WHILE many may regard it as a wry marketing tool, you can’t deny the popularity of Arthur’s Day in Ireland every year since it began back in 2009.
This year was no exception as thousands of people all over Ireland celebrated last Thursday 26 evening at 17.59 and raised a glass to the man who created that famous drink all those years ago, as they painted the town black.
As usual a series of exciting musical events were organised throughout Ireland with acts like Emeli Sande, Bobby Womack, The Script and The Manic Street Preachers being just some of the top acts who surprised Arthur’s Day revellers at intimate gigs. As usual those attending only learned who was performing at the last minute!
Limerick hosted acts such as UK rapper Wretch 32 and The Original Rudeboys but there were plenty of other live acts performing in bars all over Limerick that kept music fans happy.
The Market Quarter area was particularly busy with bars like Smyths hosting Escapade and the Unusual Suspects, the Old Quarter featuring Tradstone and Jonson. Dolan’s also impressed with The Minutes and The O’Malleys; DJ Greg Wilson wowed the crowds at Mickey Martin’s, and Parliament Square and We shot JR performed at Cobblestone Joe’s, to name but a few of the many bands performing.
Organisers of the day were delighted with the turnout this year and remind us that funds raised by Arthur’s Day events go straight into the Arthur Guinness Projects which fund creativity and ideas within Ireland.
