Riverfest Limerick returns this May Bank Holiday weekend, ensuring that Limerick is the place to be as we kick off the summer in style. The banks of the Shannon will be the epi-centre of the first major national festival of the year as thousands are expected to flock to Limerick to take part in the festivities and soak up the atmosphere.
Now in its 18th year, Riverfest Limerick attracts families and festival lovers from all over Ireland who can enjoy everything from Irish Naval Vessel tours, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking to ziplining across the River Shannon.
Family favourites returning include the BBQ on the Boardwalk, the Panoramic Wheel and the Riverfest Fireworks.
At quayside, there will be traditional favourites such as the Riverfestival Village at Arthur’s Quay Park – a weekend-long cacophony of foods, crafts, vintage amusements, street performers and live musical entertainment.
Sunday’s Regeneron Great Limerick Run, which is Ireland’s fastest growing participatory event, is another of the top features of the weekend.
‘Party in the Park’ in the People’s Park, a new event for 2022, is the perfect way to unwind after the run for participants and supporters alike.
The highlight of the festival for many is the fireworks display and after an enforced break of two years, the fireworks will be back to enthral spectators on Sunday 01 May.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Daniel Butler said: “Limerick really comes to life when Riverfest arrives. It has been a long two years waiting for an in-person Riverfest, so I’m delighted that it will be taking place. There is something for everyone across the weekend, and at the heart of it all is good fun and a great atmosphere.”
“I’d encourage everyone to come and sample some of the fantastic events taking place and tell family and friends to come to Limerick.”
For adrenaline lovers, why not try the Zipline over the River Shannon, or some stand up paddle boarding as part of Maldron Hotel Limerick Riverfest on the Shannon.
Or visit the boat that Limerick man Pat Lawless will travel solo in as he competes in the non-stop and unassisted 30,000 miles round the world as part of the Golden Globe Yacht Race in September where you can leave a message for him on one of the sails.
Families seeking light relief from the excitement can wander down to the Hunt Museum Garden to the Riverfest Chill Out Zone and Sensory Room. Limerick City and County Council has partnered with ASD Ireland to ensure it’s a festival for all as they provide a sensory room to enable children and adults with autism to access a safe space to take time out from the crowds and noise.
Pippa Little, Arts Officer with Limerick City and County Council said: “This Riverfest brings the wealth of what Limerick has to offer, the heart of Riverfest celebrates the beautiful River Shannon and the city. There is something for everyone in the programme, with old favourites and new events. There are fireworks, artisan food, the BBQ competition and the Panoramic Wheel. Fidget Feet aerial circus performance company brings House! a drive-in bingo and aerial dance show extravaganza and the Mayfly Eco Showboat begins its voyage from Limerick. There is so much for everyone.”
Denis Tierney, Head of Marketing & Communications at Limerick City and County Council said: “After an enforced gap of two years, we’re delighted that Riverfest is back. Riverfest this year is jammed packed with family-friendly events to help kick start our summers. Limerick has a fantastic atmosphere over the weekend so I’m encouraging everyone to come and visit and enjoy one of the best festivals in the country.”
Among the events taking place for Riverfest are:
- Panoramic Wheel – Potato Market – 23 April to 02 May
Soar above the city and take in the stunning 360 degree views across Limerick’s skyline on the spectacular 38-metre panoramic wheel. Sky-high fun for all the family. To accommodate the Riverfestival Village, the Panoramic Wheel is moving to the Potato Market. - Fashion Friday – Arthur's Quay Shopping Centre – 29 April
Join style queen Celia Holman-Lee as she showcases the latest trends from Limerick’s top fashion houses and designers. - Riverfestival Village – Arthur’s Quay Park – 29 April to 02 May
A treat for all the family with delicious artisan food, a fabulous range of crafts, stunning vintage amusements, colourful street performers and live musical entertainment! Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. - Riverfest Chill Out Zone & Sensory Room – Hunt Museum Garden – 29 April to 02 May
An escape from the hustle and bustle of Riverfest for children and adults with autism. In association with ASD Ireland. - Limerick Tributary Market – Limerick Milk Market – 29 April to 01 May
Enjoy the delicious buzz of Limerick’s most celebrated market with three fun-filled days featuring live music, artisan crafts and fresh local produce. - BBQ on the Boardwalk – Howley’s Quay – 30 April
Ireland’s biggest BBQ cook-off is back! With some smokin' hot sizzling fare on offer, it promises to be a true feast for the senses. - Regeneron Great Limerick Run – from Pery Square – 01 May
Come for the run and stay for the fun during Riverfest weekend! - Party in the Park – People’s Park, Pery Square – 01 May
Let the Great Limerick Run celebrations continue in Limerick's leafy Georgian Quarter with live entertainment and post-run fun for all the family. - Riverfest Spectacular Fireworks Display – Viewing areas: Clancy's Strand and Sarsfield Bridge – 01 May
Limerick’s skyline will transform into a fantastic fusion of colours during the spectacular fireworks extravaganza to guarantee a fitting finale to the festivities! - House! presented by Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre – Limerick Racecourse – 01 & 02 May
A fun-filled drive-in spectacular with circus, theatre and bingo. The craic is mighty, it’s number 90!
MALDRON HOTEL LIMERICK RIVERFEST ON THE SHANNON
- River Shannon Zipline – Riverfestival Village – 29 April to 02 May
Experience a thrilling aerial adventure over the River Shannon on the ever popular zipline! - Irish Naval Vessel – Limerick Docks – 30 April & 01 May
Take a free tour of one of Ireland’s naval vessels and see what it’s like to be on board one of the ships that patrols the country’s shores. - Riverfest Kayaking Tours with Nevsail Watersports – Hunt Museum Garden – 29 April to 02 May
Paddle the mighty River Shannon and explore Limerick's Viking past on a fun-filled kayak tour! - Riverfest Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tours with Nevsail Watersports – Hunt Museum Garden – 29 April to 02 May
Experience Limerick's iconic landmarks and local wildlife from a truly unique perspective on a city tour with a difference! - Riverfest Limerick Scavenger Hunt – Three Bridges Walk – 29 April to 02 May
Lumen Street Theatre bring you on a magical journey of discovery on a self-guided scavenger hunt along the scenic River Shannon! - River Signals Flag Making Workshop – Curraghgour Boat Club – 01 May
Join artists Deirdre Power and Chelsea Canavan for a ceremonial flag-making workshop using screen-printing techniques to celebrate the launch of the first Eco Showboat expedition from Limerick! Pre-booking essential.
Grooveyard is producing this year’s Riverfest Limerick programme on behalf of Limerick City and County Council along with partners Arthur’s Quay Shopping Centre and Maldron Hotel Limerick.
Media Sponsors are Limerick Leader, Live 95, Limerick Post, Spin South West and I Love Limerick.
Closing date for applications to trade at Riverfestival Village is Thursday 07 April 2022. Application form is available on Riverfest.ie.
Closing date for applications to enter BBQ on the Boardwalk is Friday 15 April 2022. Application form is available on Riverfest.ie.
Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date details check out Riverfest.ie and follow Riverfest Limerick social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).
