PICTURES: St Patrick's Day parade revellers take to the streets in Limerick city

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A marathon champion, some clowning around, and up to 70 thousand people lining the streets - Limerick city’s St Patrick’s Day Parade burst into life today as more than 60 entries, involving thousands of participants, filled the city with colour, music, and an unstoppable sense of community.

Grand Marshal Ava Crean, Limerick’s own marathon hero, and her clubmates from Back 2 Boston Running Club received a warm welcome on the parade route from O’Connell Street on to Henry Street and onward to Arthur’s Quay Park, where a post‑parade Block Party kept celebrations going.

Ava’s presence highlighted this year’s Limerick St Patrick’s Festival theme, “Legends of Limerick,” celebrating local heroes, achievers and inspirational community figures.

This year’s parade also delivered some unforgettable visual highlights, including the breathtaking aerial artistry of Fidget Feet and the colourful mayhem of the Irish National Clown Orchestra of Ireland who brought laughter and music in equal measure.

The annual parade also showcased the extraordinary diversity and heart of Limerick’s community spirit. Volunteer emergency and support services, including Limerick Civil Defence, Limerick Marine Search and Rescue, the Irish Red Cross, Bunratty Search and Rescue, Limerick Suicide Watch, Bumbleance, and the Treaty Suicide Prevention & CAST Team, all received warm applause for their dedication and service.

Youth organisations, dance schools, scout troops and cultural groups all added colour and energy. They were joined by a rich mix of sports clubs, migrant communities, musicians, performers and creative ensembles - reflecting the inclusive, multicultural and community‑driven spirit that continues to define Limerick’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

In an historic first, both the Limerick city St Patrick’s Day Parade and the 54th International Band Championship on Sunday were broadcast live online, allowing families, friends and festival enthusiasts across the world to experience Limerick’s culture and creativity as it happened.

Watch the parade back here - you might spot someone you know!

Limerick St Patrick’s Festival 2026 also featured the 54th International Band Championship, which saw 15 marching bands from Ireland and abroad perform along the city streets.

Banna Chluain Meala, from Clonmel, were crowned Overall Parade Champions on the day while a number of other prizes were awarded by the judges.

The International Band Championship was also broadcast on a livestream and is available to watch here

On the evening before St Patrick’s Day, thousands gathered at Arthur’s Quay Park for a free open-air concert celebrating local Limerick talent, creating a vibrant atmosphere and setting the stage for Limerick’s celebration of Ireland’s Patron Saint.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said the festival once again highlighted the city and county’s strong community spirit and pride:

“This year’s St Patrick’s Festival has been a wonderful celebration of Limerick and its people. It was fantastic to see thousands lining the city streets for both parades and enjoying the many events across the weekend as well as the open air concert in Arthur’s Quay Park last night, which was a fantastic addition. Our parade Grand Marshal Ava Crean was a wonderful choice to represent the Legends of Limerick theme, and it was a joy to see so many community groups, performers and volunteers contributing to such a colourful and uplifting celebration.”

“I also congratulate all the communities who held celebrations in towns and villages across the county, showcasing the best of what Limerick has to offer - community spirit, culture, creativity and fun. Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh go léir!”

Ava Crean spoke of her delight at being asked to be Parade Grand Marshal for 2026, saying:

“It’s fantastic to see the crowds and everyone out on the streets of Limerick today. I was very honoured, and a little surprised to be asked to be Parade Grand Marshal. It meant a lot to walk the route with the whole community and to hear all the kids and adults cheering. Having kids come up to me to say congratulations really means a lot and it made the day even more special.”

The Deputy Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Joe Delaney, praised the festival’s growing scale and appeal:

“The Limerick St Patrick’s Festival has become one of the standout celebrations of the year. The success of the parade and the wider festival programme is a testament to the work of organisers, volunteers, performers, emergency services and community groups who help bring these events to life each year. From the International Band Championship to the open-air concert, today’s parade and the many other events that took place across the five days, the festival programme provided something for everyone and created a wonderful atmosphere across Limerick.”

Limerick Council thanks the many community groups, performers, volunteers, event staff and emergency services whose support helped make this year’s festival a memorable and safe celebration for all who attended.

We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots.

We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community.

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