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.
Brennan Court Guest Accommodation

Brennan Court Guest Accommodation

3 out of 5
Castletroy
Price was $963, price is now $812 per person
$812
per person
Oct 15 - Oct 19
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Boston (BOS) to Shannon (SNN)
9/10 Wonderful! (19 reviews)
Very convenient to University of Limerick’s campus. Front desk staff was extremely helpful.

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2023

Limerick Strand Hotel

Limerick Strand Hotel

4 out of 5
Price was $1,048, price is now $887 per person
$887
per person
Oct 15 - Oct 19
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Boston (BOS) to Shannon (SNN)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Although the other side of the River Shannon to the city it was only a short walk across the bridge. Unlike some other city hotels there not only was parking available under the hotel, but at the time we were there more than ample parking, albeit at a not insignificant cost. Our room was spacious, well decorated, well equipped, comfortable and quiet. The inclusive buffet breakfast was very good and we also had a meal one night in the hotel which was good too. A very smart hotel in a lovely city.

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

8 Bedroomed House Steeped in History

8 Bedroomed House Steeped in History

2 out of 5
Price was $3,697, price is now $3,147 per person
$3,147
per person
Oct 16 - Oct 21
found 23 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Chicago (ORD) to Shannon (SNN)
No reviews

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Best Lodging Options Near King John's Castle

Absolute Hotel Limerick

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The George Limerick Hotel

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4 out of 5
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4 out of 5
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Limerick City Hotel

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4 out of 5
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The Bedford Townhouse & Café

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The Old Quarter Townhouse

The Old Quarter Townhouse

3 out of 5
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Maldron Hotel Limerick

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3 out of 5
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See all 371 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

When visiting King John's Castle in Limerick, take time to explore nearby attractions including the Limerick Folk Park, which showcases the area's rich heritage. You can also enjoy a leisurely stroll along scenic paths and visit the local leisure center for recreational activities. Engaging in these experiences will enhance your adventure in this historic part of Ireland.

Food and drinks

Near King John's Castle, the Locke Bar offers a cozy atmosphere with hearty Irish fare and local craft beers. For a fine dining experience, check out the surrounding restaurants in Limerick that serve traditional dishes like Irish stew and fresh seafood, showcasing the region's culinary heritage.

Shopping

The Milk Market is a vibrant spot just 0.5 miles from King John's Castle, perfect for local goods and fresh produce. The Cresent Shopping Centre, located 2 miles away, offers a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Sceal Eile Books is 19 miles from the castle.

Recreation

At Thomond Park, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of sporting events, just 0.8 miles from King John's Castle. For a tranquil outdoor experience, visit Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club, 14 miles away, or relax at Roller Jam, a recreation center offering wellness vibes, located 2 miles from the castle.

Adventure

Experience the Aughinish Alumina Nature Trail, a scenic hiking trail located 16 miles from King John's Castle, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Alternatively, visit the National Water Activities Centre, situated 13 miles away, where you can enjoy exciting water sports amidst beautiful surroundings.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near King John's Castle with a show at the University Concert Hall, just 2 miles away, or enjoy performances at the LIT Millennium Theatre, only 1 mile away. For a charming outing, check out the Friars Gate Theatre, located 19 miles from the castle.

Find the best attractions near King John's Castle

While visiting King John's Castle in Limerick, explore the rich history and stunning architecture of this iconic castle. Nearby, you can enjoy scenic lakes and monuments, perfect for outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Don't miss the chance to visit other local attractions like Bunratty Castle to enhance your trip, offering a blend of captivating history and beautiful landscapes in the region.

  • University of Limerick: Experience the modern charm of this vibrant university, just 2 miles from King John's Castle. With its beautiful campus and lively atmosphere, it's a great place to soak up some local culture.
  • Bunratty Castle and Folk Park: Immerse yourself in romance and history at this stunning castle, located 8 miles away. Explore the beautifully restored grounds and enjoy the immersive folk park that showcases traditional Irish life.
  • Arthur's Quay Park: Just 0.3 miles from the castle, this urban park is perfect for families. Relax outdoors, enjoy scenic river views, and partake in various recreational activities in a vibrant city 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 is dependant 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.

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 CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
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 LowAverage
December42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for King John's Castle

Visiting King John's Castle can be budget-friendly with several money-saving tips. Enjoy free attractions nearby, like the Cresent Shopping Centre and St. Mary's Cathedral. Plan your trip between December and February for lower hotel rates, and book 3+ months in advance for the best deals. For last-minute options, check Expedia’s deals and use the price filter to find affordable stays. Consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings through Expedia packages. Joining Expedia's One Key membership also unlocks exclusive discounts and allows you to earn cash for 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 December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around King John's Castle about 3+ months out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, 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.
  • 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.