King John’s Castle, Limerick
You will have the unique experience of travelling back over 800 years in time through the colourful and often turbulent history of Limerick City when you visit this ancient castle.
King John’s Castle is situated in Nicholas Street, in the heart of Limerick’s Medieval Heritage Precinct, overlooking the majestic River Shannon at “Kings Island”. The Castle was built between 1200 and 1210 and now offers wonderful views of the city.
It was repaired and extended many times over the following centuries. King John’s Castle remains a most impressive Anglo-Norman fortification. It retains many of the pioneering features which made its construction unique for its day.
The sights, scenes and sounds of the Castle and its environs all combine to recreate the atmosphere of the era. Its massive gatehouse, battlements and corner towers await exploration!
Features include:
• A 13th Century Anglo-Norman Castle, with panoramic views of Limerick City, the River Shannon and surrounding countryside.
• A visitor centre, with an imaginative historical exhibition, which recounts the history of the castle in dramatic fashion.
• Archeological excavations situated beneath the interpretative building that include the earliest evidence of settled life in Limerick and evidence of siege mines.
• The courtyard displays some of the trades and traditions of the 16th century.
• King John, as “Lord of Ireland”, minted his own coins and the Royal moneyer would have struck the coins in the Castle Mint. Today, visitors can experience how coins were minted long ago and take away their own special coin as a souvenir!
Exciting archeological excavations
The visitor enters another world when exploring the exciting archeological excavations at King John’s Castle. These excavations have revealed pre-Norman houses which predate the castle. There is also evidence of the traumatic Castle siege of 1642.
Mines, and countermines used to destroy them, were exposed. A period pistol was found in one clay tunnel. A reconstruction of one of the siege mines, also in situ, is an added attraction, enabling the visitor to experience something of the fearful atmosphere of those times.
Visitors can also see the 13th century undercroft of the officers’ quarters which were excavated in 1993-1995.
Statue
A life-size statue of the Limerick poet Michael Hogan (1826 - 1899), the Bard of Thomond, is outside King Johns Castle. Limerick sculptor Jim Connolly has produced a six and a half foot bronze statue which stands on a plinth, which is a replica of the plinth under the Treaty Stone. The Bard is best remembered for his epic poem, Drunken Thady and the Bishops Lady.
For further information please check out http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/KingJohnsCastle/
Contact Address: King’s Island, Limerick City, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
Telephone: +353 (0)61 360788
Fax: +353 (0)61 361020
Web: www.shannonheritage.com
