Theme for Limerick's St Patrick's Day festivities revealed

THE THEME for the 2023 St Patrick's festival in Limerick has been unveiled.

People are being encouraged to 'Discover Limerick' as part of the 2023 festivities, the centre-piece of which will be the St Patrick's Day parade which is expected to return to its traditional route through O'Connell Street from midday on Friday, March 17.

Limerick's many attractions are to be highlighted as part of the celebrations which will carry on throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, winding up with the traditional International Band Championship on Sunday, March 19 next.

And in preparation for the weekend, communities are being asked: What is your Limerick and what do you want people to know about your county?

While the traditional parade and band championship will be the highlights of the festival, there will be many other events announced in the coming weeks.

Gardai treat major fire on Limerick farm as arson

For now, Limerick City and County Council is calling on groups, clubs, organisations, associations and companies of all shapes and sizes to sign up and become involved in this year’s Limerick St Patrick’s Day Parade. 

To apply to become part of the parade, log on to www.Limerick.ie and complete the form. Alternatively, you can email festivalsandevents@limerick.ie or telephone 061 557450.

Mayor Francis Foley said: "Limerick is green all year round, but when it comes to the week of March 17, we really know how to put on a show. This year we are calling on all people in Limerick and indeed the world to Discover Limerick and to take part in, or attend one of the many parades on show."

The first citizen also encouraged Limerick's newest communities who have made their home in the area to take part.

Council tourism boss Eileen Coleman said: "The 2023 Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival will bring colour, music and street theatre to Limerick. It offers us all an opportunity to participate, to enjoy the creativity that Limerick has to offer, a moment of celebration.  The theme “Discover Limerick” encourages all participants to share what Limerick means to them.  Limerick has so much to offer and who better to inform us, than the people of Limerick themselves.  The Limerick International Band Championship, a uniquely Limerick event, will take place on Sunday, March 19 and the people of Limerick always show their appreciation for the performers in marching bands. St. Patrick’s weekend offers an opportunity to celebrate all that is good about Limerick together and share it with a local and international audience."

Grooveyard is producing this year’s Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival on behalf of Limerick City and County Council with Shane Vaughan as creative producer.