So you have an interest in Castles? You’re looking for something to do for a day on one of the quieter weekends here at UL? Or maybe you’re just bored and looking through the blogs, either way, Fáilte! I, myself, am a history major. I have always had a love for the stories of knights and castles, so now that I’ve found myself somewhere with access to one of those, I’ve been going around to a few castles, and I want to give you my two cents on which ones are worth visiting (TL;DR: any castle you can). In the first half of this semester, I’ve visited 4: King John’s, Blarney, Ross, and Bunratty. I’ll give you info on how to get there, the prices for getting there and for access, other things to do in the area, and more. So let’s get into it! Starting with:
King John’s Castle
Quick Summary
- Standing on the battlements of King John’s Castle, overlooking the Shannon River, I felt like I’d stepped into a medieval epic—minus the dragons.
- Its proximity to UL makes this Castle one of the best places to visit on a rainy weekend with not much to do, and since it’s in the city, there are loads to do before or after your visit.
- Open 7 days a week, you could even visit on a weekday, if you have a free day you’re looking to fill.
- My verdict: It’s right there in the city! Worth a visit.
- Time needed: 3-4 hours, but you can easily make a day of it and explore Limerick as well.
- Overall rating: 9/10
Getting There from Limerick
Transport Options
- By Bus: The 310 bus takes about an hour to Sarsfield St, and it’s about a 15-minute walk from there. You could also take the 304 or 304A, but it’s a longer walk.
- Other options: Taxi prices depend on the time, but they will be more expensive than the bus.
Costs
- Bus fare: €2.20 without a Leap Card. With TFI Leap Card: €1.35 (student/young adult: €0.65)
- Taxi: €20-40, depending on the time.
Costs Breakdown
| Item | Price |
| Admission | €15 (student: €11.50) |
| Guided Tour | Self-Guided |
| Audio guide | Some displays have audio for free |
| Combo tickets | Family discounts |
What to Do Nearby
Top 2–4 Highlights
- St. Mary’s Cathedral – a Medieval Cathedral built on top of the old location of the O’Brien kings, €5 for adults, €3.50 for students, 5-minute walk. (Hours: 11am-4pm)
- Treaty City Brewery (18+) – Offers tours of their brewery and events on certain days, around €23, right across the street from the Castle.
- Escape Limerick – Escape rooms, €60 for 2 people, €84 for 3, etc., under 5 min walk from the Castle. (Hours:11-9:30pm, closed Monday)
- Locke Bar – Offers many options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (including vegetarian and Celiac-Friendly), €10-30, 6 min walk.
Suggested Itinerary
- Half-day: Saint Mary’s Cathedral to King John’s Castle.
- Full day: Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Lunch at the Locke Bar, King John’s Castle, Escape Limerick, one of Limerick’s many pubs/restaurants for dinner!
The Experience
What Makes It Unique
- The Castle itself was built on top of an old Viking site and possibly expanded by a later Norman fortification on King’s Island in the early 13th century.
- The Castle seen now was ordered by the very king whose name it would later be known as King John of England (1199-1216), to guard the Shannon River and serve as a royal mint.
- There are exhibits throughout the Castle that go much more in-depth into the Castle, its construction, and the many events surrounding it than I ever could.
Best Photo Spots
- Battlements: Views of Limerick and the River Shannon.
- Courtyard: Good views of the walls, also some fun things like stocks and simple games (Rope tug, horseshoes, etc).
- Displays: Good illustrations and models of the Castle in its prime.
Crowds & Wait Times
- When I visited: A Saturday afternoon in September.
- Queue time: None; people move through the historical displays at their own pace.
- Busy spots: By the displays and in the battlements, especially the stairwells.
Weather Considerations
- Exposed areas: Battlements, Courtyard, Old Barracks.
- Indoor options: Exhibits at the beginning and throughout the significant locations.
- Muddy paths? No, though there is a lot of gravel.
- Rain plan: Worth doing even in the rain, there are many spots where you can take cover.
Practical Info
Opening Hours
- General: 1st October – 31st March: 9:30am -5:00pm (last entrance at 4pm), 1st April to 30th September: 9:30am -6:00pm (last entrance at 5pm)
- Closed: 1st January + 24th, 25th, 26th & 27th December
- Check before you go: https://kingjohnscastle.ie/opening-hours/
Facilities
- Toilets
- Café/restaurant
- Picnic areas
- Gift shop
- Water refill station
- Lockers/bag storage
- Free WiFi
What to Bring
- Bag policy: No restrictions.
- Footwear: Any.
- Layers: Not heated, so yes.
- Rain gear: If it’s raining.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Physical Access
- Wheelchair accessible? The Exhibition and Castle Courtyard are wheelchair accessible, but not all areas are.
- Stairs: Tight spiral staircases; some have been modernized.
- Terrain: Flat, though the Courtyard is gravel.
Visitor Aids
- Audio guides: English guides are available for some exhibitions.
- Visual aids: videos on history in the Exhibition and signs guiding you through the Castle.
- Seating: Throughout the Castle.
- Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed.
My Ratings (out of 10)
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Value for money | 9/10 | Strong student discount; high-quality exhibits |
| Ease of access from Limerick | 10/10 | Short bus + walk from UL/city |
| Historical interest | 10/10 | Deep, well-produced displays and videos |
| Atmosphere & scenery | 9/10 | River views, immersive Courtyard |
| Photo-worthiness | 10/10 | Vantage points + interactive props |
| Facilities & comfort | 9/10 | Toilets, café, gift shop, seating |
| Overall experience | 9/10 | Would revisit/bring visitors |
Quick Tips
If You Only Have 30 Minutes
It’s probably not worth spending half an hour, since you’ll finish the Exhibition before the time limit. But if you only have that long, skip the Exhibition and check out the Courtyard and the Battlements.
My Unexpected Moments
Trying our hand at tug of war, it was 3v1, and I was on the team of 3. We lost anyway… Finding some armor and a helmet to try on, I chose a Norman Nasal helm, but my head was too big.
Local Legend/Fun Facts
The name “King John’s Castle” is relatively new (from the 1800s). It was more commonly known just as Limerick Castle. King John was the brother of King Richard the Lionheart, and is famously known for Robin Hood and the Magna Carta.
It was sieged 5 times in the 17th century, and the walls were severely damaged due to undermining by Confederate forces during 1642 while it was occupied by Protestants fleeing the Irish Rebellion of 1641.
The word “Undermine” comes from the old siege tactic of digging tunnels to enter a castle from below, or to damage the walls enough to breach them.
Final Verdict: Should You Go Out of Your Way?
YES if: you like Castles, especially well-maintained ones.
MAYBE if: You’re short on time.
SKIP if: You’re on a tight budget, you’re not into history.
Bottom line: Worth a visit if you want to learn more about Limerick and its history, and since it’s in the city center, you can add it to a day out!
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