National Heritage Week at King John's Castle

National Heritage Week draws visitors into Ireland’s built and living history every August, and King John’s Castle on the banks of the Shannon is one of the most rewarding places in the country to spend that week. This nine-day programme - running from 15th to 23rd August 2026 - brings together guided tours, exhibitions, workshops, and cultural activities at one of Ireland’s best-preserved Anglo-Norman fortresses. It suits families with curious children, anyone with a passing interest in mediaeval history, and visitors who want more than a passive look around a ruin.

What to expect

The castle itself was built in 1210 on the orders of King John, on a Viking settlement that predates it by nearly three centuries. Heritage Week layers extra programming on top of the regular visitor experience. In previous years the castle has anchored county-wide storytelling and community history events - drawing on Limerick’s long relationship with the River Shannon - and the August programme typically includes talks, behind-the-scenes access, and participatory workshops for children. The permanent exhibitions use audio-visual displays, 3D architectural models, and interactive exhibits to bring mediaeval life to scale. During summer months, courtyard activities include period games such as archery and ring toss. The Siege Café is open during Heritage Week, so there is somewhere to sit and take stock.

Specific 2026 Heritage Week activities will be confirmed closer to the date - check the castle’s website for the finalised programme.

Getting there

King John’s Castle is on Nicholas Street, right at the edge of Limerick City centre, overlooking the River Shannon. It is around 15 minutes on foot from Colbert Station, which has direct rail links from Dublin Heuston (around two hours), Cork Kent (around one hour forty), and Ennis. Bus Éireann and GoBus serve Limerick from most major towns; the bus station is a short walk from the castle. By car, Limerick sits on the M7 from Dublin and the M20 from Cork; both routes bring you into the city centre. Paid parking is available on-street and in nearby multi-storey car parks - Nicholas Street itself can be tight in summer, so the Merchant’s Quay car park or Arthur’s Quay Shopping Centre car park are useful alternatives a few minutes’ walk away.

While you’re in Limerick

The castle anchors Limerick’s mediaeval quarter, and the surrounding streets - particularly along King’s Island and the quays - reward a slow wander. The Hunt Museum, a short walk across the river, holds one of the finest private art and antiquities collections in Ireland. There is more to see in Limerick and across Co. Limerick.

Good to know

• Heritage Week runs Saturday 15th August to Sunday 23rd August 2026
• Time: various - check kingjohnscastle.ie for the daily schedule closer to the date
• Price: varies; standard castle admission applies, some Heritage Week events may be free
• Tickets and programme details at kingjohnscastle.ie
• Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:00pm daily, last admission one hour before closing
• Accessibility: lifts and accessible entrances throughout the main exhibitions; the courtyard has cobbled surfaces which can limit wheelchair access to the towers