RIAI | Irish Architecture Awards

Citation

Western - Over £200,000

The restoration of King John's Castle on Limerick's King's Island followed the departure of 22 local authority tenants who had occupied a 1930s housing scheme in the bawn. Thus bringing to an end continuous residential occupation of the Castle since medieval times.

Excavations to reveal the extent of the missing curtain wall revealed much more than just the Norman era wall and resulted  in the exposure of artefacts and structures spanning 1,000 years. These were then incorporated in the new brief for the castle as a heritage attraction.

This involved the covering over of the artefacts under a 'bridge' structure, which was necessary given the limited foundation positions. The 'bridge' contains exhibition, audio-visual and orientation spaces, which along with the accomodation in the restored castle towers, provides the interpretive display of the history of Limerick and its Castle.

Under the 'bridge' are a series of walkways providing the visitor access to the consolidated artefacts.