LIMERICK Pride has been shortlisted with neighbouring groups The Outing and QuareClare alongside Manchester Pride in the bid to host EuroPride 2028.
Attracting over 100,000 people annually from around the world, EuroPride is hosted by a different European city each year. This year’s event takes place over nine days this June in Lisbon, Portugal.
The joint bid to host the prestigious event in Limerick and Clare, a competitive bid has been submitted by The Outing Queer Arts Collective and Festival, QuareClare, and Limerick LGBTQ+ Pride, with the support of Fáilte Ireland, Blacknight, Visit Clare, Goudie Talent, and The George.
The host location for EuroPride 2028 will be announced later this year.
Speaking on behalf of the Limerick and Clare EuroPride bid, Eddie McGuinness, co-chair of The Outing, described the pan-European event as “a unique opportunity for our international LGBTQIA+ family to immerse themselves in the richness of Irish culture, heritage, and community spirit”.
“Securing this bid would not only mark a historic achievement for the LGBTQIA+ community in Ireland, but also extend ‘Pride in Our Community’ across the region, from Derry to Kerry.
“The potential to host EuroPride 2028 could be transformative for tourism in the Mid West, showcasing our vibrant culture to an international audience. Should our bid be successful, our goal will be to paint the Wild Atlantic Way pink during 2028,” stated Mr McGuinness.
Karen Ronan, outgoing general manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, which has worked to attract business and sports tourism to the Mid West over the past two decades, said: “We are delighted to support this bid to host EuroPride in the Mid West region in three years’ time.”
“The value of hosting an international event of this scale cannot be overstated from an economic, cultural, or social perspective.
“Bringing EuroPride here would not only celebrate our diverse community but also showcase the Mid West’s unique culture and warmth to over 100,000 visitors from around the world.”
