A SEA of green will engulf Limerick this St Patrick’s Day weekend as “a different kind of energy” will be felt throughout the Treaty streets.
There’s something to suit the whole family as part of this year’s Limerick St Patrick’s Festival, kicking off from March 15.
The festival lineup, just announced by Limerick City and County Council, includes tours of King John’s Castle, learning about the life of St Patrick at the Limerick Museum, and, of course, the St Patrick’s Day Parade and the International Band Championship.
The St Patrick’s Day parade in Limerick City this year takes place on Sunday, March 17, from 12pm, with the theme of this year’s parade being ‘a different kind of energy’.
BT Young Scientist winner Seán O’Sullivan has been named as this year’s parade grand marshal.
A wheelchair accessible and autism-friendly sensory area will also be unveiled on the day, the Crescent, O’Connell Avenue.
Outside the city, there are a number of parades scheduled for towns and villages.
Abbeyfeale will host its parade from 4pm on March 17, starting from Mountmahon Industrial Estate, while Adare will kick its parade off from 3pm at Scoil Naomh Iosaf.
Askeaton’s parade will get underway from 2.30pm at the church car park, while the Ballylanders parade will get going from the Tonedale Bedding Grounds at 3pm.
Bruff’s parade will get underway at 2.30pm from Scoil Dean Cussen, and Castleconnell’s parade will start at 12pm from Scanlon Park.
Kilfinane’s parade will leave from McCarthy’s Yard at 2pm, and the Rathkeale parade will leave Tadhg O’Connor’s Hardware at 12.30pm.
On Monday March 18, the 52nd International Band Championship will fill the city with colour and music, with over 1,600 national and international marching band musicians.
The weekend will also see a variety of activities taking place throughout the city with kayak tours on the River Shannon, events at the International Rugby Experience, and local fare and wares at Wickham Way and the Milk Market.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell, said that this year’s St Patrick’s Festival offers people the chance to make memories with their loved ones.
“While the vibrant parades across the county on March 17 will be highlights for many, there is an abundance of other festival events and activities where people can create special memories with family and friends,” Mayor Mitchell said.
“Limerick really has ‘a different kind of energy’ – it’s contagious, it’s edgy, and it’s ready to embrace you with open arms.”
