Prepare for a legendary Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival

This year’s festival is packed with family fun events across Limerick with a special highlight of a FREE open-air concert at Arthur’s Quay Park on Monday, March 16, bridging the gap between the energetic weekend and the celebrations on St. Patrick’s Day itself. 

International Band Championship Returns 
 
A major highlight of the festival programme is the 54th International Band Championship, which will take place on Sunday March 15.

The event continues to attract high-calibre marching bands to Limerick and remains a key date in the festival calendar. This year, bands from the US, the UK and Ghana will join a vibrant lineup of local and Irish acts, coming together to create a dazzling celebration of music and colour. 

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 
 
The Limerick City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will form the centrepiece of the festival, led by Grand Marshal Ava Crean, Ireland’s national women’s marathon champion, who will be joined by her Back2Boston running club-mates. The parade promises a vibrant showcase of colour, creativity and community spirit.  
 
Audiences can look forward to performances from the Irish National Clown Orchestra, while Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Company will return with a spectacular aerial display. Hundreds of local participants will take part, creating a lively celebration of Limerick’s culture, arts and community. 

Post Parade Block Party at Arthur’s Quay Park 
 
A post-parade St. Patrick’s Festival Block Party will take place in Arthur’s Quay Park on St. Patrick’s Day, where the Irish National Clown Orchestra and Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Company will come together for a large-scale outdoor performance. 

County Parades are also taking place in locations across Limerick from 15 to 17 March, reflecting strong community engagement that underpins the annual celebration. 
 
County Parade locations include: Broadford, Kilmallock, Newcastle West, Limerick City, Castleconnell, Hospital, Rathkeale, Adare, Mountcollins, Askeaton, Bruff, Castlemahon, Ballylanders and Abbeyfeale.  

Free Open-Air Concert  
 
An addition to this year’s festival programme will see Limerick’s vibrant music scene take centre stage with a special FREE open-air concert at Arthur's Quay Park on Monday, March 16. 

The Legends of Limerick Stage will host an electrifying lineup of homegrown talent, featuring performances from: 

• Major Feen 
• The Labourers 
• Citrus Fresh 
• Hazey Haze 
• and Denise Chaila.  

This free event will bridge the festival weekend and St. Patrick’s Day itself, offering audiences a high-energy celebration of local music culture in a unique riverside setting. No Booking Required (18+ Only). 

Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival Highlights

Limerick Milk Market will deliver a series of family-friendly, free, walk-in events across the festival weekend. Highlights include creative workshops, live demonstrations, music performances and St. Patrick’s Day entertainment.  

Tales of St. Patrick by the Limerick Fireside is a traditional storytelling performance sharing the legends and folklore of St. Patrick through song, verse, and interactive family-friendly narration. Locations in Kilmallock and Limerick City (pre booking required). 

Hand Cranked Tunes Duo will entertain festive goers on Cruises Street on March 14 with their enchanting hand cranked music box - a treasure chest of Ireland’s traditional tunes.  

The Museum of Memorable Trees is an immersive art installation at the Hunt Museum Gardens on 13 & 14 March, inviting visitors to explore personal tree inspired stories through miniature dioramas and atmospheric soundscapes.  

Design your very own dazzling shamrock inspired kite at the ‘Go Fly Your Kite’ Workshops on 14 March at Harvey’s Quay Bandstand.  Bursting with colour, creativity and highflying fun, this hands-on experience is not to be missed.

Enjoy a musical experience this St. Patrick’s Festival in the stunning surrounds of St. Mary’s Cathedral with Hammonds Brass Band Performance on 14 March.  The Irish National Clown Orchestra present a high energy musical show as they head to Limerick Milk Market with a brand-new street show on 15 March.  

St. Patrick’s Weekend at the Hunt Museum from 13 – 17 March promises to be a fun filled festival of storytelling, music, guided tours, games, and cultural activities celebrating Irish history and heritage.  

Magic Windows: Make Your Own Stained Glass Art celebrates St. Patrick by creating Harry Clarke–inspired artworks at King John’s Castle on March 14, using colourful acetate that will illuminate in the sun.  

Harp Harmony takes place on 17 March in King John’s Castle. Enjoy the enchanting sound of Ireland’s iconic harp in a special performance led by Dr Fiana Ní Chonaill and the Cuisle Harp Ensemble, celebrating Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage. 

Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026 

As part of the wider programme, Seachtain na Gaeilge runs from 1 to 17 March, with a wide range of Irish language and cultural events for adults and children taking place across the city and county.

Seachtain na Gaeilge in Limerick features Irish language cultural days, live music and performance events that celebrate Irish culture, hands-on creative workshops, and a variety of free, family friendly community activities, all aimed at encouraging people of all ages and language levels to engage with Irish in an enjoyable and inclusive way.

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