The building of a general hospital to serve the poor and sick of Limerick city came to be seriously considered in the years 1821-1822 owing to the outbreak of what was termed ‘epidemic fever’. The planning and financing of such an institution required much thought, and it could not be rushed into. In the days before quick transport it was essential to have the proposed general hospital near to the greatest concentration of population most likely to use it.

Barrington’s Hospital opened for the reception of patients on 5th November 1831. Patients were admitted only on the ticket of a governor ‘unless in the case of persons accidentally injured ‘who were always immediately received’. The historical record states that the hospital was of incalculable benefit to the citizens of Limerick, as it has also been in all cases of accidents, whenever immediate relief is demanded by the sufferer.

Doctors in those days were few and far between but were also somewhat less prominent on the professional scale than they are today. Improvements in medical practise were slow. With the advancement in anti-sepsis, anaesthesia and later radiology, surgeons slowly developed new techniques.

When Barrington’s closed its doors as a public hospital in 1988, it ended a long and unique chapter in Limerick history. The closure of the hospital brought to an end the symbolic 300 year Barrington link with the city. Barringtons have lived, worked and played in Limerick since the 17th century. Francis Barrington the first member of the family to live in the city was buried in St, Mary’s Cathedral in 1863 where his gravestone can be seen to this day.

Thankfully the hospital reopened its doors in 1989 as a private medical facility and fully opened as Limericks first and only private hospital in 1994. The hospital continues to flourish today with the addition of services on an ongoing basis.The hospital has a large full time staff of medical and administration personnel providing a range of medical and surgical procedures in a professional and friendly environment. The hospital is committed to the ongoing provision of medical services to public and private patients of the mid west region and surrounding areas.