King John's Castle

King John’s Castle, located in the heart of Limerick, Ireland, is a medieval fortress that offers a captivating journey through 800 years of history. This iconic landmark, built by King John of England in the early 13th century, is one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland. Visitors can explore the castle’s rich history, interactive exhibits, and stunning views of the River Shannon and Limerick City.

History

King John’s Castle has a long and turbulent history. It was built on the site of a Viking settlement and has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries. The castle played a significant role in medieval battles and sieges, including the infamous siege of Limerick, which led to the signing of the Treaty of Limerick in 1691. Today, the castle stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and heritage.

How to Get There

By Car: The castle is easily accessible via the N18 or N69 roads. There is ample parking available nearby, and the castle is well-signposted.
By Public Transport: Limerick is well-connected by trains and buses from major cities in Ireland. From the city center, you can take a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk to the castle.

Attractions

Interactive Exhibits:
Explore the castle’s history through modern and interactive exhibits, including 3D models, touch screen technology, and computer-generated animations.
Visit the activity room where kids can try on 18th-century costumes, from stunning dresses to chainmail tunics.

Courtyard:
The spacious courtyard is the heart of the castle, where most activities took place in medieval times.
Find a blacksmith’s workshop equipped with ancient tools and weapons, as well as siege shelters and a gatehouse where goods were delivered.

Discover Castle Life:
Learn about the lives of the people who inhabited the castle over the years through colorful characters like Nicholas the Master Mason and the grim Constable Roger De Lees.
Meet these characters and hear their anecdotes related to castle life and valuable secrets.

Courtyard Games:
During the summer months, enjoy medieval games like archery, ring toss, tug o war, horseshoe throwing, and storytelling.

Abseiling Experience:
For a unique experience, abseil down the castle’s gatehouse turret and admire the view of Limerick City and the River Shannon.

Stunning Views:
Climb to the top of the ancient towers for panoramic views of Limerick City and the River Shannon. This is the perfect spot to capture picturesque scenes and understand the castle’s dramatic setting.

Visitor Center:
Start your journey at the visitor center, where you can learn about the castle’s history through displays, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. Restrooms and a gift shop are also available here.

Medieval Banqueting Hall:
Walk through the ruins of the medieval banqueting hall and say a prayer in the newly constructed replica church.

Campaign Tent:
Try on a helmet and brandish a sword in the campaign tent for an immersive experience.

Panoramic Views from Battlements:
From the battlements, cast an eye across the river to discover the Treaty Stone, a large plinth by an embankment pathway that played an important role in Ireland’s bitter 17th-century wars.

Ticket Information

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM). Closed on Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day.
Admission Fees:
Adults: €10
Seniors (aged 65+) and Students (with valid ID): €8
Children (aged 5 to 17): €5
Children under 5: Free
Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): €23

Tips for Visiting

Comfortable Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces.
Time Allocation: Allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit to fully explore the castle and its exhibits.
Weather: Bring a jacket or umbrella as the weather in Ireland can be unpredictable.
Crowd Avoidance: Consider visiting during weekdays or early in the morning to avoid large crowds.
Photography: Photography is allowed, so have your camera ready to capture the moments.