King's Island, Limerick
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King's Island is an area of Limerick City, Ireland. The River Shannon and Abbey River flow on either side of the island. The 13th century King John's Castle is located on the island, as is the 800-year old St. Mary's Cathedral. In times past, the city itself was entirely contained on the island, as a walled city. Only a few pieces of the city walls now remain. The city centre is no longer on the island (being located just south of the island), and many buildings and shops on the island are now derelict or in deteriorating conditions. St. Mary's Park is a working-class housing estate on the island.
The island probably took its name after the 13th century English castle was built. However, a 150AD map by Ptolemy shows a place called 'Regia' at the same site as King's Island, and history suggests the presence of earlier settlements in the area. The island's location offers an ideal defensive position at a natural river crossing.
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