The Castle holds a modern encounter with its 800-years of drama, the sieges of 1642, 1651, and 1690/1691, and the ensuing warfare. The Castle towers grant you a 365 degree visual of Limerick and surrounding areas. (See the featured photo).

View of the River Shannon and King John’s Castle below: The Normans arrived in Ireland in 1169, and made Limerick a Royal city, then started to build this castle. They put it under the direct rule of King John of England, Lord of Ireland.

The bridge over the Shannon, crossing over to the castle, below:

For more information on the Reformation’s effect on the Catholic Church, King Henry VIII’s choices, and Elizabeth I suppression of the Irish, visit the Castle’s website. For more information and history visit https://kingjohncastle.ie

The Twin Towered Gatehouse built in 1212, and the oldest surviving feature below:

Inside the castle below:

Armoring up below:

View from the towers, below:

The Siege of 1690/1691 occurred in Europe’s battle between Protestant King William III, and Catholic King James for the English crown when it reached Ireland. The castle eventually surrendered under the Treaty of Limerick after their defeat at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.