King John's Castle
Caisleán Luimnigh
A 13th-century Norman castle on King's Island in the River Shannon. It is a landmark of the city of Limerick.
King John's Castle was built around 1200 on the orders of King John of England. It is one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland. The visitor centre, renovated in 2013, uses multimedia, projections, and costumed actors to tell the castle's 800-year history of sieges and changes. Underground, you can see early residential remains and tunnels uncovered by archaeologists. Climbing the walls and towers offers views over the River Shannon, Thomond Bridge, and the rooftops of the old town. Admission is about 15 euros, and online tickets come with discounts. It's about a 10-minute walk from the city center. You can combine it with the Treaty Stone across the river and St. Mary's Cathedral for a half-day tour.
Opening hours
Roughly 09:30–17:00 (extended in summer; last entry 1 hour before closing)
Nearby sights
- Treaty Stone & Thomond Bridge
- St Mary's Cathedral
- The Hunt Museum
- The Milk Market
- People's Park & Limerick City Gallery of Art
- St John's Cathedral
- Frank McCourt Museum
- Thomond Park