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The Limerick International Tattoo Convention Went Down A Hit

Pictured at the Limerick International Tattoo Convention. Photo: David Woodland Photography

The Limerick International Tattoo Convention Went Down A Hit

by ilovelimerick correspondent Katie Glavin

The Limerick International Tattoo Convention took place on March 25 and 26 at the South Court Hotel located at the Raheen Roundabout, Limerick. Over this weekend Limerick welcomed over 100 outstanding tattoo artists to the Limerick International Tattoo Convention.


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This spectacular event went down a storm and welcomed not only Limerick locals but people from all ends of the world to one of Limericks newest attractions, The Limerick International Tattoo Convention. The event was jam-packed with things to do and see, from getting tattooed and pierced to getting a haircut at the barber’s stand or watching the entertainment on stage such as Sideshow Ramone. While tattoos and tattooing were the main focus, there was something there for all the family including face painting, hair braiding and temporary tattoos for the kids. The convention also hosted Tattoo awards for the artists and for the tattooed, offering awards for the best artists are the event and the best tattoos. The Limerick International Tattoo convention pulled out all the stops for a fun-filled and thrilling weekend.

Limerick is a city already rich in art and culture with tattoo studios and urban art dotted around the city such as Allstar Ink, Hardknox Tattoo, Bullman’s Tattoo Studio, Chapel Street Custom Tattoos, Soul Addiction and Living Art Tattoo all located in the heart of the city. With a city so ripe in healthy tattoo culture, Limerick will be welcoming the convention with open arms. While the Limerick International Tattoo convention mainly featured international and non-Limerick Tattoo artists, some of the Limerick locals did make an appearance such as Soul Addiction Tattoo Studio, Chapel Street Custom Tattoos, and Bullman’s Tattoo Studio. The Majority of the Tattoo stands at the convention welcomed walk-in appointments on the day meaning that people attending the convention could easily avail of some new ink from a large choice of artists and styles.

The convention welcomed between 1,100 and 2,000 tattoo and tattoo culture enthusiasts to the city as well as talented artists from up to 20 different countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Japan and North America. Mike Chambers and Chris Crooks are among the outstanding artists which Limerick were welcomed for the event, while internet personality and host of Sullen TV, Bernadette Macias, hosted the convention and provided an online presence for the Limerick International Tattoo Convention with hilarious and entertaining broadcasts such as her indulging in one of Ireland’s most famous drinks, the humble pint of Guinness.

Roy Keane, co-organiser of the Limerick International Tattoo Convention commented on the event in regards what it brought to Limerick. He said “There hasn’t been a tattoo convention in Limerick for the last 17 or 18 years. Limerick was the only big city in Ireland that didn’t have one. In regards tattoo industry, it’s going to put Limerick on the map. Limericks the least populated city with tattoo studios in Ireland. People think we have a lot with 7 or 8, but Dublin has 200, cork has about 30 and Galway has about 20 or 30 as well. By bringing a tattoo convention to Limerick, people will start recognising Limerick as a tattoo destination.”

Roy also made it clear that he intends for the Limerick International Tattoo convention to be an annual convention. This means that each year Limerick will host a variety of talented artists from all over the world and all different styles of tattooing. With tattooing becoming ever more popular and with an increase in demand for skilled artists in Limerick, The Limerick International Tattoo Convention was a hit and hopefully will remain to be a hit for many years to come. 

For more information on the Limerick International Tattoo Convention click here

Keep up to date with what went on at the convention here

Photos: David Woodland Photography

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.