Direction Ireland

King Johns Castle

West Ireland | County Limerick

King John's Castle located in Limerick is one the best preserved Norman castles in Europe. Was built on the orders of King John (brother of Richard the Lionheart) around 1210 as a stronghold and an administrative centre for the region. For 800 years this imposing castle has dominated the life and history of Limerick.

At the end of the 20th century castle was reclaimed as a National Monument. In 2011-2013 the castle underwent a massive redevelopment, with €5.7m being spent to improve the visitor facilities. New exhibition along with its audio-visual effects, animations, touch-screens, 3D models and discovery drawers will help you to discover dramatic and turbulent history of King's John Castle and Limerick City. You will learn about early medieval Gaelic society, about the circumstances of the arrival of the Normans and about the sieges of 1642, 1651 and 1690/91. You will also find out how the castle was built and what tools were used to do this. In the courtyard there are remains of the Great Hall from 1280 (Great Hall was destroyed in 18th century to make space for new military barracks), medieval campaign tent, blacksmith's forge and scenes from 17th century sieges.

• OPENING HOURS :
  • Nov - Feb: 10am - 16:30pm
  • Mar, Apr, Oct: 10am - 17pm
  • May - Sept: 9:30am - 17:30pm
  • (Closed Dec 24th, 25th & 26th)
• ADMISSION FEES :
  • Adult: 10.00€
  • Child: 5.25€
  • Family Ticket (2 Adult + 2 Children): 22.00€
  • Family Ticket (2 Adult + 6 Children): 25.00€
• CAR PARK :
  • Provided