Europe
Ireland
Province of Munster
County Limerick
Limerick
Things to Do in Limerick
King John's Castle

King John's Castle, Limerick: Hours, Address, King John's Castle Reviews: 4.5/5

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King John's Castle

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King John's Castle
4.5
2,592
#6 of 92 things to do in Limerick
Castles
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9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
This newly renovated 13th-century castle is open for tours.
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Top ways to experience King John's Castle and nearby attractions

The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
276 within 3 miles
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0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • European • Vegetarian Friendly
The Locke
2,383
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The Curragower Bar & Restaurant
1,376
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Tuscany at the Granary
259
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
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1,191
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Irish • Cafe • European
Kyoto Sushi & Noodle
156
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Harry's On The River
308
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The Spitjack Limerick
170
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Attractions
67 within 6 miles
Thomond Bridge
16
262 ftBridges
The Exchange
2
521 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Michael Hogan Statue
2
521 ftMonuments & Statues
Saint Mary's Cathedral
532
0.2 miChurches & Cathedrals
The Treaty Stone
192
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Hunt Museum
698
0.2 miArt Museums • History Museums
The Milk Market
290
0.4 miFlea & Street Markets
The Custom House
1
0.3 miArchitectural Buildings • Art Museums
Thomond Park Stadium
332
0.7 miSpeciality Museums • Arenas & Stadiums
Sarsfield Bridge
52
0.3 miBridges
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,592 reviews
Excellent
1,356
Very good
854
Average
249
Poor
91
Terrible
42
strudel01
New Jersey40 contributions
A fantastic museum experience
Jul 2021
If you're a museum family, this is an absolute must-do! We have traveled all over Ireland to various museums, piecing together Irish history, but nowhere put it together as comprehensively as King John's museum. On top of that, the way the museum presents it makes you feel like you are experiencing it on some level. They've done an amazing job bringing the castle to life and telling the story of what happened here.

We really loved this experience and highly recommend for visitors who are interested in history.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
rosemary c
3 contributions
King John's Castle, Limerick
Sep 2021 • Couples
We could have stayed all day, in one of Ireland's best preserved Castles. We had visited some years ago, but now they have added an interactive, well-informed Museum. An absolute favorite when visiting Ireland, for the visitor who is interested in Irish History! And appreciates the hard work that went into building the beautiful architecture of the Castles that dot our coast line!
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Paul O
County Monaghan, Ireland2,182 contributions
Information enjoyably visit
Aug 2021 • Solo
The tour begins inside with giving the history of the castle. There is a lot of information but through the use of audio and visual exhibits it is easy to take in.

Eventually you reach the outside of the castle where there are some activities for children and you can walk along a section of the castle walls to take in the views.

On the way out there is a cafe and gift shop.

For the best views of the castle I would suggest walking across the river to the nearby Treaty stone and viewing the castle from here.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Boyle
Trim, Ireland2 contributions
Worrying lack of covid 19 restrictions in place
Jul 2020 • Family
We had booked online and arrived to a packed reception area with no social distancing and were told to wait with the crowd. We were not given any information on the tour castle or layout just told to wait. We felt very uneasy with the setup and it appeared there was no covid 19 controls in place.There was no one way arrows around indoor exhibition spaces and no one to guide people safely around. There was no 2 metres stickers on the ground to remind people of restrictions in the indoor exhibition. It's such a shame I really feel management at the castle have let the staff and visitors down as it doesn't appear to be set up for the covid 19 restrictions. As for the exhibitions the castle is quite impressive but again not well managed such a shame. We have spent the last few days visiting other attractions in the Burren area including the ailwee caves and to be honest I felt safer in the caves it was so well managed and they are working in a much smaller space.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Yvonnetcronin
Cork, Ireland15 contributions
Very nice but overpriced
Jan 2020 • Family
We visited here on a recent trip to limerick. It is good and geared for Children, however it is expensive at €35.50 for two adults and one child. You would complete it in approximately an hour. A lot of steep steps to get to the top of the castle also, so be aware of that before visiting.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bozeman-Dublin
Trim, Ireland8,425 contributions
Really Beautiful Castle
Aug 2017 • Solo
Fantastic castle, a wonderful museum that really brings the history of Limerick to life with a combination of audio visual displays, interactive exhibits, artefacts and really interesting story-boards.
The first half of the self-guided tour deals mostly with medieval history, the sieges, treaties and battles for power and what life was like for the people of the city then.
There are superb models of the city at its various stages of growth.
Then you can go down to the medieval foundations before ascending the towers and waking the battlements.
Fantastic place, I was there well over 2 hours and just loved every minute.
The staff were so, so helpful as well, it's important for me to mention that.
Written July 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Milfordpie
Cork, Ireland6 contributions
Make sure you visit here
Jul 2021 • Family
Visited King John's castle for the first time yesterday and it was a treat. The museum is well laid out with enough information to satisfy history buffs but it's not too dense for anyone else. They interactive parts add to the experience.
In the courtyard special mention has to go to Ocean and Nathan who have love and enthusiasm for history that comes across clearly when speaking with you. Ocean in keeping with the knights of old is equally at home explaining the finer points of using a long sword as excelling on the harp. Nathan is an archer who will pass on his skills with the longbow or horsebow in an easy and effective manner.
Next time you are in Limerick make sure you visit the castle.
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ann
Dublin, Ireland50 contributions
Wonderful castle
Feb 2020
This is a must-see in Limerick. Fantastically well presented, has had ongoing work for the past decade and that really shows. Lots to see, great views from the battlements, interesting underground area exposed, comprehensive display areas showing the history of the castle, and a restaurant with very helpful friendly staff - no sense of feeling rushed when we arrived near closing time. This site would be a delight for children - so much history to see and experience. All in all a fantastic experience
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
phantasmus
Ireland509 contributions
Lovely!
Aug 2020
An absolutely lovely place, and a great museum! While it was a pity that some of the interactive features weren't available due to the pandemic, it was still so nice to visit a museum once again.

The castle is a lovely and well organized place, with a very informative and interesting museum to match. The whole visit was so fun and exciting, and all at a fair price. I really recommend King John's castle, and I look forward to re-visiting it next time I'm in Limerick again!
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gary H
Limerick, Ireland13 contributions
A must-do if you like castles
Sep 2020
Well presented attraction with lots of historical information available, including plenty of reading. Many audio/visual presentations and some of them for the younger audience. The self guided tour takes you through the museum rooms, castle areas including the basement to see some of the archaeology and up to the top of the turret to get fine views over the river and the town.
Well worth a visit, not matter what age you are!
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about King John's Castle
King John's Castle is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking King John's Castle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 King John's Castle tours on Tripadvisor