Rooted in the traditions of Limerick’s historic orchards and inspired by Appletown Wonder, one of the county’s own heritage apple varieties, Appletown Apple Fest will bring the principles of slow food and local food culture to life at the historic setting of King John’s Castle.
This unique event will celebrate Limerick’s rich apple-growing heritage through a programme of heritage apple tastings, traditional food experiences, talks, workshops, film and creative activities. Bringing together local varieties of apple, heritage organisations, community groups and visitors, the event will explore the connections between food, place, biodiversity, culture and community.
At the heart of the festival experience will be the story of Limerick’s heritage apples — varieties that have been grown and cherished locally for generations. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the diversity of these traditional varieties, taste locally grown apples and freshly pressed juice, learn about the importance of preserving local food heritage, and explore how orchards can play an important role in creating more sustainable and resilient communities.
The event offers a strong fit with the SLOWTour Food Festival by showcasing local food heritage, seasonal produce, biodiversity, traditional food knowledge, community engagement and a deeper connection between people and place.
What's On
- Heritage Apple Tasting & Apple Pressing @ 10.30am - 4pm
Discover and taste Limerick heritage apple varieties with the Irish Seed Savers Association (ISSA), including Appletown Wonder, Lough Gur, Sweeten and Lemon Apple. Learn about their history and importance to Ireland’s food biodiversity, and sample freshly pressed apple juice made using heritage apples.
- Limerick’s Apple Varieties & The Orchard Way @ 11.30am - 12pm
Join Elaine Bradley, Director of Irish Seed Savers, to discover Limerick’s heritage apples and learn about The Orchard Way, a community initiative connecting orchards, biodiversity, local food and heritage.
- The Apple Project – Talk & Q&A @ 12.30pm - 1pm
Hear from Limerick Civic Trust about The Apple Project and its vision to reconnect Limerick with its historic orchard heritage by exploring community orchards in urban green spaces.
- Appletown – Film Screening & Q&A @ 1pm - 1.45pm
Watch Appletown, a short documentary by Cracking Light Productions exploring Limerick’s orchard heritage and the Civic Trust Orchard Project, followed by a Q&A with Producer Meave Stone.
- Apple Tree Leaf Monoprinting Art Workshop @ 2.30pm - 3.30pm
A fun, hands-on creative workshop where children can use apple leaves and apple centres from Irish Seed Savers’ heritage orchards to create unique nature-inspired prints.
- Apple Tart Competition – The Queen of Tarts @ 3.30pm - 4pm
Think your apple tart is the best? Bring your homemade creation and put it to the test! The Queen of Tarts will judge the entries, with the winner crowned Appletown Apple Tart Champion.
Events published on Limerick.ie are subject to change. Readers are advised to check with the organiser for further details.
King’s Island, Limerick
