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William Smith O’Brien 1803-64

Born in Dromoland, County Clare. After having served as a Conservative MP for Ennis and Limerick, he joined the Young Irelanders and in 1847 founded the Irish Confederation. He took part in the last incident of the 1848 rebellion and was sentenced to death, later commuted to penal servitude for life. He was released in 1854 provided he left the jurisdiction. This restriction was lifted in 1856 and he returned to Ireland but played no more part in politics. He wrote Principles of Government or Meditations in Exile. He is buried in Rathronan Cemetery, County Limerick.

Further information, location and directions to the grave are to be found in "The End - An Illustrated Guide to the Graves of Irish Writers".  Click here to order a copy of this book