King John’s Castle is a modern and interesting tourist attraction. Its imaginative historical exhibition tells the story of Limerick and the story of the castle. Multi-vision shows, pictures, maps, models and sculptures bring these stories to life. Visitors can view a specially made film where actors play the key characters in the 1691 siege that ended with the Treaty of Limerick. King John, Lord of Limerick, minted his own coins. Visitors can strike a replica of the original coin as a souvenir of their visit. The courtyard contains artefacts of battles and sieges and actors in costume show what life was like in thirteenth century Limerick. The wall-walks along the battlements and the tops of the corner towers give excellent views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Archaeological excavations at the castle discovered exciting historical evidence. There was an earlier fortification on this site – a strong earthen rampart supported by limestone boulders and surrounded by a deep ditch. This was incorporated into the stone castle and influenced the plan of the castle. There is also evidence of two Viking house sites, a large stone-lined entrance passage to a third house, and remains of post and wattle fences under the castle. Evidence of the siege of the castle during the summer of 1642 was also found. Mines sunk from Nicholas Street and countermines to destroy them were exposed. This primary evidence of old Limerick is preserved and can be seen beneath the modern visitor centre.

Click on the numbers, on the picture below, to find out more about a visit to King John's Castle.