limerick

No sign of clock tower at the floating dock which would date photograph pre 1880. www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&...

Is the photographer up on Saint Mary's Cathedral?

The photo was obviously taken up on Saint Mary's Cathedral tower. The Shannon Rowing Club is missing here and it was founded by Sir Peter Tait in 1868 and has a very elegant clubhouse on the northern side. Assumption 1 - Before 1868 But the Limerick Rowing Club was founded in 1870 and has a simpler structure on the southern side. Assumption 2 - After 1870, There is no sign of The Dock Clock down in Steamboat Quay which was built in 1880. Assumption 3 - Before 1880 Final Date Assumption is 1867 National Library of Ireland, what say you?

Thanks tonyheaney. I concur. And have tweaked the description to reflect!

I have been pouring over these photos with such curiosity and intensity and the more I look at these images the more my heart skips a beat just to see my home as I have never been seen before. I almost feel like I have been living in 1890 Limerick for the past few weeks, and as such, I have become intimately acquainted with Oul Limerick.

Limerick was a bit late in getting a Peoples Park - or that was the view in Limerick

There was also another project, and which was possessed by cities and towns far inferior in importance than Limerick - and that was a - "People's Park" - with some exertion, the Citizens of Limerick would succeed in having a - "Park"- (hear, hear)

Mr Michael Ryan, former mayor, at the inauguration of his successor, Alderman Fitzgerald. (Limerick Chronicle - Wednesday 04 January 1860)

Work then commenced on the Park 14 years later on 26th October 1874. The mayor was presented with an inscribed spade, then

The mayor then raised the sod amid enthusiastic cheering, and lifting it into a handsome and fancifully painted wheelbarrow, brundled the vehicle a couple of yards, and setting it down declared the work of setting out the Limerick People's Park to be commenced.

After more ceremony including laying a foundation stone and speeches there was a "sumptuous déjeuner" (Bassett's Chronicle - Saturday 31 October 1874) [yes, he brundled the wheelbarrow]

If you cannot remember going there 10 years ago, is it still déjà vu?

It finally seems to have opened to the public in May 1877.

I have a feeling that the French / Lawrence photo is newer than the WR&S one. You wouldn't cover over paths in a People's Park, or get rid of a young tree in the triangle. I always forget; is William Ritchie after 1903?

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