10 Fun Festivals to Look Forward to in 2026

A New Year is here and with it comes plenty of exciting festivals to look forward to!

The 2026 festival calendar is filling up fast, with more to be announced soon. From music to the arts and sport, there really is a festival to suit everyone. Here's our top 10 Limerick festival picks for the months ahead.

What Next Dance Festival

Two young women and a young man dancing on stage

What Next Dance Festival returns to Limerick for its ninth edition, featuring national and international dance makers who will bring fresh and vibrant perspectives to audiences in Limerick City in a six-day celebration of dance and live performance. This year’s specially curated programme reflects the urgency, tenderness and imagination shaping dance today | Monday 9th - Saturday 14th February | Discover More.

Limerick Literary Festival

Kate O'Brien Limerick Literary Festival

The Limerick Literary Festival continues to honour the life and works of Limerick author, Kate O’Brien while attracting prominent participants from all over the world. The 3-day event will take place at the Belltable, OʼConnell Street, Limerick | 27th & 28th February & 1st March | Discover More.

Limerick St. Patrick's Festival

Limerick St. Patrick's Day Parade

Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival celebrations will burst into life with five days of family fun, parades and a feast of action!

The theme for this year's festival is 'Legends of Limerick', honouring legends past and present - from ancient myths, medieval figures and folklore, to sporting heroes, literary giants, cultural trailblazers and contemporary icons who continue to inspire | Friday 13th - Tuesday 17th March | Discover More.

HIT-THE-TOWN Festival

Honans Quay Mural, Limerick

The HIT-THE-TOWN festival of orienteering will take place from the 21st to 22nd March 2026! The festival will comprise of three events; Irish Open Sprint Orienteering Championships, Two Person Sprint Relay and the Open Urban Event | Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd March | Discover more.

Fresh International Film Festival

Fresh Film Call for Entries 2021

Fresh International Film Festival is all about celebrating young creative voices — filmmakers aged 7 to 18 who are shaping the future of cinema. It’s more than just a showcase. Fresh is a space where young people can grow their skills, share their stories, and be recognised for their talent and hard work | Monday 23rd - Sunday 28th March | Discover More.

Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival

Image of the Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival launch 2025

Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival has something for everyone - wherever you live, whatever your age is and whatever your particular interests may be. There are up to 200 free events held over the week, across multiple locations across the city and county. The events take place in a variety of venues, indoors and out, including libraries, museums, community centres, parks, colleges, and on the street | Monday 20th - Sunday 26th April | Discover more.

Fleadh by the Feale

Fleadh by the Feale

Fleadh by the Feale will take place in Abbeyfeale over the May Bank Holiday weekend with some of the best traditional musicians, dancers, singers and storytellers from all across Ireland & further afield | Thursday 30th April - Monday 4th May | Discover More.

Riverfest Limerick

Kayaks in the River Shannon during Riverfest Limerick 2025

Limerick will once again become a mecca for families, foodies, fun runners and water sport enthusiasts this May Bank Holiday for the city’s premier summer festival, Riverfest! | Friday 1st - Monday 4th May | Discover More.

Pig n' Porter Tag Rugby Festival

Image of tag rugby match on rugby pitch

The Pig n' Porter Tag Rugby Festival returns to Old Crescent RFC this summer, bringing the biggest tag rugby event in Ireland to Limerick | Saturday 13th June | Discover More.

Live at the Docklands

Dolans Live at the Docklands Limerick

Live at the Docklands is back again this year with an exciting line-up of music! Check out the list of hugely-popular acts performing live at the Docklands Marquee this summer | Friday 14th - Saturday 22nd | Discover More.

Make sure to check out the full festivals listing here and start planning your days and nights out in Limerick this year!

Limerick City and County Council provide a free service to festival and event organisers throughout Limerick so that their events can be promoted to the thousands of visitors who visit Limerick.ie every year. Organisers can submit details of events here.

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Treaty Stone Limerick. Photo Piotr Machowczyk