ONE of Limerick’s most iconic historic sites is set to be guided into the future with a new masterplan aiming to transform the site into a world-class visitor attraction.
Design consultants have been appointed to King John’s Castle to prepare a masterplan for how the castle can maximise its potential and become a leading tourist attraction in the Mid West.
The design team will be headed up by Galmstrup Architects, who will explore and identify opportunities for investment in the 13th century castle.
The masterplan will examine how to invest in King John’s Castle in a way that will take a holistic approach to the city and the castle site itself, as well as increasing the value of the castle as a tourist attraction that delivers sustainable socio-economic benefits for the city and region.
King John’s Castle is currently open 362 days of the year and welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually.
Mayor Gerald Mitchell said that King John’s Castle is the “jewel in the crown” of Limerick and welcomed moves to maximise its offering.
“King John’s Castle has been the jewel in the crown of Limerick in so many respects dating back to the 13th century. It was the fortress on which so much of our proud Limerick history pivots, but what we are now embarking on is turning this incredible opportunity we have here on the banks of the Shannon into a truly world-class visitor attraction for the future,” he said.
Limerick TD and Minister of State Kieran O’Donnell said that €2.264million was secured in November of 2023 to further develop King John’s Castle as a tourist attraction.
“King John’s Castle is one of the finest Irish castles with a rich history and sits on the banks of our majestic and internationally renowned River Shannon. That’s an unrivalled mix and I am delighted as Minister for Local Government and indeed as a TD for Limerick City to have secured €2.264m in funding from my department for the castle’s further development as a key tourist attraction in the region in November 2023,” he said.
