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Kilmallock
Kilmallock
is approximately 32km SW of Limerick City on the old road from
Limerick
to
Cork
.
It is surrounded by archaeological sites of national and international
importance such as Lough Gur, Knockainy and Ardpatrick.
It
is situated in an area of great natural fertility and beauty and is
protected by the Ballyhoura Hills to the south and east.
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Kilmallock
gets its name from a seventh century monastery to the north of the town
dedicated to St. Mocheallóg. which seems to have relocated to the site of
the Collegiate Church within the town. This community is mentioned in 1015
and 1027. Kilmallock formed part of the estate of the Bishop of Limerick
who may have founded the town. It grew in importance after the arrival of
the Anglo Normans to become second only to
Limerick
City
.
In the latter middle ages it became the chief stronghold and town of the
Desmond family particularly the branch known as the White Knights. Its
corporation was created by a very early charter which was recognised in a
charter of Edward III in 1375. A charter of 1584 recognised the
corporation as ‘The Sovereign and Burgesses of the Town of
Kilmallock
’.
It became a borough in 1585 and returned two members of Parliament until
the Act of Union in 1800. The town suffered during the rebellions of the
16th century, most famously when it was burned by James
FitzMaurice FitzGerald on
2nd
March 1571
.
It was rapidly repaired by Sir John Perrott. Cromwellian forces dismantled
the walls following the surrender of the town in 1645 but these were
re-built by the Corporation. They were partially destroyed again in the
Williamite Wars of 1690-91.
Kilmallock
is fortunate in having the line of its defences preserved for almost the
entire circuit of the town. It is particularly impressive along the west
side of the town where it survives for nearly 600m. Elsewhere it remains
to ground level or exists as a low wall rebuilt by succeeding generations.
It is evident everywhere, however, as it is incorporated into the property
boundaries and a single glance at a modern map of Kilmallock will show the
extent of the medieval town. The layout of the medieval streets has also
survived relatively intact. Within the town the standing monuments are
considerable and include, Blossom Gate which stands across the road
leading to Charleville, King’s Castle, in the centre of the main street,
which dates to the 15-16th century, a late medieval stone mansion fronting
the main street, the 13th century Collegiate Church of SS.
Peter and Paul. The Dominican Priory, established in 1291, lies outside
the walls to the east of the river Loobagh.
Athenry I
Waterford
I
Youghal I
Kilmallock
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