King John's Castle
Limerick's most iconic landmark on King's Island
At a glance
Story
Located at the heart of Limerick's medieval quarter, King John's Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history on the banks of the River Shannon.
Step inside the walls of Limerick's most iconic landmark on King's Island in the heart of medieval Limerick City. King John's Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history. Discover the stories of ruthless King John, the noble knights, and rebellious natives. Explore the spacious outdoor courtyard where you'll get a sense of the bustling activity that took place many years ago. Venture into the visitor centre with state of the art interpretive activities and exhibitions. 21st century touch screen technology, 3D models and discovery drawers are among the exciting techniques that will connect you to tales of siege and warfare. Visitors will love the dazzling array of computer generated animations and ghostly projections as they travel back through time. The site has been occupied for over 1000 years, with a turbulent history dating back to Viking times and having undergone several sieges, battles and triumphs throughout its long history.
History: The site on which King John's Castle stands has been occupied for over 1000 years. Viking settlers established a fortified settlement on King's Island around 922 AD. Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, King John of England ordered the construction of a royal castle on this strategic location overlooking the River Shannon between 1200-1210. The castle was built to command the crossing point of the Shannon and protect the newly conquered Norman settlement. The fortress features five massive drum towers and impressive curtain walls. Throughout the medieval period, the castle served as the center of English administrative and military power in the region. It endured numerous sieges during the Irish Confederate Wars in the 1640s and during the Williamite War in the 1690s. The castle underwent a major conservation and development project completed in 2013, opening a new €5.5 million visitor experience that brings together the castle's remarkable archaeology and 21st century technology.
Significance: One of Ireland's best-preserved Norman castles and Limerick's signature landmark, representing over 800 years of Irish history from Viking settlement through Norman conquest to modern times. The castle is a centerpiece of Limerick's Medieval Quarter.
Highlights & Facilities
Highlights
- Five massive Norman drum towers
- 800+ years of continuous occupation
- Interactive 21st century exhibitions with touch-screen technology
- 3D models and computer-generated animations
- Ghostly projections bringing history to life
- Medieval courtyard with games and activities
- Blacksmith's forge with demonstrations
- Medieval campaign tent
- 17th century siege re-enactments
- Panoramic views from castle towers over Limerick City and River Shannon
- Viking excavations and archaeology displays
- Norman fortifications and curtain walls
- Visitor centre with state-of-the-art exhibitions
- Unique abseiling experience from castle walls
- Historic costumed interpreters
- Discovery drawers with hands-on artifacts
Facilities
- Visitor Centre
- Interactive Exhibitions
- Café with river and courtyard views
- Gift Shop
- Toilets
- Baby Changing Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Coach Parking (by arrangement)
- Educational Resources
- Group Facilities
- Event Venue (concerts and special events)
- Picnic Areas
- Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
- Card Payments Accepted
Accessibility
Level
Mixed - Ground floor and courtyard accessible, towers not accessible
Wheelchair access
Yes
- Castle towers not accessible for wheelchair users
- Steep stairs to tower tops
- Some uneven medieval surfaces in courtyard
- Assistance dogs welcome
The ground floor exhibition areas and courtyard are wheelchair accessible. The visitor centre, café, shop, and toilets are all accessible. However, access to the castle towers involves steep medieval spiral staircases and is not suitable for visitors with mobility issues. Please contact in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Tour options
Self-Guided Interactive Experience
1.5-2 hours · Booking required
- Interactive exhibitions
- Touch-screen technology
- 3D models
- Discovery drawers
- Computer animations
- Ghostly projections
- Medieval courtyard games
- Access to towers with panoramic views
- Blacksmith's forge
- Medieval campaign tent
- 17th century siege scenes
All included in standard admission price
Medieval Courtyard Games
30-45 minutes · Walk-in friendly
- Noughts and Crosses
- Horseshoe Throwing
- Medieval Seesaw
- Tug O War
- Archery demonstrations
Included in ticket price, suitable for all ages
Abseiling Experience
1 hour · Booking required
- Professional instruction
- All equipment
- Abseil from castle gatehouse turret
- Castle admission included
Operated in association with Nevsail Watersports & Adventures. Additional fee applies. Advance booking essential
Admission prices
Location
Nicholas Street, King's Island
Limerick City, Limerick, Ireland
Postcode: V95 FX25
General: Located on King's Island in Limerick City centre, on the banks of the River Shannon
By Car: Limerick City is accessible via the M7 from Dublin (2.5 hours), N20 from Cork (1 hour), and N18 from Galway (1 hour). Public parking available nearby at Arthur's Quay Shopping Centre and on-street parking
By Bus: Limerick City is served by Bus Éireann services from all major cities. The castle is a 5-minute walk from Limerick Bus Station
By Train: Limerick Colbert Station is approximately 1.5km from the castle (15-minute walk or short taxi ride). Regular services from Dublin, Cork, Galway and other cities
Parking: Public car parks nearby at Arthur's Quay and on-street parking available. Coach parking can be arranged
Coordinates: 52.6686, -8.627
Contact & Booking
Tags & Experiences
Nearby attractions
- St. Mary's CathedralCathedral · 0.3 km
- Hunt MuseumMuseum · 0.8 km
- Thomond Park StadiumSports venue · 1.5 km
- Treaty StoneHistoric monument · 0.4 km
- Milk MarketMarket · 1.0 km
- Georgian QuarterHistoric district · 1.2 km
- Bunratty Castle & Folk ParkCastle · 13.5 km
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