The Limerick Quimper Twinning Committee is delighted to announce celebrations marking 45 years of sister-city partnership between Limerick, Ireland and Quimper, Brittany, France, culminating in a spectacular evening of Breton and Irish cultures on Sunday, August 9th, 2026.
The celebrations will take place during the European Sport for All Games, organised by Limerick Sports Partnership, with the renowned Mederien Penhars ensemble from Quimper performing throughout the games and featuring prominently at the anniversary celebration.
A Night to Remember at Shannon Rowing Club
The main anniversary celebration will be held at Shannon Rowing Club, offering spectacular views of the River Shannon and Limerick's medieval quarter - the perfect setting to celebrate this enduring international friendship.
The evening will feature:
Mederien Penhars Performance – Traditional Breton music and dance, and Planxty O'Rourke Performance – Traditional Irish music and dance celebrating 45 years of partnership.
Language Games – Learn essential phrases in both Breton and Irish, breaking down linguistic barriers and celebrating our Celtic heritage.
Dance Workshops – Practice traditional Breton and Irish dancing steps to prepare for the evening's grand finale.
Céilí Noz – End the night dancing together in this wonderful riverside venue, with the River Shannon as your backdrop.
A Partnership Built to Last
The twinning relationship between Limerick and Quimper, established in 1981, has grown into a thriving cultural exchange spanning four decades. This milestone celebration recognizes the deep bonds of friendship, cultural understanding, and collaborative spirit that have flourished between our two Celtic cities.
"This 45th anniversary is a testament to the enduring connection between Limerick and Quimper," said Laurence Garric, President of the Limerick Quimper Twinning Committee. "The arrival of Mederien Penhars, their participation in the European Sport for All Games and their collaboration with Planxty O'Rourke demonstrates how cultural exchange enriches both our communities. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with a night that brings together the best of Breton and Irish traditions."
“This will be a very special weekend for Limerick, bringing together two important celebrations in the city. As we mark the long-standing twinning relationship between Limerick and Quimper, we will also welcome participants from across Europe for the European Sport for All Games. Both occasions are about friendship, culture, community, and bringing people together. With that in mind, we look forward to welcoming our friends from Quimper, along with delegates and visitors from all across Europe, for what promises to be a fantastic weekend in Limerick."
