Castles to visit Limerick

King John's Castle is one of the most impressive Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland. The exhibition centre presents the tormented history of the garrison and the inhabitants of the castle, from its construction in 1212 by King Jean. Paintings illustrate the evolution of the building from the th century to the present and tell the role of native Irish Celts, English, huguenots and palatins, at various periods of history. The exhibition includes a very astonishing series of six wooden sculptures, the real size of the people at the time, representing characters associated with the history of the castle. The front and rear facades of the exhibition centre have been adorned with immense armorial banners painted with medieval scenes and named King John. Archaeological remains, exposed in the basement, evoke Limerick's urban history at birth. A specially crafted film shows us the protagonists (played by actors) of the 1691 seats that result in the famous Limerick Treaty. King John, as the Lord of Ireland, was fighting his own currency. The royal slam hit the coins at the Castle's Coin Hotel. Today, visitors can obtain a replica of the original currency in memory of their visit. In the courtyard of the castle, where war machines and seat instruments are displayed, scroll away from costumed characters illustrating Limerick life in the th century.