Limerick City and County Council is delighted to announce details of Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival 2026, taking place across five days from Friday 13 March to Tuesday 17 March. The theme for this year’s festival is “Legends of Limerick”, celebrating the people, stories and heritage that define our community. Limerick offers unique attractions with high energy live entertainment, spectacular parades, and cultural experiences with a strong emphasis on both local creativity and international flair.
A special highlight this year is the inclusion of a FREE open air concert at Arthur’s Quay Park on Monday, 16 March, bridging the gap between the energetic weekend and the celebrations on St. Patrick’s Day itself.
View the Official Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival Event Guide here.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Limerick City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will form the centrepiece of the festival, led by Grand Marshal Ava Crean, Ireland’s national women’s marathon champion, who will be joined by her Back2Boston running club-mates. The parade promises a vibrant showcase of colour, creativity and community spirit.udiences can look forward to performances from the Irish National Clown Orchestra, while Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Company will return with a spectacular aerial display. Hundreds of local participants will take part, creating a lively celebration of Limerick’s culture, arts and community.
There is still time for groups, individuals and businesses to register interest in taking part in the Limerick City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Visit: Limerick St. Patrick's Day 2026 Parade Registration Form | Limerick.ie. Deadline extended to 28 February.
County Parades are also taking place in locations across Limerick from 15 to 17 March, reflecting strong community engagement that underpins the annual celebration.
County Parade locations include: Broadford, Kilmallock, Newcastle West, Limerick City, Castleconnell, Hospital, Rathkeale, Adare, Mountcollins, Askeaton, Bruff, Castlemahon, Ballylanders and Abbeyfeale. Full details at the link: County Parades
Parade Block Party at Arthur’s Quay Park
A post-parade St. Patrick’s Festival Block Party will take place in Arthur’s Quay Park on St. Patrick’s Day, where the Irish National Clown Orchestra and Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Company will come together for a large-scale outdoor performance.
Free Open Air Concert
An addition to this year’s festival programme will see Limerick’s vibrant music scene take centre stage with a special FREE open-air concert at Arthur's Quay Park on Monday, March 16. The “Legends of Limerick Stage” will host an electrifying lineup of homegrown talent, featuring performances from:
Major Feen
The Labourers
Citrus Fresh
Hazey Haze
and Denise Chaila.
This free event will bridge the festival weekend and St. Patrick’s Day itself, offering audiences a high-energy celebration of local music culture in a unique riverside setting (Strictly 18+).
International Band Championship Returns
A major highlight of the festival programme is the 54th International Band Championship, which will take place on Sunday 15 March. The event continues to attract high-calibre marching bands to Limerick and remains a key date in the festival calendar. This year, bands from the US, the UK and Ghana will join a vibrant lineup of local and Irish acts, coming together to create a dazzling celebration of music and colour.
Festival Event Guide
The official festival event guide features a wide range of events taking place across Limerick. Along with the key events organised by Limerick City and County Council, the programme includes Council-supported events, as well as independently organised and community-led initiatives.
Other Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival 2026 highlights include:
St. Patrick's Festival at Limerick Milk Market [13 - 17 March] - a series of family-friendly, free, walk-in events across the festival weekend. Highlights include creative workshops, live demonstrations, music performances and St. Patrick’s Day entertainment.
Tales of St. Patrick by the Limerick Fireside [14, 15 and 17 March] - A traditional storytelling performance sharing the legends and folklore of St. Patrick through song, verse, and interactive family-friendly narration. Locations in Kilmallock and Limerick City (pre-booking required).
Hand Cranked Tunes Duo [14 March] - These music-makers will roam Cruises Street with their enchanting handcranked music box - a treasure chest of Ireland’s traditional tunes.
Museum of Memorable Trees [13, 14 March] - An immersive art installation at the Hunt Museum Gardens inviting visitors to explore personal tree inspired stories through miniature dioramas and atmospheric soundscapes.
‘Go Fly Your Kite’ Workshops [14 March] - Bursting with colour, creativity and highflying fun, this hands-on experience invites kids and families to Harvey’s Quay Bandstand to design their very own dazzling, shamrock inspired kites.
Hammonds Brass Band Performance [14 March] - Celebrate St. Patrick’s weekend with an unforgettable musical experience in the stunning surrounds of St Mary’s Cathedral.
Irish National Clown Orchestra ‘One Step Beyond’ [15 March] - A high energy musical clown performance as the jovial characters of the Irish National Clown Orchestra head to Limerick’s Milk Market with a brand-new street show and a clown big-band.
St. Patrick’s Weekend at the Hunt Museum [13 – 17 March] - A fun filled programme of storytelling, guided tours, games, and cultural activities celebrating Irish history and heritage.
Magic Windows: Make Your Own Stained Glass Art [14 March] - Celebrate St. Patrick by creating Harry Clarke–inspired artworks at King John’s Castle using colourful acetate that will illuminate in the sun.
Harp Harmony: A St. Patrick's Day Celebration [17 March] - Visit King John’s Castle and enjoy the enchanting sound of Ireland’s iconic harp in a special performance led by Dr Fiana Ní Chonaill and the Cuisle Harp Ensemble at King John’s Castle, celebrating Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran is looking forward to the festivities, saying:
“The Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival is an opportunity to celebrate Limerick’s people, heritage and community spirit. There is a fantastic programme of events taking place across the county for people to enjoy. The theme ‘Legends of Limerick’ reflects both our history and those who continue to shape Limerick today.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery commented:
“St. Patrick’s Festival is a time when communities across Limerick come together to celebrate who we are. We’re delighted to welcome families, visitors, and friends from near and far to join in this year’s festivities and experience the incredible spirit that makes Limerick so special.”
Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly added:
“The Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival reflects the strength of collaboration across our city and county, bringing together community groups, cultural organisations and major event partners. From the International Band Championship to our main Limerick city Parade and the many local initiatives taking place throughout Limerick, this year’s programme showcases the creativity, pride and ambition that continue to drive our region forward.”
Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026
As part of the wider programme, Seachtain na Gaeilge runs from 1 to 17 March, with a wide range of Irish language and cultural events for adults and children taking place across the city and county, supported by Limerick City and Council.
Seachtain na Gaeilge in Limerick features Irish language cultural days, live music and performance events that celebrate Irish culture, hands-on creative workshops, and a variety of free, family friendly community activities, all aimed at encouraging people of all ages and language levels to engage with Irish in an enjoyable and inclusive way.
Road Notices
Limerick City and County Council has announced temporary road closures and parking restrictions on 15 and 17 March 2026 to facilitate the Limerick International Band Championship and the Limerick City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, affecting key city routes including O’Connell Avenue, Quinlan Street, The Crescent, Henry Street, Liddy Street, Cecil Street, and adjoining roads, with closures generally in place from 7am to 3.30pm and parking prohibitions from 3am to 3.30pm on both days. Read the full Road Notice.
The Limerick City St. Patrick’s Day Parade and International Band Championship Parade will will follow the same routes as 2025. Full details and maps in the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival Event Guide.
The Universal access area for both parades is at The Crescent, O’Connell Street.
Visit Limerick.ie/StPatricksFestival and follow Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival social media - Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival 2026 is brought to you by Limerick City and County Council, with support from Fáilte Ireland. The media partners are Limerick Leader, Limerick’s Live95, Limerick Post and Spin Southwest.