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| CASTLE-CONNELL RAPIDS, CO. LIMERICK. -These rapids of the Shannon are popularly called "the Falls of Doonass," and are the most picturesque of the series of cascades which mark the course of the river from Killaloe to Limerick - a distance of 12 miles. They recall, particularly at Castle-Connell - so-called from an ancient castle of the O'Briens of Thomond, now in ruins - the rapids of the Niagara near the Falls, and those of the St. Lawrence in the region of the Thousand Islands. Although the falls add to the beauty, they detract from the utility of the Shannon, over the entire distance they occupy, and a lateral canal, broad and deep, constructed at great expense, enables steamers, and other vessels of good size to ascent the river, and returning, reach navigable water, near the City of Limerick. Many travellers have asserted that the Falls of Doonass are unsurpassed by anything of the kind in Europe. In summer, the citizens of Limerick throng to them in great numbers. General Ginkel, irritated by the stout defense made by the Irish garrison in 1691, caused the old castle, from which the town derives its name, to be blown up, and this was done so effectively that only a gateway and some ruined walls remain. |
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