‘Some Bones Won’t Stay Buried’ as spectacular Halloween parade promises thrills and chills
Limerick’s medieval quarter will come alive with ghoulish spectacle on Saturday October 25, as Lumen Street Theatre presents its annual Fire and Shadows Parade—the centrepiece of Samhain: Limerick’s Halloween Festival.
The parade, which has become a highlight in Limerick’s cultural calendar, will see the worlds of the living and the dead collide in a spectacular procession through the city’s ancient streets. Setting off at 7:30pm from King John’s Castle, the event promises “ghoulish spectacles of myth and magic” as costumed participants and performers bring the spirits of old Limerick back to life.
This year’s theme, “Some Bones Won’t Stay Buried“, features the formidable Bonelord—depicting Patrick Sarsfield as he rides his steed Mortis through the streets to reclaim his sword. Joining him will be Spirits of the Forest, Absentee Landlords, Limerick’s own Bishop’s Lady, and numerous other “exciting wraiths” from the city’s storied past.
The parade route winds through Limerick’s historic heart, beginning at the intersection of Convent Street and Nicholas Street, before proceeding along Bridge Street, across Matthew Bridge, and through Patrick Street. The procession continues along the quays before returning to Merchants Quay, where a dramatic fire show will bring the evening to a close at Potato Market.
Organisers are encouraging all attendees to come dressed in costume to fully embrace the spirit of Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival marking the boundary between the living and the dead.
The parade forms part of a wider festival running from 16th October to 3rd November, featuring storytelling sessions with renowned seanchaí Eddie Lenihan, historical tours, and the atmospheric “Tinte Marbh” (Dead Fire) art exhibition at Treaty City Brewery.
For those wishing to experience Limerick’s ghostly heritage, the festival offers something for all ages—though some events, like Eddie Lenihan’s adult storytelling sessions, promise tales “not for the fainthearted”.
The Fire and Shadows Parade is free to attend, with no booking required. Spectators are advised to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the route.
Running until November 3, the wider festival features art, music and storytelling, including the evocative exhibition “Tinte Marbh” (Dead Fire) at Treaty City Brewery, family folktales with Eddie Lenihan, and haunting graveyard tours with Dr Paul O’Brien.
The festival opens with “Tinte Marbh” (Dead Fire), an art exhibition transforming Treaty City Brewery on Nicholas Street into what organisers describe as “a sanctuary of shadows and imagination”. Running throughout the festival period, the exhibition serves as a centrepiece for the wider celebrations.
Thursday, October 23 sees renowned seanchaí Eddie Lenihan—one of Ireland’s few remaining traditional storytellers—take centre stage with two performances. A family-friendly session at 5pm at Lumen Headquarters (€5) promises “dark family fare” featuring tales of heroes, fairies and supernatural beings from Irish mythology. His adult show at Treaty City Brewery (7:30pm, €30) has already sold out, with audiences warned that his stories of “the other crowd” are “not for the fainthearted”.
The same evening, the Death Café at Canteen on Catherine Street offers a more contemplative experience, where strangers gather over cake and tea to discuss mortality and making the most of finite lives.
Friday’s programme delves into history and archaeology. Loic Guyon will discuss the Sarsfield Homecoming Project at 4:30pm, detailing the ongoing archaeological dig in Belgium to repatriate the remains of Patrick Sarsfield and his men. Later, osteoarchaeologist Caoimhe Ní Thoibín presents “From Murder to Miscarriage” (7:15pm), exploring how analysis of human remains reveals the lives—and deaths—of past populations. The evening concludes with historian Dr Paul O’Brien leading a nighttime tour of St John’s Graveyard at 8:30pm, promising shocking stories from Limerick’s burial grounds.
Saturday brings a musical interlude as the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s schools programme joins forces with the ICO Youth Orchestra for a free 3pm concert at St Mary’s Cathedral, featuring “spooky” classical and popular music.
Con Mór, The Giant
Also running at King John’s Castle this week – A towering 23-foot mythical giant will take up residence at the castle in Limerick this Halloween, promising visitors a spectacular display of sound, light and smoke.
Con Mór, created by Macnas, will come alive in the castle’s medieval courtyard on October 26, as well as November 1 and 2, with performances at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm each evening.
The giant, whose name translates as “Big Con”, hails from an ancient Island of Giants off the coast of Connacht. According to legend, he belongs to the mythical Tuatha Dé Danann tribe and was so renowned for his love of birds and nature that friends dubbed him “The Bird King”.
The family-friendly experience will transform the castle courtyard into a realm of myth and magic, with interactive elements and a bespoke Halloween setting. Whilst the main production lasts 15 minutes, visitors are welcome to remain for up to an hour to explore the transformed surroundings and view the towering structure up close.