Limerick’s much-loved Twilight Thursdays celebrates its first birthday this Thursday (28 May), marking a major milestone for an initiative that is transforming the city’s evening and night-time economy.
What began as a pilot project under the national Night-Time Economy initiative has quickly grown into one of Limerick’s most successful and vibrant monthly events, drawing thousands of people into the city centre to enjoy live music, cultural experiences, food trails, family-friendly entertainment, late-night shopping and community events.
Initially introduced on a trial basis, there was no certainty around how the concept would be received or how long it would continue. One year on, Twilight Thursdays has firmly established itself as a staple of city life, showcasing the very best of what Limerick has to offer after dark and helping to reimagine the city centre as a welcoming, energetic and inclusive destination in the evenings.
Such has been the success of Twilight Thursdays that other cities across Ireland are now looking at introducing similar initiatives, with Limerick proudly leading the way as a national trailblazer in supporting and growing the night-time economy.
This month’s anniversary edition comes as Limerick enjoys an exceptional spell of warm and sunny weather, with temperatures soaring for the month of May. Organisers are encouraging people to make the most of the bright evenings and enjoy the city as temperatures begin to cool later in the day.
The full programme of events is available at Limerick.ie/Twilight-Thursdays
Highlights include:
- Piano and Pilates at The Savoy Hotel
- Festa Della Repubblica, an Italian cultural celebration at St. Mary’s Cathedral
- Live performances from St. John’s Brass & Reed and St. Mary’s Fife and Drum bands on Nicholas Street
- The launch of local fashion designer Ber McNamara’s new line at 13/14
- The Blue Flame Poetry Club at Solace Café on Sarsfield Street
- Twisted Disco, a night of vinyl only DJ sets at Barberellos Barber Shop, V94 1T67
- Synapses at The Bell Table, a play about love, memory, and the romance of co-Parenting
- Voices from the Parlour at Mother Mac’s Pub – A performance and conversation with Indie Folk artist Annie Cheevers
- Trivia night at Phil Flannery’s
- Stand up comedy night at Katie Daly’s with John O’Keefe
- Splatter Rooms Paint Experience as well as a Rug Tufting workshop at The Wickham Way
- Techno Night at Molly’s Late Bar
There is also plenty of live music happening throughout the city in Flannery’s of Shannon Street, Katie Daly’s, The Old Quarter, The Glen Tavern, The Peoples Museum and more.
From outdoor performances and live entertainment to late-night dining, music, arts, culture and family-friendly experiences, there will once again be something for everyone to enjoy across the city centre as Twilight Thursdays celebrates its first birthday in style.
Craig Power, Night-Time Economy Advisor with Limerick City and County Council, said:
““It’s genuinely amazing to see how much Limerick has embraced the concept of Twilight Thursdays over the past year. That success simply would not have been possible without the incredible support from local businesses, community groups, artists, venues and Gardai and other stakeholders across the city.
“Limerick City and County Council is delighted to work alongside all of those partners to help deliver these special nights every month and to continue building a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive night-time culture in Limerick.”
Twilight Thursdays takes place on the last Thursday of every month and forms part of Limerick’s Night-Time Economy initiative, supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to come into the city this Thursday evening, soak up the atmosphere, support local businesses and celebrate one year of Twilight Thursdays.
For more information and full event listings visit:
- Limerick.ie/Twilight-Thursdays
- Follow @limerickatnight on Instagram and TikTok for updates and highlights.
Don’t forget to avail of your 40% discount on taxis with Uber & FreeNow using the codes:
- TwilightThursdayMay on FreeNow and TWILIGHTTHURSDAYSMAY on Uber
Get involved - Express your interest
Businesses or groups looking to take part in future Twilight Thursdays are invited to submit an expression of interest via Limerick.ie: Call for Expressions of Interest: Monthly Thursday Night Entertainment & Events | Limerick.ie
Join us in building this growing tradition.
For more information or to discuss bespoke event ideas, please email nighttimeeconomy@limerick.ie
Limerick At Night on Instagram and TikTok
The @limerickatnight pages on Instagram and Tik Tok are designed to be inclusive and collaborative. Businesses operating within the Night Time Economy, including bars, restaurants, cafés, venues, and cultural spaces, are encouraged to submit high-quality content, such as reels and videos, for potential feature on the page.
What’s On Limerick.ie
Limerick is buzzing all year round and you can always find out What’s On by visiting Limerick.ie, the official digital platform for Limerick.