Limerick’s treasure: King John’s Castle
King John’s Castle is amongst the most authentic 13th-century castles in Ireland. Built in a style that was quite radical for the era, it was the seat of a garrision until as late as 1922 when the last British soldiers marched out of the barracks in its courtyard. Today archaeologists have revealed many of the castle’s secrets and its visitor centre has been revitalized as one of the most exciting attractions in Ireland.
The castle may well be the most contested fortress in Ireland and has endured more than its fair share of assaults and sieges. As the key to the crossing of the lower River Shannon and the citadel of the strategic city of Limerick, it has often stood at the hinge of Irish History. Generations of warriors and soldiers – from Norman knight to English archer to the musketeers and pikemen of the 17th-century – have made their homes within the battered fabric of its walls. All have contributed to the legends and tales of heroism that are its legacy.
There is some debate whether King John’s Castle is the appropriate name for this great fortress, especially since the monarch never visited Limerick. Most of the wall and towers, indeed, were not built until the reigns of the later English monarchs Henry III and Edward I. Surely, you could argue, it would be better called Limerick Castle because it played such a significant role in the city’s turbulent history. Yet there are very few buildings in Ireland that are more deserving of recognition for their uniqueness. There is a resonance to the name King John’s Castle that immediately conjures up images of medieval knights and stalwart spearmen mingling in the courtyard.
Today the castle is home to some of Ireland’s most innovative and imaginative historical exhibitions. The displays in the restored towers and the courtyard offer an interactive insight in the lives of the soldiers and craftsmen who made the castle what it was, while the modern visitor centre brings history to life through computer technology that would have been unimaginable even a few decades ago. The castle visit is as educational as it is enjoyable, and as appealing to children as it is to adults.