Medieval Courtyard Games
The courtyard holds medieval games included with your ticket: tug-of-war, medieval seesaw, quoits, horseshoe throwing and noughts and crosses. You can also walk the remains of the Great Hall (c.1280) and the siege shelters.
King John's Castle
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About
A 13th-century Norman fortress rising over the River Shannon in the heart of Limerick's medieval quarter, where 800 years of sieges, Vikings and kings meet hands-on exhibitions and tower-top views.
Things to Do
The Siege Café
Overlooking the courtyard and towers, the Siege Café serves barista coffee, light lunches, pastries and snacks seven days a week. No ticket is needed and walk-ins are welcome.
Interactive Exhibitions
Inside the exhibition centre, hands-on displays, 3D models and discovery drawers tell the story of kings, knights and citizens, from Norman power to the castle's role in Limerick's history.
Climb the Castle Towers
Climb the towers for sweeping views over the River Shannon and Limerick's medieval streets. Note the courtyard surface is cobbled, which may limit wheelchair access to the towers.
Castle History and the Sieges
The site began as a Viking stronghold before King John ordered the fortress built from 1200. Exhibits cover three 17th-century sieges and the Treaty of Limerick of 1691.
Castle Gift Shop
Take home souvenirs, locally crafted gifts, books, medieval-inspired keepsakes and Irish-made products. Complimentary luggage storage is available from admissions on arrival.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open 7 days a week. Summer (1 April - 30 September): 9:30am - 6pm, last entrance 5pm. Winter (1 October - 31 March): 9:30am - 5pm, last entrance 4pm. Closed 24, 25, 26, 27 December and 1 January.
- Admission: Tickets cover the castle, interactive exhibitions, medieval courtyard games and views. Ticket types: adult, child (4-14), child (0-3) free, student, senior and family tickets (2 adults + 2, 3 or 4 children). Prices are shown only in the online booking system, not on the website.
- Parking: Free visitor car park directly across the road from the castle on Castle St, King's Island (enter 'King Johns Castle car park' in Google Maps). No overnight parking. Wheelchair-accessible parking available.
- Food: The Siege Café, open seven days a week, overlooks the courtyard and serves barista-style coffee, light lunches, pastries and snacks; walk-ins welcome, no ticket required.
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