Plans for €5.7m castle revamp lodged

PLANS for a major redevelopment of the 13th century King John’s Castle have been lodged with Limerick City Council.

The castle was remodelled as a tourism attraction almost 30 years ago.

Old houses within its walls were demolished and the entire courtyard area re-paved.

However, the castle failed to fulfil its potential as a tourism attraction and the replacement of one of the main walls with a huge metal and glass structure provoked a storm of protest.

The modern design concept resulted in many tour operators by-passing the castle.

However, regional tourism organisation Shannon Development is confident the new plan will help it become a major tourism landmark capable of attracting up to 100,000 visitors a year.

The €5.7 million revamp, which will get under way in the coming months, aims to provide a totally new visitor experience, incorporating a history of Limerick, exhibition areas and an interactive gallery and education room.

A major feature will allow visitors to ‘virtually’ sit on the banks of the River Shannon and survey its rich history as Ireland’s longest waterway.

To be named The Currents of History, the interactive river section will focus on the treatment of the Shannon and the effect climate change may have on its future.

Another exhibition area will focus on the Walls of Limerick and the streets of the city during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Another area will recall the growth of medieval Limerick.

The Castle Lane complex, which incorporates bars and restaurants and which had been closed for years, will be connected to the main courtyard in the castle.

And the main entrance, housed in the glass metal structure, is also to undergo a total revamp.

New upper levels will be divided into three periods spanning the 17th to the 20th centuries and will also include a medieval gallery.

Character personnel will be employed and dressed in period costume who will represent jesters and notable personages in Limerick history.

Boat trips from the castle to the nearby Curraghower falls are going to be considered.

It is intended the huge redevelopment will be completed by next year, the 800th anniversary of the castle.

Of the €5.7 million cost, €4.7m is being provided by Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Tourism with Shannon Development investing €1m.