
MAGIC LANTERN SLIDE: RIVER SHANNON AT LIMERICK, 1880S

SOLDIERS HOME, HARTSTONGE STREET, LIMERICK, 1910S
Preserving Moments: Rediscovering Limerick’s History
Limerick, a city steeped in history and rich in heritage, unveils its bygone charm through a collection of old magic lantern slides and images dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These remarkable visual artefacts provide a captivating journey into Limerick’s past, offering a glimpse of its landscapes, people, and daily life during a transformative period in history.

TODDS OF LIMERICK, GEORGE STREET, 1870S.

ANTIQUE PRINT: LIMERICK, 1800S.
The Era Unveiled: 1880s to 1910
The late 19th to early 20th centuries marked a significant era for Limerick, witnessing industrialization, social changes, and the dawn of a new century. The magic lantern slides, an innovative visual medium of the time, freeze-framed moments that resonate with the spirit of that era.

ADARE, CO. LIMERICK, 1800S

MAGIC LANTERN SLIDE: CARRIGOGUNNELL CASTLE, CO. LIMERICK.
Cityscapes and Architecture: A Stroll Through Old Limerick
The magic lantern slides capture the architectural marvels that defined Limerick’s skyline during this period. Stately buildings, bustling streets, and iconic landmarks such as St. Mary’s Cathedral and King John’s Castle are frozen in time, revealing the architectural grandeur that characterized the city.

POSTCARD FROM ADARE MANOR, CO. LIMERICK, 1900S.

MAGIC LANTERN SLIDE, GEORGE STREET, LIMERICK 1880S.
Daily Life Unveiled: Faces and Places
Step into the past and witness the faces of Limerick’s residents as they go about their daily lives. Market scenes, bustling quays, and snapshots of local businesses offer a window into the vibrant tapestry of daily life. These images, bathed in sepia tones, transport viewers to an era where horse-drawn carriages shared the streets with early automobiles.

AUGUSTINIAN FRIARY, ADARE, CO. LIMERICK 1900S.
Cultural Moments and Gatherings: Limerick’s Social Fabric
Magic lantern slides capture moments of cultural significance and community gatherings. Whether it’s a local fair, a religious procession, or a celebration of the arts, these images immortalize the communal spirit that defined Limerick during this time.

MAGIC LANTERN SLIDE, TREATY STONE, 1900S
Technological Marvels: Limerick’s Transition to Modernity
Witness Limerick’s technological evolution through images of early factories, industrial sites, and emerging modes of transportation. As the city embraced progress, the magic lantern slides bear witness to the intertwining of tradition and modernity.

MAGIC LANTERN SLIDE, KING JOHN’S CASTLE, LIMERICK 1880S.

MAGIC LANTERN SLIDE: SHANNON RAPIDS, CASTLECONNELL 1880S.
Challenges and Triumphs: A Historical Tapestry
Limerick’s history is not without its challenges. The magic lantern slides may reveal glimpses of significant events – from moments of resilience during challenging times to triumphs that defined the spirit of the city.

MAGIC LANTERN SLIDE: ASKEATON ABBEY 1880S.

MAGIC LANTERN SLIDE: KILLALOE 1900S.
Preserving the Legacy: A Call to Remember
These old magic lantern slides, meticulously preserved through time, serve as more than mere images. They are portals to the past, inviting us to walk alongside our ancestors, witness the city’s evolution, and cherish the legacy they have bequeathed to modern Limerick.

ANTIQUE PRINT: ADARE ABBEY, CO. LIMERICK, 1900S

ORIGINAL CARTOON PRINT: THE BATTLE OF LIMERICK (1848)
As we delve into these visual treasures from the 1880s to 1910, let us collectively embark on a journey of remembrance and appreciation for the city’s storied past. Limerick, through the lens of old magic lantern slides, invites us to honour its history, celebrate its resilience, and ensure that the echoes of the past continue to resonate through the corridors of time.
LIMERICK GAZETTE ARCHIVES