ST. PETER'S ST. PAUL'S

In 1868, the parish of St Peters St Pauls contained the following places:

"ST. PETER'S AND ST. PAUL'S, a parish in the barony of Kilmallock, county Limerick, province of Munster, Ireland. It lies along the river Loobagh, and contains the town of Kilmallock, which see.

"KILMALLOCK, a parish, post and market town, in county Limerick, province of Munster, Ireland. The parish is 4 miles square. The surface is undulating, and consists of a well-cultivated soil drained by two rivulets, tributaries to the Maig. The living is an impropriate curacy in the diocese of Limerick, and in the patronage of the dean and chapter. The church is part of the dilapidated abbey church, dedicated to SS. Peter and Paul, and contains several monumental structures. There are a commodious Roman Catholic chapel and three day schools. On the bank of the stream Lubach, at the meeting of the roads to Tipperary, Limerick, and Charleville, stands the town, 138 miles S.W. of Dublin, 43 N. of Cork, and 17 S. of Limerick. It is a station on the Great Southern and Western railway. It was formerly a place of great importance, and a parliamentary borough exercising separate jurisdiction as a county of itself. Its privileges have now become extinct, and its trade has degenerated into a few humble shops. The town is associated with many historical events, particularly those connected with the earls of Desmond, whose ancient seat was here. It was nearly demolished in 1642 by the Ormondes, since which time it has gradually sunk into decay. Among the most interesting ruins are those of a Dominican friary, founded in 1291 by Gilbert de Cullan. There are also traces of the old wall thrown round the town by Edward III., with its two gates, tower, &c. Many of the old stone houses are still remaining. Kilmallock gave title of viscount to General Sarsfield. The chief seats are Mount Coote and Ash Hill Tower. It gives name to a Poor-law Union containing 22 electoral divisions in counties Cork and Limerick. The poorhouse has shelter for 1,300. Fairs are held in the town on the 21st February, 25th March, 9th June, 6th July, 8th November, and 4th December."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018