King John's Castle

King John's Castle lies in the town of Kilmallock, in County Limerick, in Ireland.

Although named after King John of England, who died in 1216, this 4-storied tower house was not built until the 15th or 16th century. Its builder was probably a wealthy merchant of the town.

It was granted to Sir Henry Billingsley from London in 1588. He and his son were undertakers in the Plantation of Munster. Later, in 1604 it was granted to a Thomas Browne.

In 1645, during the Irish Confederate Wars, the castle was used as an arsenal by the Catholic Irish forces under James Tuchet, 3rd Earl of Castlehaven. It was used as a hospital in 1651.

In the late 18th century, King John's Castle was renovated and new, pointed windows were inserted. If the Gothic arched gate was an original feature of the tower or that it was inserted at a later date, I do not know.

King John's Castle can freely be visited, but not accessed, sadly enough. The ruined church is also worth seeing. As a matter of fact, Kilmallock itself is an interesting little town, because there are several other historical sites to see; a ruined Dominican abbey, stretches of the medieval town wall, the medieval Blossom Gate, several medieval merchants houses and the Kilmallock Round Tower. So a visit to Kilmallock is recommended.

Gallery

The Blossom Gate