Dancing the Walls of Limerick Festival returns for August 16

Dancing the Walls of Limerick Festival returns for August 16

The unique Dancing the Walls of Limerick Festival returns to Old Clare Street on Sunday, 16 August

The unique Dancing the Walls of Limerick Festival returns to Old Clare Street on Sunday, 16 August from 2 pm to 5 pm, bringing together traditional dance, music, local history and family-friendly Now in its third year, the festival celebrates both Limerick’s medieval walls and the traditional Irish set dance known as The Walls of Limerick, offering a rare opportunity to quite literally dance the Walls of Limerick on the Walls of Limerick.

The event takes place alongside one of the city’s most significant surviving stretches of medieval wall. While much of the structure remains hidden below ground, sections standing up to eight metres high can still be seen between Johnsgate and New Road, close to the site of the famous breach during the 1690 Siege of Limerick.

Funded by the Irish Walled Towns Network and Limerick City and County Council, with support from Limerick Sports Partnership, the festival will feature music from Garryowen Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the City of Limerick Pipe Band and the Boherbuoy Band, alongside performances from local Irish dance schools and set dancing groups.

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The programme also includes students from the Irish World Academy, University of Limerick, together with Ukrainian and Indian dance groups, reflecting the festival’s celebration of both local traditions and the diverse cultures that now call Limerick home.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran is delighted to see this Festival return saying it is an opportunity for people to join together “and rediscover the stories, traditions and heritage that make Limerick unique”.

He said, “The area around King’s Island and the Medieval Quarter is central to our vision for Limerick’s future, and events like this help bring these historic streets to life. There is something very special about seeing generations come together to celebrate traditions such as The Walls of Limerick while also welcoming new communities and cultures to share their own traditions with us.

“As we continue to create more opportunities for people to enjoy our city throughout August, I encourage everyone to come along, soak up the atmosphere, and experience a wonderful afternoon of community, heritage and celebration in one of Limerick’s most historic settings. Summer in the City will highlight what’s possible when we animate our streets and give them back to the people.”

Príomh Chomhairleoir at Limerick City and County Council, Cllr. Tom Ruddle said the festival is a “creative and engaging way of connecting people with our city’s remarkable built heritage”.

He said, “The medieval walls are among Limerick’s most important historical assets, yet many people are unaware of their extent and significance. By combining heritage with music, dance and community participation, the festival helps bring these historic structures to life and encourages people to look at familiar spaces in a new way.”

 Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr. Pat Daly added, “The story of Limerick is written into its medieval walls, and this festival offers a fresh and imaginative way to experience that story. Dancing the Walls of Limerick encourages people to engage with our heritage through creativity, movement and celebration, revealing the significance of these historic structures while creating new memories in some of the city’s most iconic spaces.”

The traditional reel known as The Walls of Limerick, choreographed in the late nineteenth century and known locally as “Limerick’s Walls” until 1915, has long been celebrated as an accessible and inclusive dance. Traditionally performed at crossroads, it remains a popular social dance that encourages participation from dancers of all ages and abilities.

Old Clare Street occupies a significant location along Limerick’s medieval city walls. While parts of the walls remain hidden below ground, making them largely invisible to the public, the structure emerges prominently near the junction of Grattan Court and Johnsgate. Here, sections rise up to eight metres in height and extend for approximately 170 metres towards New Road, the site of the famous breach during the 1690 Siege of Limerick.