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St Mary’s Cathedral hosts its first History Heritage Weekend Festival this May
St. Mary’s Cathedral hosts its first History Heritage Weekend Festival on May 28 and 29.
St. Mary’s Cathedral is one of Limerick city’s oldest buildings. The month of May sees St. Mary’s hosting a unique History Heritage Weekend Festival. A programme of concerts, tours, floral displays, church services together with an artefact exhibition will showcase to visitors the cathedral’s rich and diverse history and heritage.
The History Heritage Weekend Festival opens at 10 am on Saturday, May 28, with special guided tours of the cathedral which will continue to take place over the weekend. These tours will focus on the history associated with the stained glass windows, the memorials and the monuments of the cathedral.
At 5 pm, the Church Of Ireland Cathedral Choirs of Kilkenny, Waterford and Limerick will perform a concert. Their programme will include Schubert’s Mass in G and Parry’s I was glad. Concert tickets cost €10/€8 concessions and will be available at the door. Throughout the weekend, there will be flower displays and an artefact exhibition for visitors.
On Sunday, May 29, the History Heritage Weekend Festival continues at 11.15 am with the Sunday Festival Eucharist. We are delighted and privileged to welcome Fr. Martin Browne OSB from Glenstal Abbey as the guest preacher. Following this, at 3 pm, the Limerick Wind Ensemble will perform Mozart’s Gran Partita K 361 directed by John Davis. Festal Evensong will take place at 7 pm on Sunday evening and will mark the close of the festival.
An integral and unique feature of the programme of events includes a once-off opportunity to view a private collection of authentic recovered artefacts related to St Mary’s Cathedral.
The Very Rev’d Sandra Pragnell says, “We are delighted to be hosting this festival. It seems fitting to organize a history and heritage festival at St. Mary’s Cathedral as it is the oldest building in Limerick city that is still in daily use. Everyone is very welcome and I hope people will avail of this unique opportunity and enjoy all the activities, concerts and services over the weekend while learning of Limerick’s history.”
Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Mary’s Cathedral was founded in 1168 and is located in the Medieval Quarter of the city.
All events, aside from Saturday’s 5 pm concert, are admission free.
Find further information about St. Mary’s Cathedral here
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