King John's Castle was founded by King
John in 1200AD not long after the Norman
invasion (1171AD). Situated on the banks
of the River Shannon, this castle is an
imposing site with its five drum towers
and tall curtain walls. The interior of
the castle houses a city exhibition, audio/visual
show, gift shop and heritage desk. In
the summer months you can visit the inner
courtyard where seige machinery is on
display.
There have been excavations on site and
nearby that have uncovered jewelry, pottery,
weapons and even a small Viking village!
The most historically significant find was
a soldier's diary that recounts the horrors
of the siege of the city.
