King's Island is an area of Limerick City, Ireland.[1]
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 ancient city of Limerick itself was entirely contained on the southern most part of the island known as Englishtown, as a walled city. Only a few pieces of the city walls now remain. In medieval times the city expanded to include Irishtown to the south of the Abbey River. Nicholas street and Mary Street on the island formed the medieval city centre of Limerick. Following the development of Newtown Pery the city centre shifted south to the present day centre of the city. Many buildings and shops on the island are now derelict or in deteriorating conditions.
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.
St Mary's Park is a local authority housing estate located on the northern part of the island known as the Island Field. As one of the most deprived areas in Limerick city, it is earmarked as part of the overall Limerick City regeneration project which will see the estate replanned and rebuilt with greater integration to Limerick City.