Limerick St Patrick’s weekend 2026 brings a legendary lineup to the city and county

A Legendary Line-Up is announced for the 2026 St Patrick’s Weekend in Limerick. Picture: Paul Corey

The 2026 Limerick St Patrick’s weekend will bring a legendary lineup to Limerick City and County from Friday, 13 to Tuesday, 17 March

The 2026 St Patrick’s weekend will see five days of entertainment taking place throughout Limerick City and County from Friday, March 13, to Tuesday, March 17 in what is a celebration of “Legends of Limerick” under this year’s theme.

Limerick is offering unique attractions with high-energy live entertainment, spectacular parades, and cultural experiences with a strong emphasis on both local creativity and international flair as they celebrate the people, stories and heritage that define our community.

A special highlight this year is the inclusion of a FREE open-air concert at Arthur’s Quay Park on Monday, 16 March, featuring some of Limerick’s established and up-and-coming music artists.

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The Legends of Limerick Stage will host an electrifying lineup of homegrown talent, featuring performances from Major Feen, The Labourers, Citrus Fresh,Hazey Haze, and Denise Chaila.

Grand Marshal of this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade, Ava Crean, Ireland’s national women’s marathon champion, will be joined by her Back2Boston running club-mates for a parade which promises a vibrant showcase of colour, creativity and community spirit.

Audiences can look forward to performances from the Irish National Clown Orchestra, while Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Company will return with a spectacular aerial display. Hundreds of local participants will take part, creating a lively celebration of Limerick’s culture, arts and community.

County Parades are also taking place in locations across Limerick from 15 to 17 March, reflecting strong community engagement that underpins the annual celebration.

County Parade locations include Broadford, Kilmallock, Newcastle West, Limerick City, Castleconnell, Hospital, Rathkeale, Adare, Mountcollins, Askeaton, Bruff, Castlemahon, Ballylanders and Abbeyfeale.

Following this year’s parade, Arthur’s Quay Park will become host to the St Patrick’s Block Party where the Irish National Clown Orchestra and Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Company will come together for a large-scale outdoor performance.

The International Band Championship, a favourite for festival goers in Limerick, will return for its 54th edition on Sunday, March 15. This year, bands from the US, the UK and Ghana will join a vibrant lineup of local and Irish acts, coming together to create a dazzling celebration of music and colour.

Other highlights for the Limerick St. Patrick’s weekend include celebrations at the Milk Market taking place all weekend, bringing a series of family-friendly, free, walk-in events across the festival weekend.

Tales of St. Patrick by the Limerick Fireside on 14, 15 and 17 of March bring a traditional storytelling performance sharing the legends and folklore of St Patrick through song, verse, and interactive family-friendly narration in Kilmallock and Limerick City.

On Saturday, March 14, the Hand Cranked Tunes Duo will roam Cruises Street with their enchanting handcranked music box – a treasure chest of Ireland’s traditional tunes.

Museum of Memorable Trees on Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14 bring an immersive art installation at the Hunt Museum Gardens, inviting visitors to explore personal tree-inspired stories through miniature dioramas and atmospheric soundscapes.

‘Go Fly Your Kite’ Workshops on Saturday, March 14 brings a hands-on experience invites kids and families to Harvey’s Quay Bandstand to design their very own dazzling, shamrock-inspired kites.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s weekend with an unforgettable musical experience in the stunning surrounds of St Mary’s Cathedral with Hammonds Brass Band Performance.

Irish National Clown Orchestra ‘One Step Beyond’ on Sunday, March 15 brings a high-energy musical clown performance as the jovial characters of the Irish National Clown Orchestra head to Limerick’s Milk Market with a brand-new street show and a clown big-band.

Throughout the St. Patrick’s Weekend, the Hunt Museum presents a fun filled programme of storytelling, guided tours, games, and cultural activities celebrating Irish history and heritage.

On Saturday, March 14, celebrate St. Patrick by creating Harry Clarke–inspired artworks at King John’s Castle using colourful acetate that will illuminate in the sun.

Harp Harmony: A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Tuesday, March 17, the public is invited to visit King John’s Castle and enjoy the enchanting sound of Ireland’s iconic harp in a special performance led by Dr Fiana Ní Chonaill and the Cuisle Harp Ensemble at King John’s Castle, celebrating Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, is looking forward to the festivities, saying the weekend is an “opportunity to celebrate Limerick’s people, heritage and community spirit”.

He said, “There is a fantastic programme of events taking place across the county for people to enjoy. The theme ‘Legends of Limerick’ reflects both our history and those who continue to shape Limerick today.”

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery, said the weekend is a time for “communities across Limerick come together to celebrate who we are”.

She said, “We’re delighted to welcome families, visitors, and friends from near and far to join in this year’s festivities and experience the incredible spirit that makes Limerick so special.”

Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly added, “The Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival reflects the strength of collaboration across our city and county, bringing together community groups, cultural organisations and major event partners.”

As part of the wider programme, Seachtain na Gaeilge runs from 1 to 17 March, with a wide range of Irish language and cultural events for adults and children taking place across the city and county, supported by Limerick City and Council.