Limerick to come alive from August 7 to 10 as Sport for All Games programme is unveiled

Limerick to become European playground as full 2026 Sport for All Games programme is unveiled. Pictured at the unveiling are Kieran Morrissey, Ann Irwin, Aoife, Kate & Anna Cantwell, Margie Curtin & Tara Mannix. Pic. Brian Arthur

Almost 50 traditional sports and games from across Europe will take over Limerick from 7 to 10 August for the 2026 European Sport for All Games

Limerick’s streets, parks and public spaces will come alive next month as the full public programme for the 2026 European Sport for All Games is unveiled.

Taking place from 7 to 10 August, the Games will bring almost 50 different traditional sports and games to locations across Limerick City, inviting people of all ages to watch, try and enjoy sports from across Europe.

The event will see Limerick welcome 26 European delegations as part of a colourful celebration of sport, culture, participation and heritage. Unlike elite sporting events, the European Sport for All Games are built around inclusion, public participation and the simple idea that sport and physical activity should be open to everyone.

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The public programme will begin on Friday, 7 August, with traditional sports and games at the Mary Immaculate College Campus from 10am to 4pm. The Games will continue across Limerick City Centre on Saturday, 8 August and Sunday, 9 August, from 11am to 4pm, before concluding on Monday, 10 August with a final public showcase at the University of Limerick Campus from 11am to 2pm ahead of the Closing Ceremony.

Across the four-day programme, people will have the opportunity to experience games including Horseshoe Throwing, Barrel Rolling, Tamburello, Serbian folk wrestling, Pljočkanje, Tchoukball, Dance, Tug of War, Pulli Dog, Misket (Marbles), Topaç (Spinning Top), Gymnastics and many more.

Events will take place at a number of high-profile locations including Nicholas Street, The Hunt Museum Garden, Arthur’s Quay Park, Honan’s Quay, People’s Park, Mary Immaculate College and the University of Limerick. The opening ceremony will take place in King John’s Castle and the closing ceremony in the Milk Market.

The Games are being organised by Limerick Sports Partnership, in collaboration with TAFISA, Limerick City and County Council, University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College, Sport Ireland and other local and European partners.

Speaking at the unveiling of the programme, Phelim Macken, Manager of Limerick Sports Partnership, said, “In just over a month’s time, Limerick will be transformed into a European playground. The European Sport for All Games are about bringing sport out into the streets, parks and public spaces where people can see it and experience it. We want families, young people, older people, local clubs, community groups and visitors to come into the city, meet the European delegations and experience sports and games they may never have seen before.”

“The programme is accessible and full of energy. It gives Limerick a wonderful opportunity to showcase itself as a welcoming, active and inclusive city, while also celebrating the traditional sports and games that form such an important part of Europe’s shared cultural heritage,” he added.

Janez Sodržnik, President of TAFISA, said, “The European Sport for All Games are designed to celebrate the power of traditional sports and games to connect people across borders, generations and cultures. Limerick provides a unique setting for this year’s event, with its historic city centre, strong sporting identity and commitment to making physical activity accessible to all.”

Members of the public are invited to attend the opening and closing public activity days at MIC and UL, as well as the city-centre programme on Saturday and Sunday. All locations will feature a mix of demonstrations, have-a-go activities and cultural exchanges with visiting delegations.