Kings John’s Castle

Located in the heart of Limerick’s medieval quarter and standing along the banks of the River Shannon , this site dates back to 922AD to the time of the Vikings and is Limerick’s most iconic landmark. The castle itself was built around 1200 on the orders of King John during the first Norman conquest of Ireland. Its not hard to see why it is regarded as one of the most impressive medieval castles in Ireland.

The castle dominated the area for centuries and saw Limerick thrive as both a port and a trading centre during the Middle Ages.

A visit to this iconic Limerick landmark allows you to experience 800 years of history with the help of 21st century touch screen technology, 3D models and discovery drawers. Numerous exhibitions document the history of the castle, the history of Limerick and the life of King John himself.

In the courtyard you can find a medieval campaign tent, a blacksmiths forge and scenes from a 17th century siege all combining to help recreate the atmosphere of this fascinating era. Visitors can also try their hand at some Medieval games in the outdoor courtyard including archery, horseshoe throwing and tug of war, and then take a break in the on site Siege café. There is also an archaeological site to explore with excavated findings from 1900/1901 showing how the site on which the castle stands was once a Viking village. You can also climb the tower and enjoy stunning views over Limerick city and the River Shannon.
The area around the castle is known as King’s Island and is the oldest part of Limerick city. The narrow winding streets and alleyways are a classic feature of medieval town planning.

Now for something really unique, why not abseil from the amazing viewpoint of the castles gatehouse turret! King John’s Castle together with Nevsail Watersports and Adventures offer this unforgettable experience where you can take in the incredible views of Limerick’s rooftop while descending the historic walls.

Running on selected dates throughout July and August and available to book through the website.

Opening hours for the coming 2022 season are January – March Thursday to Sunday and from April 1st it opens 7 days a week.

Visit www.kingjohnscastle.com for further information.