View the Limerick Programme of Events: Limerick.ie/eu-presidency
The European Union flag was raised over King John’s Castle today (Wednesday, 1 July) in a symbolic ceremony marking Limerick’s official launch of its programme for the Irish EU Presidency of the Council of the European Union and its partnership with Germany.
The programme is being delivered by Limerick City and County Council in partnership with the Centre for Irish-German Studies at the University of Limerick and the Department of Foreign Affairs, alongside a wide network of regional institutions and organisations.
It’s part of Cultúr 2026: Sharing Ireland’s Culture, a national initiative supported by Culture Ireland and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
The flag-raising formed the centrepiece of a civic event celebrating European unity, accompanied by a performance of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy - the official anthem of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
The event was led by Mayor of Limerick, John Moran with Wolfram von Heynitz, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Ireland, Príomh Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council (LCCC), Cllr Tom Ruddle, Director General of LCCC, Dr Pat Daly and Prof. Gisela Holfter, Director of the Centre for Irish-German Studies at University of Limerick.
European Embrace
As part of a national initiative, each Irish local authority has been paired with an EU Member State for the six-month duration of the Presidency. Limerick’s partnership with Germany provides a platform to strengthen cultural, academic and economic links with one of Ireland’s most important European partners.
Running from July to December 2026, Limerick’s Irish EU Presidency programme will deliver a diverse series of cultural, educational, civic and economic events across the city and county, reflecting shared connections between Ireland and Germany and bringing Europe closer to local communities.
A newly launched dedicated webpage on Limerick.ie/eu-presidency will act as a central hub for the programme, highlighting events taking place throughout the six-month period. Many events are open to the public, making it easy for residents and visitors to discover opportunities to engage and participate.
A number of international conferences will also take place, bringing together participants from Ireland, Germany and across Europe.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, remarked:
“We are proud in Limerick to be playing this key role in Ireland’s overall EU Presidency 2026 programme. We know that the next six months will create new opportunities to strengthen our already strong relationship with Germany and build lasting partnerships across culture, education and enterprise. Our programme will showcase the very best of Limerick through a diverse calendar of cultural events, performances, exhibitions and community initiatives. It is an opportunity to welcome new audiences and demonstrate Limerick’s ambition and creativity on a European stage.”
Wolfram von Heynitz, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Ireland commented:
“Germany and the Mid-West region can look back on over a century of cooperation. Whether in the economic sphere - with Irelands first power plant in Ardnacrusha, the Krups factory in Limerick, or Lufthansa’s operations in Shannon - in the academic and cultural spheres - with the Center for German-Irish Studies at the University of Limerick -or through the thousands of German tourists who visit this beautiful region every year.
“We want to use Ireland’s EU Council Presidency to further deepen these relationships and refocus them on future-oriented issues, such as tackling climate change and improving infrastructure or adapting to rapid technological development. Ultimately, however, it is the people who are always at the heart of the EU. That is why, over the next six months, we want above all to promote encounters between the people of Germany and Limerick.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Tom Ruddle said:”
The raising of the European flag over King John’s Castle is a powerful symbol of Limerick’s place in the embrace of Europe. Through our partnership with Germany and this wide-ranging programme, we are celebrating our shared values while opening new opportunities for cultural exchange and connection.”
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly said:
“This initiative reflects the strong collaboration across our city and county. By working with our partners, we have delivered a programme that is ambitious, inclusive and focused on ensuring the public can connect with and benefit from the opportunities of the Irish EU Presidency.”
Professor Gisela Holfter, Director, Centre for Irish-German Studies, University of Limerick commented:
“I am truly delighted about the wonderful Limerick–Germany pairing programme taking place over the next six months, made possible through the contributions of so many partners across the cultural, academic and economic spheres. The programme showcases the depth and diversity of Limerick’s connections with Germany, which stretch back several centuries. We hope many people will take the opportunity to explore the fascinating and beautiful outcomes of these long-standing links, and that you enjoy the journey.”
The programme is supported by a wide range of partners, including Government departments, third-level institutions, cultural organisations and business networks.
Further details and updates are available at Limerick.ie/eu-presidency while information on Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union can be found at Ireland2026.eu.
The Limerick programme of events is supported by:
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- German Embassy in Ireland
- German-Irish Chamber of Industry & Commerce
- Limerick Chamber of Commerce
- Shannon Foynes Port
- Centre for Irish-German Studies at the University of Limerick
- University of Limerick
- Mary Immaculate College
- Technological University of the Shannon
- Irish Palatine Association & Museum, Rathkeale
- Hunt Museum
- Limerick City Gallery of Art
- Limerick Museum
- Studio GBM
- St Mary‘s Cathedral