King John's Castle, Limerick City, revamped and ready for action

King John's Castle, Limerick City

King Johns Castle has just re-opened following a €5.7 million revamp which has turned it into a much more attractive, interesting and educational venue than it was, in the heart of Limerick City. 

You cannot fail to miss the huge stone curtain walls or stout round towers on the approach from Thomond Bridge, incidentally there is free parking for visitors just past the Bishop’s Palace on the left. Follow the signs then to the new entrance just left of the visitors center, a large glass building which now houses a bright, new café, gift shop and toilet facilities. Built in the 13th century by King Johns Castle has had a very long and turbulent history, as you can imagine, much of it filled with blood and gore, as you might expect....

What started as an island Viking settlement, you can still see the original ringed settlement walls underground, and the footprints of the wattle and daub medieval dwellings, as well as later additions and battlements which saw the castle develop into a major strategic stronghold between warring factions in the region. The new exhibition area tells the story of King John (brother of Richard the Lionheart) from those very first settlers to the Norman conquerors and the infamous siege of Limerick which led to the signing of the Treaty a year later in1642, through the medium of print and film with no less than three theaters. As well as interactive maps and ‘talking’ figures as well as lots of fun ideas for kids of all ages. A group of Italian students where busy with their smartphones taking photos of themselves dressing up while younger children were busy building stone arches, firing mock canons and opening discovery drawers to inspect medieval artifacts and treasures....

You could easily spend several couple of hours working your way through the new exhibition (a great rainy day alternative for visitors to the West of Ireland) but be sure to leave plenty of time to explore the actual castle itself which is pretty much as it would have looked in the 13th century, only cleaner and a lot safer then when it was built for King John, who never actually visited but that’s another story. Friendly, costumed guides continue the historical conversation with working displays of weaponry, carpentry, masonry and coinage. You can even walk through the ruins of the medieval banqueting hall, say a prayer in the newly constructed replica church or try on a helmet and brandish a sword in the campaign tent. But the best views are high up on the actual battlements themselves with a 360 panorama of the city and the River Shannon from where view a thousand years and more of history from St Mary’s Cathedral, to the Treaty Stone, to the new Thomond Park stadium which defends it’s (rugby) turf with as much blood and passion as it’s medieval ancestors defended the city at King John’s Castle all those years ago.

Open daily from 10am-5pm, Adults €9 Children €5.25 Families €20.60 concessions available for seniors and students.

For more information or to book tickets online visit King Johns Castle

For more Things To Do and See around Limerick please click here.

By Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

'Let Limerick Surprise You' - celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Ireland's 3rd largest city

'Let Limerick Surprise You' is the city’s new slogan and it certainly will.

With a Royal Charter older than the city of London itself, it began life as a Viking settlement on a small island in the Shannon river during the 9th century. It later became the walled medieval stronghold of Brian Boru and the high kings of Munster and Thomond before being invaded by the Normans in 12th century.

As you can imagine, Limerick has seen its share of turbulent times since, both socially, as documented by the late Frank McCourt and architecturally, in the fine Georgian area of Pery Square with the result that there is a lot to see and do here in Ireland's third largest city which is enjoying its 21st century renaissance.

Limerick is the undisputed sporting capital of Ireland, with Munster Rugby legends forming the backbone of the Ireland's International Rugby Team, it also has its 'soft' side being the home of RTE Lyric FM, Ireland’s much loved and only classical music radio station.
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There’s a vibrant arts culture and up and coming foodie destination spearheaded by the artisan producers at the Milk Market. And in between all that there is a serious amount of noteworthy architecture from King John's Castle to the ancient St Mary’s Cathedral and newly renovated, Gallery of Art in the Peoples Park, as well as my own personal favorite the Hunt Museum, in the Customs House. As well as plenty of smart new hotels, shops, bars, restaurants, and walkways.

The St Patrick's Day Parade in Limerick is the second largest in Ireland after Dublin, now in its 40th year it starts at 2.30 from O'Connell St.

On Sunday the 18th Limerick will host the 42 International Band Competitions with visiting bands participating from all over the world, so expect plenty of music, color and excitement.

For more details on all of the St Patricks Festival events happening in Limerick next weekend click here.

For more things to do and see in Limerick and the surrounding areas click here. 

Visit Glenstal Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery in Murroe, County Limerick.

Glenstal Abbey is a very quiet and holy place despite its surprising appearance. A 19th century Norman revivalist Castle, it was home to the Barrington family who lived there up until it was sold to the Benedictine order of Monks who arrived from Belgium in 1927. It became a working abbey with a dairy farm, guest house and boading school for boys, which continues today. You can stay here on a personal retreat if you like, but even a day trip will be enough to restore your mind, body and soul.

In recent years the Monks have become quite famous with the release for sale of their recorded Gregorian chants. A reaction perhaps, to the stresses and strains of life outside of these walls, with which we are all too familiar, or a longing for the alternative peace and tranquillity of monastic life, without the constraints? Did I tell you about their delicious chocolate truffles laced with liqueurs, such as Benedictine itself, Chartreuse etc from monasteries of Europe, I could be converted.....

Glenstal Abbey has also just released its first ever cookbook, which no doubt will be just as successful as their best selling prayer books ! Real ‘soul food’ based on the Monk's legendry hospitality, and a homage to big-hearted, homely comfort food laden with blessed butter, cream, and eggs by the dozen. Compiled by Brother Anselm (real life brother to actor John Hurt) it is available directly from their online shop, as are their divine truffles above!

A working abbey in a no-nonsense style yet warm, hospitable and kind. Spiritual guidance is available and the church is open to all religious persuasions, including with the beautiful Icon crypt, designed as a portal to the cosmos. The abbey itself follows a rigorous schedule of prayers, service and devotion combined with domestic life and constant visitors.

There is a magnificent arboretum with ancient specimen trees, one of the few remaining parts of the primeval forest which once cover all of Ireland. The 17th century tiered walled garden, has been restored and a special garden planted with biblical herbs and flowers introduced. It overlooks an ornamental lake which is a delight in the Autumn, and of course there are plenty of quiet places to sit and ponder, or just breathe in the unique peace that is to be found in this sacred place....

For 10 Other things to do and see in the area including the Glen of Aherlow, Galtee Mountains, Brian Boru Centre and Killaloe? click here

Talk to you next week Susan Byron author of Irelands Hidden Gems