King John's Castle

About the museum

King John's Castle stands on King's Island in the oldest part of Limerick, on ground that was settled by Vikings long before the Normans arrived. A Viking leader set up a permanent base on the island in 922, which is regarded as the start of the city. Early in the thirteenth century a stone Norman fortress was built over earlier earthen ramparts and ditches. King John oversaw the work between 1200 and 1212, and he also set up a mint in the castle and strengthened the river crossing and the city's defences.

The castle became the centre of Limerick's defences through a long series of sieges. Confederate forces attacked the city in 1642, Parliamentarian troops under Ireton besieged it in 1651 during the Cromwellian conquest, and in 1690 and 1691 it was besieged a third time in the Williamite War, and Limerick, the last major Jacobite stronghold in Ireland, surrendered in 1691. The Treaty of Limerick was signed in October 1691.

Today the castle is a visitor attraction with interactive exhibitions about kings, knights and citizens, siege and daily life. The courtyard holds the remains of the Great Hall of about 1280, siege shelters and a chapel sanctuary, and visitors can climb the towers for views over the Shannon and the medieval streets.

Highlights

• Interactive exhibitions on kings, knights, sieges and daily life in medieval Limerick
• Courtyard with the remains of the Great Hall of about 1280
• Climb the castle towers for views over the River Shannon
• Medieval games such as quoits and tug-of-war included in the ticket
• Siege Café overlooking the courtyard and towers

Permanent exhibitions

• Castle exhibitions – Interactive displays about kings, knights and citizens, with battles, sieges and daily life, using hands-on exhibits, 3D models and discovery drawers.
• Courtyard and towers – The remains of the Great Hall, siege shelters, a chapel sanctuary and towers that can be climbed for views of the Shannon and the old streets.

Founded

1210

Admission & discounts

Ticket prices are shown only in the castle's online booking system and could not be read from the website pages. School groups pay €10 per primary or secondary student for a self-guided visit of about two hours.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The castle aims to welcome visitors of all abilities, with accessible entrances, lifts and clear signage in the main exhibitions. The cobbled courtyard can limit wheelchair access, and the towers are not accessible by wheelchair. Visitors can contact the reservations team with access questions.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The exhibitions are described as suited to families and school groups, with hands-on exhibits, 3D models and discovery drawers. Medieval courtyard games such as quoits, horseshoe throwing, tug-of-war and noughts and crosses are included in the ticket.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Siege Café overlooks the courtyard and towers and serves coffee, light lunches, pastries and snacks. The Castle Gift Shop sells souvenirs, local crafts, books, toys and Irish-made products.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit