King John's Castle

King John's Castle is a 13th-century Norman fortress that dominates the banks of the River Shannon in the heart of Limerick's medieval quarter. Commissioned by King John of England around 1200 and largely completed by 1210, the castle's massive curtain walls, twin-towered gatehouse and rounded corner towers are among the finest surviving examples of Anglo-Norman military architecture in Ireland.

Inside, an award-winning visitor centre uses interactive exhibits, 3D models and audiovisual displays to tell the story of more than 800 years of Limerick history, from Viking settlement and Norman conquest through siege warfare in the 17th century to the castle's later use as a barracks. Archaeological excavations beneath the courtyard have uncovered pre-Norman houses and Norman fortifications, which visitors can see in situ.

Outside, the courtyard hosts historical re-enactments and craft demonstrations in season, and the battlements offer sweeping views over the Shannon, the Treaty Stone and the rooftops of the old English Town. The castle sits beside Thomond Bridge in the Medieval Quarter, an easy walk from Limerick city centre and the bus and rail station at Colbert.