WATCH Christmas at King John’s Castle brought music, adventure, and celebrated local performers for “a really festive” programme

WATCH Christmas at King John’s Castle brought music, adventure, and celebrated local performers for “a really festive” programme. Ruth Vaughan, King John’s Castle/Discover Limerick DAC with staff at the castle. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

Christmas 2025 at King John’s Castle has been a major success thanks to a festive programme with events drawing audiences near and far

Christmas 2025 at King John’s Castle has been a major success thanks to a festive programme with events drawing audiences near and far to get into the spirit of the season at Limerick’s most Instagrammed landmark.

The iconic venue showcased a rich and varied festive programme designed to position the Castle as a leading cultural destination throughout the holiday season.

 Isabel Gill, Supervisor at King John’s Castle, told I Love Limerick, “It was a really festive time, we hosted a packed Christmas programme centred around our new Castle Suite, overlooking the castle’s historic courtyard and the River Shannon.

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King John’s Castle came alive during December with a series of festive performances, ‘Live at the Castle Suite’ . There were 9 events over 5 days, which were proudly supported by Limerick City & County Council and delivered in collaboration with Dolans.

Limerick Opera Workshop, led by Shirley Keane, presented Opera & Carols, two enchanting concerts blending favourite carols, timeless songs, and opera highlights with timeless Christmas favourites.

The Opera Workshop performance was followed by the ‘Merry Mayhem’ show, written and directed by one of Limerick’s most respected theatre-makers, Margaret Hough. The show whirled audiences into a magical mix of music, mischief and mystery on December 7 and 14.

The excitement and entertainment didn’t end there, as the castle hosted a special three-gig series, ‘The Castle Suite Sessions’, kicking off with Paddy Casey, which treated audiences to an intimate gig with the Irish musician.

 Isabel added, “We had a three-gig series which kicked off with the iconic Paddy Casey, followed by Mundy, and then the very eccentric Jerry Fish. It was a really exciting, interesting time, nice, intimate shows that everybody enjoyed.

Looking ahead, King John’s Castle has launched an exciting year-long programme of events, marking a first for the venue. Plans include a series of family-inclusive events and 11 concert dates already confirmed for the year.

Ruth Vaughan of King John’s Castle Discover Limerick DAC, said, “ It’s a very first for us, we have just launched our inaugural year-long programme of events, we have a series of fabulous family-inclusive events celebrating Limerick’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.  

“We have everything from the Pixies to K-Pop to Patti Smith, and of course, Limerick’s Own Hermitage Green who are playing their 15-year anniversary concert here on the Sunday of the May bank holiday Riverfest weekend. These events are really special for us, the city, and the local economy – they truly bring the city to life.

Speaking about the appeal of the iconic landmark, Ruth added, “It’s Limerick’s most Instagrammed spot, and it’s easy to see why—it’s the city’s most iconic and historic landmark. Situated in the heart of the community and the medieval quarter, we can’t wait to welcome you all through our doors very soon”

Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick