Event News
EuroPride 2028 awarded to the West of Ireland thanks to successful bid
EuroPride 2028 awarded partners were Limerick Pride, The Outing Queer Arts Collective (The Outing Festival) and QuareClare. Picture: Cian Reinhardt
EuroPride 2028 awarded to the West of Ireland and the Shannon Conference and Sports Bureau proudly supported the bid
EuroPride 2028 is coming to the West of Ireland, thanks a successful bid! EuroPride is Europe’s most significant Pride event and it has never been hosted on the island and Ireland.
This achievement would not have been possible without the diligent work of local community organisers and partners Limerick Pride, The Outing Queer Arts Collective (The Outing Festival) and QuareClare for their leadership in developing the West of Ireland bid, and to thank the many volunteers, campaigners, and civic supporters who travelled to represent our region during the bidding process.
Bids were presented at EuroPride’s annual conference in Barcelona where more than 120 member organisations cast their votes and West of Ireland secured the win with 70% of the votes.
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As host, the Midwest will welcome tens of thousands of visitors, activists, artists, and allies from across Europe and beyond to our streets, venues, and public spaces. Together we will celebrate diversity, promote visibility, and forge new connections among LGBTQ+ communities and supporters.
This achievement would not have been possible without the diligent work of local community organisers and partners Limerick Pride, The Outing Queer Arts Collective (The Outing Festival) and QuareClare for their leadership in developing the West of Ireland bid, and to thank the many volunteers, campaigners, and civic supporters who travelled to represent our region during the bidding process.
As Limerick is the host, we will welcome tens of thousands of visitors, activists, artists, and allies from across Europe and beyond to our streets, venues, and public spaces. Together we will celebrate diversity, promote visibility, and forge new connections among LGBTQ+ communities and supporters.
Over the coming months and years, the Limerick will work closely with national and European partner organisations, the local LGBTQ+ community, and stakeholders in culture, tourism, and infrastructure to deliver a proud and unforgettable EuroPride experience.
Patrick Orth, President of the European Pride Organisers Association, said, “We are proud to see EuroPride come to the West of Ireland in 2028; the first ever on the island of Ireland. EuroPride 2028 in West of Ireland will be more than a celebration as it will give voice and visibility to smaller Prides and LGBTQIA+ communities across Ireland and Europe. In doing so, it will ensure that every community — rural or urban — is seen, heard, and represented. This moment is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from unity, visibility, and inclusion.This year we received two strong bids for EuroPride 2028 from Manchester and the West of Ireland. We deeply appreciate the dedication and passion both teams showed, and thank Manchester Pride for their effort.”
The Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau (SRC&SB) has welcomed the announcement of a successful bid.
The Bureau proudly supported the joint West of Ireland bid, submitted by Limerick Pride, QuareClare, and The Outing Festival, which triumphed over strong competition at the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA) annual conference in Barcelona. The winning bid secured an emphatic 70% of votes from more than 120 European member organisations.
EuroPride 2028 is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors from across Europe and beyond, generating a substantial boost to the local economy. The Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau provided logistical and financial support throughout the bid process, from assisting with the bid book and regional site visit to liaising with tourism and civic partners. The Bureau looks forward to continuing its partnership with the organisers as preparations for this historic event get underway.
Caoimhe Moloney, General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau, said the announcement represents a defining moment for the region and reinforces its growing reputation as host to major international events.
“The success of the EuroPride 2028 bid really showcases the strength, unique character, and capability of our region to host events of global significance. We are truly grateful for the support of our members, regional stakeholders, and UL Events, all of whom played a key role in supporting this bid,” said Ms Moloney.
“Central to our role in the Bureau is to is empower local organisers and ambassadors with the tools, professional expertise, and local knowledge needed to compete internationally. From bid development and video production to site logistics and destination showcasing, our mission is to ensure the Shannon Region stands out as a place ready to deliver extraordinary experiences. EuroPride’s arrival in 2028 will leave a lasting legacy for tourism, culture, and inclusion across Limerick and Clare.”Mayor John Moran commented, “People will talk about the fun we will have, they will talk about the positive impact to the economy, but this is much more.
This achievement would not have been possible without the diligent work of local community organisers and partners Limerick Pride, The Outing Queer Arts Collective (The Outing Festival) and QuareClare and their leadership in developing the West of Ireland bid, and the many volunteers, campaigners, and civic supporters who travelled to represent our region during the bidding process.
Follow the Rainbow to the Midwest 4th-13th August 2028 for EuroPride 2028.
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