Siege of Limerick (1642)

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King John's Castle and Thomond Bridge

The Siege of Limerick in 1642 was the first siege of Limerick in the 17th century and took place during the Irish Confederation Wars.

The Siege of Limerick by the Confederation of Ireland was the easiest of the three sieges in the 17th century, as the besieged population sided with the besieging Irish soldiers. Approx. 600 Protestant settlers fled to the city during the Irish Rebellion and holed up in King John's Castle in central Limerick . The city was primarily Catholic and the population turned to the Confederate government in Kilkenny to end this Protestant refuge.

So a 1,500-strong army under General Garret Barry marched to Limerick to rectify the situation. Since Barry had no siege weapons at his disposal, he had his men dig tunnels under the castle walls. He also positioned shooters in the houses around the castle - particularly in St. Mary's Cathedral . Ultimately, he was able to cut off the supply of food and water. After four weeks, marked by hunger and disease, the English Protestants surrendered - 400 survived and were evacuated to Dublin .