One of the most poignant features of the Cathedral is the beautiful graveyard. Still used today, this churchyard has been hallowed ground for nine centuries. Containing the graves of both remarkable, historic people and ordinary folk, the graveyard tells a Limerick story like no other.

The oldest part of the graveyard dates from the 12th century, but the earliest burial records date from 1726.

The graveyard contains many graves and tombs of notable people who in different ways helped shape Limerick as a city – and we continue to enjoy their work and legacy to this today. Near the great west door of the Cathedral, you’ll find the final resting place of the physician Samuel Crumpe, while the graves of Prince Milo of Montenegro, the first woman Mayor of Limerick, Frances Condell and Bishop Charles Graves also lie here. It is believed the last High King of Munster, Domnall, is buried in the Cathedral and parts of his stone coffin are still visible in the Cathedral chancel.

Gravestones and monuments in an old cemetery enclosed by a stone wall with some greenery growing on it, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A stone Celtic cross tombstone stands in front of a weathered stone wall with three arched niches supported by stone columns, surrounded by fallen leaves and gravel on the ground.

EACH GRAVE, A STORY

In an Episcopal vault underneath the chancel itself, Bishop Cornelius O’Dea is buried alongside several other Bishops of Limerick. You will also find the Sexton, Barrington, Boyd and Venderkiste tombs along the south entrance pathway. 

Other interesting parts of the graveyard include the Protestant Orphan Grave, The Exchange Wall (dating from 1693) and the United Nations Peace Garden.

Navigate the Graveyard Map