Final preparations are being made ahead of Limerick’s biggest annual festival. Riverfest Limerick is set to attract tens of thousands of people to the Treaty City this May Bank Holiday weekend.
Naval Vessel gets called into action but lots of other attractions to enjoy
- Arthur’s Quay Park is currently undergoing a transformation in to the Riverfestival Village with vintage amusements, live entertainment and good food across the weekend.
- The Panoramic Wheel will offer 360 degree views of the city after relocating from Arthur’s Quay Park to the Potato Market.
- The mighty River Shannon is at the centre of this celebration with magnificent stunt performances from world renowned fly boarders.
- Riverfest turns up the heat on Friday night with a spectacular Rogu fire show and the popular Riverfest BBQ on the Boardwalk will serve up delicious treats on Saturday.
- The courtyard at King John’s Castle is preparing for an invasion of music fans attending a sold out Hermitage Green concert on Sunday night.
- Have a blast with the Riverfest Spectacular Fireworks Display, a real family favourite, also on Sunday night.
- Sports fans will have plenty to shout about in Limerick this weekend.
- At the Markets Field on Friday night Treaty United take on Kerry FC.
- Limerick are in action against old rivals Clare in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship on Saturday night.
- The Regeneron Great Limerick Run on Sunday will have over ten-thousand people coming from every county in Ireland and from twenty countries to take part.
The Irish Naval Vessel that was due in Limerick for the festival has unfortunately been diverted to an emergency operation.
The Irish Naval Service confirmed “The Naval Vessel due to attend Riverfest has been tasked with dealing with an emergency operational issue off the West Coast of Ireland and is unable to attend Riverfest.”
The Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Francis Foley said: “Limerick really is the place to be for families and festival lovers this May Bank Holiday. The weather forecast is favourable and the tide is in Limericks favour allowing a greater number of activities to take place on the River Shannon. Riverfest Limerick is now in it’s 19th year and it continues to deliver fun times for all.”
Festivals and Events Officer at Limerick City and County Council, Eugene Crimmins said: “It is unfortunate that we are losing the naval vessel from our list of attractions so close to the Riverfest weekend but it is out of our control and we completely understand the need for the Irish Naval Service to respond to the emergency situation off the Irish Coast. It won’t stop us from having an amazing festival weekend with so much still on offer for young and old to enjoy.”
Traffic Restrictions and Parking: People attending Riverfest Limerick are advised of a series of road closures with details available on Limerick.ie Council Newsroom | Limerick.ie
Public Realm works on Limerick’s O’Connell Street will cease for the weekend with visitors invited to experience the improved pedestrian areas and greater accessibility created by the nearly completed works.
Limited on street parking is available in Limerick City while a number of car parks will be open across the weekend. Check car park websites for opening hours.
A Garda traffic management plan will be in operation for the Munster Senior Hurling Championship match between Limerick and Clare at 7pm on Saturday evening.
Gardai advise of a number of road closures and diversions in the vicinity of the TUS Gaelic Grounds from 4.30pm and they give the following advice to match goers:
“To maximise everyone’s enjoyment of the day Garda advice to patrons is to arrive in plenty of time to park up cars legally, i.e. not causing obstruction, not parking on green areas or at locations where parking is prohibited. Cars illegally parked will be ticketed and those causing obstruction are likely to be towed away by Gardai. Patrons are advised to strongly consider parking in the nearby city centre car parks and walk out to the stadium as this will save them considerable time in their journeys home after the game.”
On Sunday there will be a number of road closures to facilitate the Regeneron Great Limerick Run. Details are available on Limerick.ie Temporary Closure of Roads: Regeneron Great Limerick Run 2023 | Limerick.ie.
Among the events taking place for Riverfest are:
Rogu - ‘Firestorm’ or ‘Fire and Water’ Friday April 28 at 9.30pm - Bedford Row
FIRESTORM brings its audience on a journey where they won’t know what comes next! From epic showdowns to fantastic fantasy, from intense fire choreography to the dreamlike worlds of illusion and imagination. An explosion of fire, light and skill.
Riverfest Freedrop at Castle Lane – Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
Prepare to release your inner daredevil and experience the ultimate land-based, free fall! Landing from the tower onto a giant air bag – thrill seekers rejoice!
Panoramic Wheel – Potato Market – Friday April 28 to Monday May 1 12pm-10pm
Soar above the city and take in the stunning 360 degree views across Limerick’s skyline on the spectacular 38-metre panoramic wheel. Sky-high fun for all the family. *Please note - The Panoramic Wheel is moving to the Potato Market from Arthur’s Quay.
Fashion Friday – Arthur's Quay Shopping Centre – Friday April 28 at 11.30am and 3.30pm
Join Ireland’s style queen Celia Holman-Lee as she showcases the latest trends from Limerick’s top fashion houses and designers.
Riverfestival Village – Arthur’s Quay Park – 28 April to 01 May
Sample delicious artisan food and fabulous crafts; check out the stunning vintage amusements along with colourful street performances and live musical entertainment, all in one riverside location!
Dates & Times:
- Friday 28 April: 12.30pm – 10pm
- Saturday 29 April: 10am – 10pm
- Sunday 30 April: 10am – 10pm
- Monday 1 May: 10am – 5pm
Riverfest Chill Out Zone & Sensory Room – Hunt Museum Garden – 29 April to 01 May
An escape from the hustle and bustle of Riverfest for children and adults with autism. In association with ASD Ireland.
BBQ on the Boardwalk – Howley’s Quay – 29 April
Ireland’s biggest BBQ cook-off is back with a bang! With some smokin’ hot sizzling fare on offer, it promises to be a real feast for the senses. This year’s BBQ competition is all about community, family and fun! We invite communities and groups to come together and make this year’s entry a dish from the heart.
Regeneron Great Limerick Run – from Pery Square – 30 April
The 2023 Regeneron Great Limerick Run will take place on Sunday 30 April 2023 from Pery Square, Limerick.
Marathon and the Marathon Relay event will start at 9am. The Half Marathon will start at 10.30am and the 6 Mile will start at 12.30pm.
For more information or to register for the event click here.
Riverfest Spectacular Fireworks Display – Viewing areas: Clancy's Strand and Sarsfield Bridge – Sunday 30 April at 10.15pm
Limerick’s skyline will transform into a fantastic fusion of colours during the spectacular fireworks extravaganza to guarantee a fitting finale to the festivities!
Grooveyard is producing this year’s Riverfest Limerick programme on behalf of Limerick City and County Council along with partners Arthur’s Quay Shopping Centre, Mr. Binman and Maldron Hotel Limerick.
Media Sponsors are Limerick Leader, Live 95, Limerick Post, Spin South West and I Love Limerick.
Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date details check out Riverfest.ie and follow Riverfest Limerick social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).
Riverfest Limerick 2023 Digital Guide available here.