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Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, and Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell, today (22 November) welcomed the proposed funding to support the ongoing development of King John’s Castle as a tourist attraction in Limerick City and the wider mid-West region.
The management and operation the King John’s heritage site in Limerick City formally transferred from Shannon Heritage to Limerick City and County Council in April 2022. Government is pleased to support the transfer through provision of a funding package of €2.264 million to Limerick City and County Council this year. The measure is proposed in the supplementary estimates of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to be agreed by the Select Committee on Thursday 23 November.
Speaking today, Minister O’Donnell said:
“The transfer of King John’s Castle to Limerick City and County Council was a positive move for all concerned. The site is of huge cultural value, and the transfer has ensured its continued access by the community and wider public. I believe that the funding package agreed will enable Limerick City and County Council to preserve the historical integrity of King John’s Castle and fully realise the great potential of the Castle as a major visitor attraction in the region.”
Minister O’Brien added:
“This is a very positive development which secures the future of King John’s Castle and represents a significant addition to the tourism offering of Limerick City and County Council. This government investment is a further demonstration of our commitment to boosting the tourism appeal in the mid-west region."
King John’s Castle is an iconic fortress dating back to the 13th century, with imposing stone walls and a strategic location in the heart of Limerick City. In the previous eight centuries it has been witness to the ebb and flow of Ireland's narrative, from medieval skirmishes to the shaping of a nation. Now, it stands as a beacon of cultural heritage on the River Shannon and is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
Visitor numbers for both 2022 and 2023 have surpassed 90,000 and the Castle was voted in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Ireland in July 2022. Discover Limerick DAC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Limerick City and County Council) are developing a master plan for the Castle, which will provide a strategic roadmap to transform King John’s Castle into a world-class, must see, visitor attraction. The master plan will identify ways to enhance the significance and experience of the castle within its medieval ‘Kings Island’ setting and to position the area as a major visitor hub. The goal is to significantly increase the value of the castle as a visitor attraction that delivers sustainable socio-economic benefits for the city and region.