Great Munster Fair Commissioners, 1852-1912 (from microfilm)

  • Reference code: LK/GMF 
  • Extent: 4 Volumes

Scope & Content

The Great Munster Fair Act became law on 28th May 1852.  It provided for the holding of an annual fair in the ‘Townland of Singland, Parish of S. Patrick’ on a site that is still known as the Fairgreen.  A body known as the Commissioners of the Great Munster Fair was established, and they had a separate corporate existence, perpetual succession and a common seal, in the manner of a borough corporation.  The ex-officio commissioners included the Mayor of Limerick, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, the Chairman of the Board of Guardians of Limerick Poor Law Union, and the sitting MPs for Limerick City and county. The grand juries of counties Limerick, Cork , Kerry, Clare, and both Ridings of Tipperary each elected six commissioners annually. The Commissioners met in Limerickcity or county as often as they wished, and had the power to appoint a clerk, treasurer or other officers.  They could make bye-laws, borrow money, and purchase land.  They administered the Great Munster Fair, and derived their income from tolls levied there. In 1905 the management of the Great Munster Fair was transferred from the Commissioners to Limerick County Council. The collection consists of two commissioners minute books, which date 1852 to 1912, a mortgage register and an account book.

Creator(s)

Commissioners of the Great Munster Fair

Biographical / Historical Note

The Great Munster Fair Act became law on 28th May 1852. It provided for the holding of an annual fair in the ‘Townland of Singland, Parish of S. Patrick' on a site that is still known as the Fairgreen. A body known as the commissioners of the Great Munster Fair was established, and they had a separate corporate existence, perpetual succession and a common seal, in the manner of a borough corporation. The ex-officio commissioners included the Mayor of Limerick, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, the Chairman of the Board of Guardians of Limerick Poor Law Union, and the sitting MPs for Limerick city and county. The grand juries of counties Limerick, Cork, Kerry, Clare, and both Ridings of Tipperary each elected six commissioners annually.

The Commissioners met in Limerick city or county as often as they wished, and had the power to appoint a clerk, treasurer or other officers. They could make bye-laws, borrow money, and purchase land. They administered the Great Munster Fair, and derived their income from tolls levied there. In 1905 the management of the Great Munster Fair was transferred from the Commissioners to Limerick County Council.

Administrative Information

  • Access Restrictions: N/A 
  • Use Restrictions: N.A. 
  • Related Materials: LA/ P26 Limerick Market Trustees held by Limerick City Archives. LK/  Limerick County Council Archives held by Limerick County Archives

Collection Content

PDF File: GMF-1. 23 June 1852-4 September 1867 

  • 23 June 1852-4 September 1867 
  • Extent: c. 130 pp
  • Access Rules: N.A. 
  • 2 April 1867-13 January 1912
  • Extent: c. 120 pp
  • Access Rules: N.A. 
  • Extent: c. 140 pp
  • Access Rules: N.A. 
  • Extent: c. 140 ff
  • Access Rules: N.A.