Getting there by public transport · Limerick
Getting to King John's Castle, Limerick for Live at the Castle
By The MyCritik editorial team · information checked on 15 October 2026 · 2 min read
King John's Castle sits on King's Island, at the top of Limerick's Medieval Quarter, with the Shannon on one side and Nicholas Street on the other. It is a short walk from the main shopping streets, which makes it one of the easiest gig venues in the country to reach on foot.
Stops around King John's Castle
Walking routes calculated with OpenStreetMap, for guidance only.
On foot
Transport for Ireland puts the walk at about 12 minutes from O'Connell Street and Sarsfield Street. Head north with the Shannon on your left, onto King's Island and up Nicholas Street. Allow a few minutes more on gig nights, when the pavements fill.
By bus
Two Bus Éireann routes help, according to TFI's Live at the Castle page:
- 303 (towards Pineview): from Colbert Station via the city centre (Roches Street, Harvey's Quay). Get off at Thomond Bridge, Old Thomondgate, then walk about 5 minutes.
- 302 (towards Caherdavin): from Harvey's Quay in the city centre, same stop, same 5-minute walk.
The stop is on the far side of Thomond Bridge, so you cross the Shannon on foot with the castle in front of you. Use the TFI Journey Planner or TFI Live app for evening times.
By train or coach to Colbert
Trains and Bus Éireann coaches arrive at Limerick Colbert. The castle says it is a 15 to 20-minute walk. TFI's version is about 12 minutes to Arthurs Quay, then 11 minutes on to the castle. The 303 also runs from Colbert.
Gigs here can finish late. Dolan's, the promoter, says its gigs in general usually end between 11pm and 11.50pm, though times vary by show. That is too late for many last trains, so check irishrail.ie for your date and book a room or a lift home if needed.
Taxi and step-free
A taxi from the city centre takes only a few minutes. After the gig, agree a pick-up spot a short walk from the gate, away from the crowd coming out. The castle's exhibition centre, café and shop have ramps and lifts, but the courtyard where the gigs happen has an uneven surface. Our standing guide covers what that means on the night.
Frequently asked questions
How far is King John's Castle from Limerick city centre?
About 12 minutes' walk from O'Connell Street and Sarsfield Street, according to Transport for Ireland.
Which bus goes to King John's Castle?
The 303 from Colbert Station or the 302 from Harvey's Quay. Get off at Thomond Bridge, Old Thomondgate, and walk about 5 minutes.
How far is King John's Castle from Limerick Colbert station?
About 15 to 20 minutes on foot, via Arthurs Quay.
What time do Live at the Castle gigs finish?
It varies by show. Dolan's says its gigs usually end between 11pm and 11.50pm, so plan your way home in advance.