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Riverfest Limerick 2023 , a host of free family events, sporting battles, concerts and fireworks Riverfest Limerick 2023 , a host of free family events, sporting battles, concerts and fireworks

Culture

All Aboard for Riverfest Limerick 2023 this May Bank Holiday Weekend

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Social media influencer Valerie Wheeler is on board for Riverfest Limerick 2023 Picture Credit: Piquant

Thousands to attend Riverfest Limerick 2023 , a host of free family events, sporting battles, concerts and fireworks

Riverfest Limerick 2023 comes this May Bank Holiday weekend, ensuring that Limerick is THE place to be, as we kick off your summer in style.

The Shannon River will be the epicentre of the festival as thousands flock to Limerick to take part in the festivities and soak up the atmosphere.

Now in its 19th year, Riverfest Limerick 2023 attracts families and festival lovers from all over Ireland who can enjoy fashion shows, paddle boarding, kayaking and flyboarding on the River Shannon. For those with a head for heights The Panoramic Wheel at Limerick’s Potato Market offers stunning views of the city.


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Famous family favourites also return, including the BBQ on the Boardwalk and the Riverfest Fireworks.

The Riverfestival Village at Arthur’s Quay Park returns too – a weekend-long cacophony of food, crafts, vintage amusements, street performers and live musical entertainment.

Sunday’s Regeneron Great Limerick Run, which is Ireland’s fastest growing participatory event, is another of the top features of the weekend.

The highlight of the festival for many is the Riverfest fireworks and they are back with a bang and guaranteed to enthral spectators on Sunday 30 April.

Limerick has something for everyone on the May Bank Holiday weekend with Treaty United taking on Kerry FC in the Markets Field on Friday evening and Munster Senior Hurling action between old rivals Limerick and Clare on Saturday night April 29 at 7pm.

Hermitage Green will perform a sold-out gig at King John’s Castle on Sunday April 30, while RTE’s Jenny Greene will perform, not one, but two sold out gigs at Dolans.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Francis Foley said: “Riverfest signals the start of summer for all in Limerick and the region. This year’s festival is busier than ever and once again Limerick City will be the place to be over the four days. With river-based fun, sport, music, culture and food to the fore, where else would you be this May bank holiday weekend than in Limerick. As always, the people of Limerick will embrace visitors from Ireland and the World for the festival where we, as a people, can showcase what we are all about”

Families seeking some light relief from the excitement can wander down to the Hunt Museum Garden to the Riverfest Chill Out Zone and Sensory Room. Limerick City and County Council has once again partnered with ASD Ireland to ensure it’s a festival for all as they provide a sensory room to enable children and adults with autism to access a safe space to take time out from the crowds and noise.

Eileen Coleman Tourism Officer with Limerick City and County Council said: “There really is something for everyone to enjoy in Limerick this May bank holiday weekend and Riverfest is at the centre of it all. For four days, the banks of the River Shannon will come alive with a multitude of events. There is loads on offer to keep young and old entertained throughout the day while top class live music gigs and Sunday’s fireworks display will add to the late night revelry in the city. If you haven’t experienced it before find out what you have been missing by joining in the fun this year.”

Donn O’Sullivan, Head of Marketing & Communications at Limerick City and County Council said: “Riverfest is more than just a festival, it’s a celebration of the vibrancy and spirit of Limerick city. Riverfest encapsulates the essence of Limerick – embracing its history, culture, and people. Whether you are a local or a visitor, Riverfest is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this thriving city and make unforgettable memories along the way. Enjoy”

Among the events taking place for Riverfest are:

Rogu – ‘Firestorm’ or ‘Fire and Water’ Friday April 28 at 9.30pm – Bedford Row

FIRESTORM brings its audience on a journey where they won’t know what comes next! From epic showdowns to fantastic fantasy, from intense fire choreography to the dreamlike worlds of illusion and imagination. An explosion of fire, light and skill.

Riverfest Freedrop at Castle Lane – Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Prepare to release your inner daredevil and experience the ultimate land-based, free fall! Landing from the tower onto a giant air bag – thrill seekers rejoice!

Panoramic Wheel – Potato Market – Friday April 28 to Monday May 1 12pm-10pm

Soar above the city and take in the stunning 360 degree views across Limerick’s skyline on the spectacular 38-metre panoramic wheel. Sky-high fun for all the family. *Please note – The Panoramic Wheel is moving to the Potato Market from Arthur’s Quay.

Fashion Friday – Arthur’s Quay Shopping Centre – Friday April 28 at 11.30am and 3.30pm

Join Ireland’s style queen Celia Holman-Lee as she showcases the latest trends from Limerick’s top fashion houses and designers.

Riverfestival Village – Arthur’s Quay Park – 28 April to 01 May

Sample delicious artisan food and fabulous crafts; check out the stunning vintage amusements along with colourful street performances and live musical entertainment, all in one riverside location!

Dates & Times:

Friday 28 April: 12.30pm – 10pm

Saturday 29 April: 10am – 10pm

Sunday 30 April: 10am – 10pm

Monday 1 May: 10am – 5pm

Riverfest Chill Out Zone & Sensory Room – Hunt Museum Garden – 29 April to 01 May

An escape from the hustle and bustle of Riverfest for children and adults with autism. In association with ASD Ireland.

BBQ on the Boardwalk – Howley’s Quay – 29 April

Ireland’s biggest BBQ cook-off is back with a bang! With some smokin’ hot sizzling fare on offer, it promises to be a real feast for the senses. This year’s BBQ competition is all about community, family and fun! We invite communities and groups to come together and make this year’s entry a dish from the heart.

Regeneron Great Limerick Run – from Pery Square – 30 April

The 2023 Regeneron Great Limerick Run will take place on Sunday 30 April 2023 from Pery Square, Limerick.

Marathon and the Marathon Relay event will start at 9am. The Half Marathon will start at 10.30am and the 6 Mile will start at 12.30pm.

For more information or to register for the event click here.

Riverfest Spectacular Fireworks Display – Viewing areas: Clancy’s Strand and Sarsfield Bridge – Sunday 30 April at 10.15pm

Limerick’s skyline will transform into a fantastic fusion of colours during the spectacular fireworks extravaganza to guarantee a fitting finale to the festivities!

Find out more about Riverfest Limerick 2023 here.
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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.