'Feast of action' to turn Limerick green for St Patrick's Day

TENS of thousands of spectators will be treated to a “feast of action” in the heart of Limerick city for St Patrick's Day celebrations.

With a weekend of fun family activities, two parades, and an array of events, Limerick will have something for everyone for this year’s St Patrick’s Festival.

A parade will see over 1500 people march their way down O’Connell Street before finishing on Henry Street from noon on Friday, March 17.

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This year, the ‘Discover Limerick’ theme will be at the fore of the parade, with Viking warriors reminding us all who first “discovered” Limerick.

Attendees can expect old favourites, such as Buí Bolg who will be collaborating with Limerick Youth Festival to help celebrate their 50^th anniversary.

Along with Limerick Youth Dance Company, Cloughjordan Circus Club, the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance with stilt-walkers, musicians, Lumen Street Theatre will return to add colour to the day.

Starting on O’Connell Avenue/Roden Street junction, the route for the parade will turn left onto Glentworth Street, before making a right turn onto Henry Street, as the parade continues its way to Rutland Street.

On Saturday, March 18, the weekend festivities will continue with an afternoon of comedy, high-energy acrobatics, mind-boggling manoeuvres and jaw dropping antics at St. Patrick’s Festival Street Show.

As always, Limerick has the edge on other cities as it hosts the country's only International Band Championship, now celebrating its 51^st edition. And for the occasion, the marching bands will be a sight to behold on Sunday, March 19.

For sporty action, GAA fans can head to the Gaelic Grounds where the All-Ireland hurling champions will host Wexford in the NHL at 1.45pm, followed by the NFL meeting between Limerick and Kildare at 3.45pm.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Frances Foley, commented:

“With two parades, Limerick people are in a unique position that they can have double the fun over everyone else. Our national holiday weekend is a time for a celebration of all that is good about Ireland, and no matter what people decide to do this March in Limerick, they are sure to have a fantastic time as they discover all that Limerick has to offer. All the while sampling our city and county’s warm embrace.”

From Adare to Castleconnell to Mountcollins, the festivities won’t be confined to the city, as the County of Limerick will turn green with ten county parades confirmed for this year.

A special digital guide with the full programme is available on https://www.limerick.ie/stpatricksfestival