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King John’s Castle in Limerick city is a medieval treasure and a hive of ghostly activity. ANN MASSEY tells us why
In the center of Limerick City, Ireland lies a medieval heart. The city has historically been split into two: Englishtown, which includes Kings Island and King John’s Castle, as well as the Treaty Stone, and Irishtown, including St. John’s Cathedral, with the River Shannon dividing the two.
Vikings, Limerick, plundering and burning
The city of Limerick was a major center of interest during the Viking invasion of Ireland. The River Shannon was an important resource and made it an excellent location for an invaders’ settlement. Viking Jarl, Thormadu Helgason, settled on what would become King’s Island – a settlement with a palace and a pagan temple. From here he raided and plundered towns and villages all along the mighty River Shannon!
The Vikings’ fame in Limerick was short-lived. Ceallachán, the king of Munster, saw to this and the country was Irish again for another century. Chief Domhnall Mór O’Briain was so determined not to let Limerick fall to invading Anglo-Norrman forces that he burned Limerick to the ground.
King John and the Siege of Limerick
This did not hinder the invasion – King of England, Richard the Lionheart, simply waited until he died! King John took over the throne after the death of his brother. A man known for his treachery and petty revenge, the frivolous king was also known for his love of fashion and fine jewelry, and made a point of ridiculing local Irish leaders for their long beards. Nevertheless, he was determined to leave his mark on 12th century Ireland.
Officially titled Lord of Ireland, King John had the ostentatious, self-styled castle built on King’s Island, right above the site of the Viking palace and temple. Despite his character flaws, Henry II’s son made a name for Limerick as a prosperous port and trading centre. In fact, Limerick was so prosperous at the time that King John founded a Royal Mint in the castle grounds!
In 1642 the Siege of Limerick took place and Protestants took refuge in the castle that was once home to their king. After the Irish Confederates surrounded them, those who had not succumbed surrendered to Garret Barry and his men.
After centuries of turbulent history, conflicts and bloodshed, the castle was silent. That is until the renovation started. Over the past decade, council workers excavating the area outside the castle on Nicholas Street were shocked to discover the human remains of around 700 lost souls.
Ghosts of King John’s Castle
For centuries there have been sightings of the Limerick Banshee on Thomond Bridge – the bridge that leads directly to King John’s Castle. She is believed to be the much-despised wife of the Bishop of Limerick, who was dragged to her death by drowning in the River Shannon by the city’s residents.
A famous petty criminal from Limerick known as Drunken Thady was waylaid by the Bishop’s Lady who forced him into the murky dark waters below. After praying hard and making an appointment to improve his behavior, he found his way to a moored boat, while his companion sank to the riverbed. He changed his life, but never walked across Thomond Bridge again! The Banshee-loving bishop now waits to intercept unsuspecting partygoers crossing the bridge…
In one of the towers you can see the ghost of a woman in noble black robes and long, golden hair walking over the battlements and looking out over the city. Known as The Black Lady, she can be seen during the summer months when the sun sets and night falls.
Strange lights and orbs appear in the castle and there is notable poltergeist activity, including the slamming of heavy castle doors. Witnesses have heard the sounds of marching, footsteps through the corridors and the final sound of battle with the clash of armor and the clash of swords.
At the entrance to King John’s Castle stands the Gatehouse Sentinel Ghost. As the bright light of a full moon shines on the ancient castle walls, the soldier stands at his post, clad in his helmet, breastplate and weapons at the ready…
Time passes, but Limerick holds tight to its Viking and medieval roots, with King John’s Castle at the heart of that heritage. The ghosts of King’s Island continue to watch vigilantly, as much a part of Limerick as the island itself.
Have you seen a ghost in King John’s Castle, Limerick? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
