King John's Castle

King John\'s Castle showing a river or creek, a castle and heritage elements

King John\'s Castle featuring interior views and a statue or sculpture as well as an individual female

Visit King John's Castle

Activities

The exciting tales of battle and siege come to life within this beautifully preserved Norman castle in the heart of historic Limerick.

King John’s Castle stands steadfastly on Kings Island, its magnificent 13th-century ramparts towering above the River Shannon. Explore the fascinating medieval castle to uncover centuries of local history, dating back to the site’s original use as a Viking fortification. Investigate the historical exhibits and interpretive activities within the castle’s tall towers and spacious courtyards and admire one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Europe.

The castle has been a dominant feature of Limerick’s landscape since its construction in the early 1200s under the order of King John. Enter through the lordly stone entrance and find yourself in medieval times. Access to the formidable castle was not always this easy. The island was first used as a stronghold by early Vikings and later used as a port, trading center and watchtower for the growing city of Limerick.

The King John’s Castle Visitor Experience makes learning the fascinating history of this landmark fun for the whole family. The castle’s courtyard is filled with all the sights and sounds of the period. See the local blacksmith’s forge and watch for scenes from the castle’s 17th-century siege, played out by costumed guides.

Explore the castle’s vast halls and labyrinthine rooms and discover centuries of fascinating history through the castle’s multimedia displays and interactive exhibits.

See lifelike projections of medieval characters and imagine what life was like for the people who lived and worked within these thick stone walls. Check out 3-D models and animated films bringing the story of King John’s Castle to life. Let kids explore the Education and Activity Room.

Stop in the gift shop for medieval history books and souvenirs. Relax with views of the castle courtyard and the River Shannon at King John’s Castle’s café.

King John’s Castle is located on the waterfront on Kings Island and adjacent to Thomond Bridge. Reach the castle within a 20-minute walk from Limerick’s main transportation hub, Colbert Station. The King John’s Castle Visitor Experience provides access to the castle year-round. Admission includes a range of interactive experiences and performances. Discounts are available for children, families and seniors.

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Things to do near King John's Castle

At King John's Castle in Limerick, visitors can enjoy a variety of engaging activities including castle concerts and an archaeological dig. Families can take advantage of the activity room, perfect for interactive learning, and the venue is also available for hosting memorable birthday parties. Don't miss the chance to explore the scenic walking paths surrounding the castle, offering a delightful way to experience the history and beauty of this historic site.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near King John's Castle, visit the Milk Market, just 805m away, offering a vibrant public market atmosphere. The Cresent Shopping Centre, 3.2km away, features entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, Sceal Eile Books is 30.6km away for unique finds.

Recreation

At Thomond Park, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while watching thrilling rugby matches. Castletroy Golf Club offers a serene outdoor golfing experience amidst picturesque landscapes. Gaelic Grounds provides an exhilarating setting for Gaelic games, allowing you to soak in the local sporting culture just a short distance away.

Adventure

The National Water Activities Centre, located 20.9km from King John's Castle, offers thrilling water sports, perfect for adventure seekers. For hiking enthusiasts, the Aughinish Alumina Nature Trail, 25.7km away, provides stunning scenery and outdoor excitement. The River Fergus Walk, 29.0km distant, invites you for a refreshing outdoor experience.

Nightlife

At King John's Castle, the nightlife buzzes with excitement. Nearby, the University Concert Hall (3.2km away) and LIT Millennium Theatre (1.6km away) offer captivating performances, while the Friars Gate Theatre (30.6km away) showcases rich cultural experiences, all enveloped in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near King John's Castle

While visiting King John's Castle in Limerick, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the area. Explore the impressive castle itself, enjoy the serene surroundings of nearby urban parks, or visit a modern college or university for a taste of local academic life. These attractions offer an excellent mix of outdoor experiences and family-friendly activities, ensuring a memorable visit for all travellers.

University of Limerick: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university, just 3.2km from King John's Castle. With its beautiful campus and contemporary architecture, it offers a glimpse into the academic life of Ireland's future leaders.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park: Immerse yourself in romance and culture at this historic castle, located 12.9km away. Explore the beautifully restored medieval castle and the adjacent folk park, which showcases traditional Irish life.
Arthur's Quay Park: Enjoy a family-friendly outing at this urban park, a mere 483m from the castle. With scenic riverside views and ample green space, it's perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Best time to go to King John's Castle

The best time to visit King John's Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around King John's Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around King John's Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
May	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	59.2°F (15.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
September	55.4°F (13.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	51.1°F (10.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	42.4°F (5.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for King John's Castle

To save on your visit to King John's Castle, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to February and November, avoiding the high summer prices. Book your accommodation about a month in advance and aim for a Tuesday stay for the best rates. Use Expedia’s search tools to find eco-friendly hotels and sort by price for the best deals. Look for admission discounts and consider package deals that combine flights and activities to further reduce costs. Lastly, keep an eye out for last-minute deals to snag additional savings.

The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around King John's Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around King John's Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around King John's Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around King John's Castle is Saturday.
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search wizard to customise your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation options currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation for King John's Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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