone circle at Lough Gur.

Lough Gur is also home to a potential stone circle. Stone circles are mysterious ancient monuments. Their exact purpose is still debated by historians. They might have been used for ceremonies or as calendars.

Grange Stone Circle

The impressive Grange Stone Circle.

The Grange Stone Circle is a very famous monument at Lough Gur. It is an embanked stone circle. This means it has a bank of earth around it. It is one of the largest stone circles in Ireland. It is a powerful link to our ancient past.

Mungret Churches

One of the old churches at Mungret.

In Baunacloka and Dromdarrig, you can find the Mungret Churches. This site actually has three churches. They are very old and show different periods of church building. They are important for understanding early Christian history in Ireland.

Hospital Church

The historic Hospital Church.

The Hospital Church is located in Barrysfarm. This church was once connected to the Knights Hospitallers. They were a military and religious order. They cared for pilgrims and the sick. The church is a reminder of their presence in Ireland.

Dísert Óengusa

The round tower at Dísert Óengusa.

Dísert Óengusa is an early medieval hermitage. It is found near Croom in Carrigeen. A hermitage is a place where a hermit, a person living alone for religious reasons, would stay. This site includes a famous round tower. Round towers were common in early Irish monasteries. They were used as bell towers, lookouts, and places of refuge.

Desmond Hall and Castle

Desmond Hall, part of the castle complex in Newcastlewest.

In Newcastlewest, you can explore the Desmond Hall and Castle. This is a large medieval castle complex. It includes a grand hall and other castle buildings. It was once a very important stronghold. It shows the power of the Desmond family.

Killeen Cowpark Church

The ruins of Killeen Cowpark Church.

The Killeen Cowpark Church is an old church ruin in Cowpark. It stands as a testament to the religious life of the past. Even in ruins, it offers a glimpse into the architecture and history of local churches.

Duntryleague Passage Tomb

The ancient Duntryleague Passage Tomb.

The Duntryleague Passage Tomb is a significant ancient burial site. It is located in Deerpark. Passage tombs are very old structures. They have a passage leading to a burial chamber. They were built by prehistoric communities. They are important for understanding ancient burial customs.

Killulta Church

The historic Killulta Church.

Killulta Church is another historic church in Glennameade. Its ruins tell a story of centuries of worship. It is a quiet and peaceful place. It connects us to the people who lived and prayed there long ago.

Glenquin Castle

Glenquin Castle, a well-preserved tower house.

Glenquin Castle is a castle located in Killeedy. It is a well-preserved tower house. Tower houses were common in Ireland. They were built by local lords for defense and as homes. Glenquin Castle gives us a good idea of what these buildings looked like.

De Valera's Cottage

De Valera's Cottage, a house with important history.

De Valera's Cottage in Knockmore is a house with strong historical links. It was the home of Éamon de Valera. He was a very important figure in Irish history. He served as President of Ireland. This cottage is protected because of its connection to him.

Kilrush Church

Kilrush Church in Limerick.

Kilrush Church is located in the city of Limerick. It is an old church with a rich history. It stands as a reminder of the city's past. It shows the development of religious buildings over time.

King John's Castle (Limerick)

The impressive King John's Castle in Limerick City.

One of Limerick's most famous landmarks is King John's Castle. It is a large and powerful castle. It sits on King's Island in the River Shannon. It was built in the 13th century. It has played a key role in many historical events. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Limerick.

Fanning's Castle

Fanning's Castle in Limerick City.

Fanning's Castle is another historic castle in Limerick. It is located on Creagh Lane. While perhaps not as grand as King John's Castle, it is still an important part of Limerick's medieval past. It shows the many layers of history in the city.

Askeaton Abbey

The ruins of Askeaton Abbey.

Askeaton Abbey is a Franciscan friary in Moig South. Like Kilmallock Abbey, it was a place of worship and community for monks. The ruins are beautiful and peaceful. They offer a glimpse into the lives of the Franciscan order.

Monasteranenagh Abbey

The historic Monasteranenagh Abbey.

Monasteranenagh Abbey is a Cistercian abbey in Monaster South. The Cistercian order was known for its strict rules and simple life. This abbey was once a very important religious center. Its impressive ruins show its former glory.

Images for kids

• Ballylanders fort

  The site of Ballylanders fort, a ringfort.

• Clonkeen Church

  The remains of Clonkeen Church.

• Cush Earthworks

  The ancient Cush Earthworks.

• Rathard

  The location of Rathard, a ringfort.

• Lough Gur Standing Stone

  A standing stone at Lough Gur.

• The Spectacles (Ireland)

  The site of The Spectacles, ancient house sites and a field system.

• Crock Island

  Crock Island, a crannóg in Lough Gur.

• Lough Gur Megalithic Structure

  A megalithic structure at Lough Gur.

• Kilmallock Medieval House

  A medieval house in Kilmallock.

• Kilmihill Ringfort

  The site of Kilmihill Ringfort.

• Lough Gur Cemetery

  A cairn at Lough Gur Cemetery.

• Lough Gur Ringfort

  A ringfort at Lough Gur.

• Killaliathan Church

  The site of Killaliathan Church.

• Lough Gur House

  A prehistoric house site at Lough Gur.

• Lough Gur Wedge Tomb

  A wedge tomb at Lough Gur.

• Knockadoon

  The prehistoric habitation site of Knockadoon.

• Carraig Aille

  The enclosure at Carraig Aille.

• Lough Gur Cemetery Mound

  A cemetery mound at Lough Gur.

• Leagun

  A standing stone at Leagun.

• Ardagh Fort

  The site of Ardagh Fort, a ringfort.

Sources

• National Monuments in County Limerick