King John's Castle Tours

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

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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Claregalway Hotel

Claregalway Hotel

4 out of 5
Price was $643, price is now $432 per person
$432
per person
Dec 4 - Dec 7
found 6 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
New York (NYC) to Shannon (SNN)
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
Clean, comfortable, friendly and well located.

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025

Clayton Hotel Galway

Clayton Hotel Galway

4 out of 5
Doughiska
Price was $668, price is now $450 per person
$450
per person
Dec 4 - Dec 7
found 6 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
New York (NYC) to Shannon (SNN)
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
Helpful staff. Good restaurant. Had a city bus stop in front of the hotel, so we parked the car and let some else drive 👍

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025

7 Cross Street

7 Cross Street

4 out of 5
Galway City Centre
Price was $771, price is now $538 per person
$538
per person
Dec 4 - Dec 7
found 6 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
New York (NYC) to Shannon (SNN)
8.4/10 Very Good! (290 reviews)
This is a very small property in a 700 year old building. That being said, my wife and I had a nice stay. It is located conveniently in the Latin Quarter—right in the middle of shops, bars, restaurants, etc. It is easily walkable. There is no elevator and the stairs are steep. My wife and I are in our 60s so this presented a bit of a challenge, but the young lady who was present offered to help. We declined, but appreciated her willingness. The room we had (Shakespeare) was small but comfortable. The bed is comfortable. The air conditioning worked but could not be adjusted. The bathroom is tiny, but workable. We had breakfast included which was continental style. It met our needs each day just fine. While not a five star mega hotel chain, the experience was fun and the location couldn’t be beat.

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

Reviews of King John's Castle

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
61
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

MG

This is a great castle to visit. Nicely displays life, historical facts. One of the better castles that we have visited.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We really enjoyed this castle as it had many restored rooms with characters on large tv screens explaining their role and how life was for them in a castle in medieval times. Not originally on our itinerary but we saw it as we drove through Limerick and were glad we stopped to check it out.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

About a hour from Cliff of Moher

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

actually did not go here

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Best Lodging Options Near King John's Castle

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4 out of 5
Ennis Road, Limerick, Limerick
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4 out of 5
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The George Limerick Hotel

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4 out of 5
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The Savoy Hotel

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4 out of 5
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Limerick City Hotel

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The Bedford Townhouse & Café

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3.5 out of 5
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The Old Quarter Townhouse

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Woodfield House Hotel

Woodfield House Hotel

3 out of 5
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See all 373 properties in King John's Castle
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

At King John's Castle in Limerick, immerse yourself in educational activities that bring history to life. Explore the castle's fascinating exhibits and enjoy scenic walks along the River Shannon. This memorable destination offers a unique blend of culture and heritage, making it a perfect spot for tourists seeking both learning and leisure during their visit.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is the Milk Market, just 0.5 miles from King John's Castle, offering a lively public market atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, the Cresent Shopping Centre, 2 miles away, provides a range of family-friendly entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

At Thomond Park, enjoy the exhilarating atmosphere of live sports events, just 0.8 miles from King John's Castle. Nearby, Gaelic Grounds offers a vibrant sports scene, also 1 mile away. Limerick Greyhound Stadium, located 0.8 miles from the castle, provides thrilling greyhound racing experiences.

Adventure

The National Water Activities Centre offers thrilling water sports, located 13 miles from King John's Castle, perfect for adventure seekers. For hiking enthusiasts, the Beara Way, 23 miles away, showcases stunning scenery. The River Fergus Walk, 18 miles from the castle, invites you to enjoy nature's beauty on an outdoor trail.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife around King John's Castle. Enjoy a captivating performance at the University Concert Hall, just 2 miles away, or catch a show at LIT Millennium Theatre, only 1 mile away. For a unique experience, visit the Friars Gate Theatre, located 19 miles from the castle.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near King John's Castle

While visiting King John's Castle in Limerick, immerse yourself in its rich history and stunning architecture. Explore nearby attractions that offer a blend of culture and outdoor experiences, perfect for families. Don't miss the vibrant urban parks and the modern college atmosphere that surround the castle, making it an ideal spot for tourists seeking a mix of historical and contemporary sights. Enjoy the unique charm of this significant tourist attraction in Limerick.

  • University of Limerick: Located 2 miles from King John's Castle, this modern university boasts a vibrant atmosphere filled with contemporary architecture and a lively student community. It's a great place to experience local culture and innovation.
  • Bunratty Castle and Folk Park: About 8 miles away, this enchanting castle and its adjoining folk park offer a glimpse into Ireland's rich history and culture. With its romantic setting, it's perfect for exploring medieval life and beautiful gardens.
  • Arthur's Quay Park: Just 0.3 miles from King John's Castle, this urban park is ideal for families. Enjoy picturesque views of the river, open green spaces, and recreational activities in a vibrant city setting.

Best time to go to King John's Castle

The best time to visit King John's Castle is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 during your visit to King John's Castle, consider traveling in the off-peak months of January, February, or November for lower hotel rates. Book your stay about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's tools to compare hotel prices and explore eco-certified options. Additionally, consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for package deals, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash back on future bookings.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around King John's Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool lets you customize your travel experience by setting your budget, choosing your desired location, and more. You can easily sort the results to display hotels from the lowest to the highest price, making it simple to find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, if you check the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at King John's Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.