In medieval times Garryowen was located just outside the Irishtown area of the walled city of Limerick.

In 1690, it was the scene of a heroic Jacobite defence-the battle of the breach-which was fought nearby during the Williamite War of 1688–91.

[2] St John's Cathedral is located in the area and dates from 1861 and has Ireland's tallest spire at 94m.

[3] St John's Square is located across the way from the cathedral and was Limerick’s first example of fashionable architecture and civic spaces and was completed in 1751.

[citation needed] Garryowen Football Club, a prominent Rugby Union club in Ireland's AIB League has its origins in the area; however it is no longer located in the neighbourhood of Garryowen but rather in the Dooradoyle area of the Limerick Suburbs.