Limerick City and County Council launches the full programme for Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival 2026, running from 13 to 17 March under the theme “Legends of Limerick”.
The event celebrates local people, stories, and heritage with high-energy entertainment, spectacular parades, and cultural activities. A highlight includes a free open-air concert at Arthur’s Quay Park on 16 March, bridging weekend festivities and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
The five-day celebration honours the county’s identity through historical folklore, sporting heroes, and contemporary icons.
- Limerick City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday, 17 March, at 12:00 PM will be led by Grand Marshal Ava Crean, Ireland’s national women’s marathon champion. The route starts at The Crescent/O’Connell Street, turning onto Glentworth Street and Henry Street before finishing at Arthur’s Quay Park.
- The 54th Limerick International Band Championship on Sunday, 15 March, at 12:00 PM features Ireland’s only international marching band competition, featuring high-calibre bands from the US, England, Ghana, and across Ireland.
- Legends of Limerick Stage (Free Concert) takes palce Monday, 16 March, from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Arthur’s Quay Park.
- Homegrown talent includes Denise Chaila, Hazey Haze, Major Feen, The Labourers, and Citrus Fresh.
- Fri, 13 March Museum of Memorable Trees (Hunt Museum Gardens, 1pm); Keith Barry: Unhinged (UCH, 8pm).
- Sat, 14 March Go Fly Your Kite Workshops (Harvey’s Quay, 11:15am-3pm); Hand Cranked Tunes Duo (Cruises St, 12:30pm-3:30pm); Hammonds Brass Band (St Mary’s Cathedral, 7pm).
- Sun, 15 March International Band Championship (City Centre, 12pm); Irish National Clown Orchestra (Milk Market, 1:30pm & 3:30pm).
- Mon, 16 March Legends of Limerick Stage (Arthur’s Quay Park, 5pm); St. Patrick’s Takeover (Dolan’s Warehouse, 10:30pm).
- Tue, 17 March City Parade (12pm); Harp Harmony (King John’s Castle, 1pm); Post-Parade Block Party with Fidget Feet (Arthur’s Quay Park, 2pm).
- Limerick Milk Market is hosting family-friendly workshops, music, and food stalls throughout the weekend.
- Seachtain na Gaeilge programme of Irish language and cultural events running from 1–17 March across the city.
- Tales of St. Patrick by the Limerick Fireside: Traditional storytelling sessions on 14, 15, and 17 March at Kilmallock Library and the People’s Museum (pre-booking required).
