King John's Castle
- Visit: 60–90 min
- Not step-free
- Ideal for toddlers, kids, teens
- Good on a rainy day
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What's on here
Why go
- The ancient castle walls, which visitors can walk along
- The view from the top of the towers over the River Shannon and the city, with Thomond Park Stadium in sight
- The café overlooking the courtyard and the river, serving drinks, snacks and meals seven days a week
Plan your visit
Opening times
Closed on 1 Jan, 27 Dec
From the venue's website · checked 27 Oct 2026
Don't miss
- The 13th-century hallThe buildings in the courtyard were destroyed, but the remains of the hall are still visible.In the courtyard13th century On the map
- The excavation sitesA modern visitor building stands above the dig sites and presents the history in exhibits.Above the excavation sites2011–2013 On the map
- The large central courtyardThe castle walls surround a large central courtyard.Centre of the castleToday On the map
- The round towers at the gateLarge round towers strengthen the gate and the curtain walls.At the gate and along the walls13th century On the map
Know before you go
- Open every day from 09:30 to 17:00.
- Closed on 27 December and on 1 January.
- Booking tickets online ahead is recommended, especially in peak tourist seasons.
- To book, phone +353 61 370 501 or email [email protected].
- Guided tours can be arranged by advance booking.
- Only registered service dogs may enter; other pets are not allowed inside.
- Luggage can be stored on site; ask staff at admissions on arrival.
What's inside
- Corner towers that project so archers could fire on attackers from crossfire.
- Towers and chambers that visitors can move through.
- A gift shop.
Tips for your visit
- Allow about 1.5 hours to see the castle fully.
Best time to visit
- In summer, the Live at the Castle concert series is held here.
With kids
- The interactive exhibition and the medieval courtyard suit children of all ages.
- Immersive exhibitions can be explored inside the castle.
Interesting facts5
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The castle has no keep.
King John's Castle -
It is thought to have originally had a moat and a drawbridge at the gate.
Château du Roi Jean - Wikipedia -
Its Irish name is Caisleán Luimnigh.
King John’s Castle (Limerick) - Wikipedia -
The castle is named after the man who commissioned it.
King John’s Castle (Limerick) - Wikipedia -
Pennies and half pennies from that period are displayed in Limerick museum today.
King John's Castle (Limerick) - Wikipedia
Shorts
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King John's CastleSomewhere on the Planet
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Once upon a time, the Darkness played in King John's Castle, Limerick…Slash Ireland
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King John's Castle Limerick IrelandThe Castle Connoisseur
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🏰 King John's Castle | 800 Years of Irish History|LimerickMartin Travelling Local
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King John's Castle. What's your best Limerick jokeBalor Otherworld (Irish Tour Guide & Storyteller)
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King John's CastleVrum
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King John's CastleBalor Otherworld (Irish Tour Guide & Storyteller)
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King John's CastleUL Global
History
In 1642 Protestants sheltering in the castle held out against a besieging Irish Confederate force under Garret Barry. Barry dug away the foundations of the walls, and the defenders surrendered before the walls fell. Excavations in 1990 and the restoration of 2011–2013 shaped the site as visitors see it today.
- 922A Viking base stood on King's Island, and raiders used it to strike along the Shannon.
- 1195The Anglo-Normans took the area under John, Lord of Ireland.
- 1200King John ordered the castle built to guard the river crossing.
- 1642Protestants held the castle against an Irish Confederate siege. The defenders surrendered before the walls came down.
- 1990Excavations uncovered the remains of a pre-conquest village and defensive features.
Show all
- 2011–2013A restoration built a visitor centre above the excavation sites.
How to get there
- ParkingThe car park lies directly across the road from the castle, on Castle St.
Accessibility
- Step-free entry Parts of the castle are wheelchair accessible.
- Ramps The exhibition centre, the café and the gift shop have ramps.
- Courtyard surface The courtyard has a gravel surface that may be hard for wheelchair users.
Sources: King John's Castle (Limerick) - Wikipedia · Limerick - Wikivoyage (see) · King John's Castle · Faq – King John's Castle · Contact Us – King John's Castle · King John’s Castle (Limerick) - Wikipedia · Château du Roi Jean - Wikipedia · checked 26 Oct 2026
- Website
- kingjohnscastle.ie/
- Phone
- 0035361370501
Questions and answers
How long does a visit to King John's Castle take?
Allow about 1.5 hours to see King John's Castle fully. The visit covers the courtyard, the towers and the exhibitions.
What are the opening hours of King John's Castle?
King John's Castle is open every day from 09:30 to 17:00. It is closed on 27 December and on 1 January.
Do I need to book tickets for King John's Castle?
Booking tickets online ahead is recommended, especially in peak tourist seasons. You can also phone +353 61 370 501 or email [email protected].
Where is King John's Castle and how do I get there?
King John's Castle stands on Nicholas Street on King's Island in Limerick, beside the River Shannon. A car park lies directly across the road, on Castle Street.
Is King John's Castle suitable for children?
The interactive exhibition and the medieval courtyard suit children of all ages. Visitors can also walk along the castle walls and move through the towers.
Is King John's Castle wheelchair accessible?
Parts of the castle are wheelchair accessible. The exhibition centre, the café and the gift shop have ramps, but the courtyard has a gravel surface that may be hard for wheelchair users.
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