King John's Castle Tours and Activities

King John\'s Castle showing château or palace, heritage architecture and heritage elements
King John\'s Castle showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and a river or creek
King John\'s Castle featuring a river or creek, château or palace and heritage architecture
King John\'s Castle featuring interior views and a statue or sculpture as well as an individual female
King John's Castle

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.

Plan a trip to see King John's Castle

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The Lake Hotel Killarney

The Lake Hotel Killarney

4 out of 5
Castlelough
per person
Oct 12 - Oct 18
found 2 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to Shannon (SNN)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
Lovely view, nice staff, great food, and a great retreat location?

Reviewed on Aug. 8, 2025

Killarney retreat

Killarney retreat

3.5 out of 5
per person
Oct 12 - Oct 18
found 2 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to Shannon (SNN)
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Lansdowne Kenmare

Lansdowne Kenmare

4 out of 5
per person
Oct 12 - Oct 18
found 2 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to Shannon (SNN)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (87 reviews)
Staff were helpful and friendly The location of hotel was ideal. Room was very spacious and comfortable

Reviewed on Aug. 4, 2025

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near King John's Castle

Visiting King John's Castle in Limerick offers a range of activities, including scenic walking tours that highlight the castle's historical significance. For those seeking adventure, Limerick's vibrant atmosphere provides exciting opportunities to explore local culture and heritage. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the captivating sights and experiences that this historic site has to offer.

Shopping

The Milk Market, just 805m from King John's Castle, offers a vibrant public market experience. For a family-friendly outing, the Crescent Shopping Centre, located 3.2km away, is perfect for entertainment and shopping. If you're up for a drive, Sceal Eile Books is 30.6km away and worth a visit.

Recreation

At Thomond Park, immerse yourself in the excitement of sports events while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Limerick County Golf & Country Club offers a delightful outdoor experience with lush greens. For relaxation, Roller Jam provides a fun recreation centre where you can unwind and rejuvenate.

Adventure

Experience the Aughinish Alumina Nature Trail, a 25.7km hiking trail offering stunning outdoor scenery and adventure vibes. For water sports enthusiasts, the National Water Activities Centre, located 20.9km away, provides thrilling activities. Don't miss the Limerick Greenway, an outdoor gem 37.0km from the castle, perfect for exploration.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near King John's Castle by visiting the University Concert Hall for a stunning performance, or enjoy a show at LIT Millennium Theatre, both offering a mix of culture and entertainment. For a unique experience, check out Friars Gate Theatre, located a short drive away.

Find the best attractions near King John's Castle

During your visit to King John's Castle in Limerick, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this iconic castle. Explore the castle and its surroundings, including urban parks and modern colleges nearby, offering a blend of family-friendly experiences and outdoor activities. Don't miss the opportunity to discover why this castle is considered one of the best in Limerick, making it a must-see for any tourist.

  • University of Limerick: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern institution located 3.2km from King John's Castle. With contemporary architecture and picturesque grounds, it offers a dynamic blend of education and culture amidst beautiful landscapes.
  • Bunratty Castle and Folk Park: Journey 12.9km to this enchanting castle that exudes romance and culture. Explore its historic rooms and wander through the Folk Park, which showcases traditional Irish life with authentic cottages and gardens.
  • Hunt Museum: Just 483m away, this art museum boasts an impressive collection of art and antiquities. Dive into Ireland's rich cultural heritage through captivating exhibitions in a stunning historic setting.

Best time to go to King John's Castle

Visitor numbers around King John's Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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 iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for King John's Castle

To save money on your visit to King John's Castle, plan your trip between January to February or November when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance and aim for a Tuesday stay to avoid the Saturday price spike. Explore nearby free attractions like Milk Market and St. Mary's Cathedral. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by filtering for eco-certified hotels and arranging packages for flights and activities. Don’t forget to check for last-minute deals for 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that are currently available. To find the best prices and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at King John's Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.