The Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival makes its much-anticipated return to Lime Tree Theatre and Belltable from 1st – 11th October 2025, bringing a vibrant programme of theatre, dance, music, film, workshops, and community events designed especially for young audiences and their families.
Now in its 11th year, the festival has become a cornerstone of Limerick’s cultural calendar, showcasing world-class performances and experiences that put children at the very heart of the city’s artistic life.
Festival curator Liam McCarthy explains:
“The Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival represents a unique two weeks in Limerick’s cultural calendar. It is a special time when we prioritise our city’s younger citizens, as well as their carers and their families.”
He adds:
"We’ve been working hard to make this year’s festival as inclusive as we can, with a brilliant programme of dance, theatre, film and music. We are particularly excited for our extensive school and community engagement programme, including a visit from Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde, amongst many other special events."
Children at the Heart of the Festival
As always, the festival is shaped by the Bualadh Bos Children’s Panel – a group of young people who work closely with Liam McCarthy each year to ensure their voices are heard in the curation and delivery of the programme. Their creativity, humour, and insight help to shape what shows are programmed and how the festival is experienced, keeping children’s perspectives at the very centre of Bualadh Bos.
Programme Highlights
This year’s programme reflects the festival’s commitment to both world-class performances and community collaboration, with local productions and from across Ireland, alongside an international programme that brings the very best work for children from abroad right to the doorstep of local audiences.
- Revisiting the Banshee: Twenty years after The Banshee Lives in the Handball Alley won the hearts of online audiences, artists Michael Fortune and Aileen Lambert return with, Revisiting the Banshee, anew film featuring stories told by children from St. Mary’s School, Bishop St. and Thomond Primary school in Limerick.
- Shimmer: Festival favourite Anna Newell returns with her brand-new immersive theatre experience for the very youngest audiences.
- The Lonesome Boatman: A folk-inspired family journey presented by Ouch Productions / Colm O’Grady.
- Fen: A thought-provoking production by Orla Clogher that explores themes of nature and belonging.
- The Adventures of Shay Mouse: The Mouse from Longford, adapted from Pat McCabe’s beloved story.
- The Shape of Quiet Feelings: A sensitive and creative piece by Maisie Lee (in association with DLR Mill Theatre, Dundrum), exploring emotional worlds.
- The Little Prince: Presented by The Egg (Bath, UK) and Toby Thompson — a classic tale reimagined for a new generation, and a reminder of the festival’s international reach, always bringing the best to Limerick audiences.
- Boss Rob: A Masterclass for Aspiring Artists: Back by popular demand, this interactive, creative workshop invites children to explore art-making directly with Boss Rob.
- REVERB: Presented by Luail, this powerful music experience for secondary school students marks their first ever appearance in the festival.
- Leaves: Branar returns once again, this year with their brand-new show Leaves, continuing their much-loved tradition of bringing extraordinary theatre to Bualadh Bos audiences.
- Microworlds: Presented by Jazmína Piktorová & Sabina Bočková (Czech Republic) in association with Dance Limerick, this imaginative dance piece invites audiences into playful miniature universes.
A Festival for Everyone
From babies to older children and teens, the 2025 Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival has something for everyone. With theatre, dance, music, workshops, and unique community collaborations, the festival continues to be the only festival presenting professional children’s work in the mid-west, ensuring that children and families in Limerick and beyond can engage with the very best in the arts.
📅 Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival
🗓 1st – 12th October 2025
📍 Lime Tree Theatre | Belltable | Schools | Libraries | Community Venues
For a full programme of events and bookings, visit: www.limetreebelltable.ie
For school bookings please contact boxoffice@limetreetheatre.ie
