King John’s Castle Limerick

King John’s Castle Limerick, is located on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick City. It offers you a mixture of new and old – from the 800-year-old history to the new cutting-edge audio visuals and 3D models.

CASTLE LIFE

Visitors of all ages will find something to inspire and excite them at the visitor experience at King John’s Castle. Enjoy the sights and sounds of medieval Limerick and let touch screen technology connect you to tales of siege and warfare. With cutting-edge audio visuals, 3D models, and discovery drawers all combine to help you to delve into the Castle’s history.

Visitors can try on historic costumes – 18th century dresses or chainmail tunics. There is something here for everyone to enjoy! On your journey through the exhibition, you will meet Nicholas the Master Mason, a lively character who may even share some of the valuable secrets of his trade or indeed set you to work!

You will also meet an array of colourful characters like Willem the cheerful Moneyer, the grim Constable Roger De Lees and more.

THE COURTYARD

In the busy courtyard you’ll get a sense of the bustling activity that once took place here.From the blacksmith’s workshop complete with tools and weapons to the thriving portal entrance at the Watergate and to the north the gatehouse where goods and supplies were delivered.
Explore the siege shelters and the walkway in the remains of the Great Hall of the castle built circa 1280. Step into the sanctuary of the chapel to take a quiet moment.
Visitors can partake in MEDIEVAL COURTYARD GAMES and KING JOHN’S CASTLE ABSEIL EXPERIENCE

King John’s Castle Limerick Viking history

The Viking Thormodu Helgason establishes a permanent base on King’s Island.
Viking raiders appeared in the Shannon estuary in the early ninth century, when they sacked the important monsatery at Mungret. In 861 they established a longphort, or temporary ship-camp, on the banks of the river; this may have stood on the site of St Mary’s Cathedral.

The foundation of the city of Limerick, however, is generally dated to 922, when the Viking leader Thormodu Helgason established a permanent base on King’s Island, this is the area where King John’s Castle now stands.

Long ships began raiding up the Shannon into the heartland of Ireland, looting monasteries and conquering the local Irish chieftains. Their settlement continued to thrive, soon becoming a significant trading port with links across the wide flung Viking world.