LIMERICK is set to come alive once more as Twilight Thursdays returns, bringing an ambitious programme of live entertainment, cultural workshops, food experiences and late-night business openings to the city on the last Thursday of every month.
The initiative, which aims to establish Limerick as a thriving night-time destination, offers something for every taste — from traditional storytelling and craft workshops to comedy gigs, whiskey pairings and high-energy club nights — with both locals and visitors invited to take part.
Culture and creativity at the fore
Families can enjoy Twilight Tales at the Hunt Museum, where traditional storytelling, songs and folklore celebrating Limerick’s heritage get under way at 5.30pm. For those with a creative streak, Cyber Limerick invites participants on a guided night photography walk through the city, illuminated by vibrant RGB lighting. No prior experience is required, though places are limited.
The People’s Museum hosts the Irish premiere staged reading of Sam Atwell’s play Bondi Dreaming, described as an exploration of humour, mateship and tragedy.Â
King John’s Castle provides the atmospheric setting for Sip & Craft, a journal-making workshop in the Siege Café costing €15 including a drink. Meanwhile, Limerick Printmakers opens its doors for participants to silkscreen-print their own A3 calendar, and Lumen Street Theatre offers a Visible Mending session — €15 to repair favourite garments through creative patching and darning. Those seeking wellness can attend Move & Restore at Breathe Better Yoga, with a Vinyasa class at 6pm followed by a restorative session at 7.05pm.
Live music and comedy across the city
The city’s pubs and venues are getting in on the act. Ma Hogan’s welcomes singer-songwriter Dawna from 7pm for Spring Twilight, while Tom O’Mahony heads a top comedy lineup at Katie Daly’s. The Old Quarter offers live rock from Monticelli at 9pm, with the first 50 guests receiving a complimentary pint of Rockshore. Shannon Street Sessions at Flannery’s and live music upstairs at The White House, which runs cocktails at two for €18 all night, round out the live music offering.
RAG Week events add further energy to the evening, with club nights and themed specials at Smyths & D’icon, Angel Lane & The Monk, and Molly’s, where doors open at 9pm for a full night of DJs and live acts.
Foodies are well catered for. The Savoy Collection runs a food trail across three venues — starters at Hamptons, mains at The Savoy and desserts at Vincenzo’s — while Fordes Courtyard hosts a five-course Redbreast Whiskey and Dinner Pairing for those seeking something more indulgent. Treaty City Brewery offers a guided tasting of seasonal beers with spring-inspired sharing boards.
Further options include carnival-style tacos at Mickey Martins, tapas and a live DJ at The Olive Tree, Italian wine and pizza at Cavavin for €22, and espresso martinis from Thomond Gate Yankee Coffee Liqueur at Nancy Blakes for €9 between 7pm and 9pm.
Sports fans can catch a replay of the classic Munster v Northampton 2011 match at Myles Breen’s, with a free pint of Murphy’s for the first 20 through the door. Escape Limerick opens late for puzzle room challenges, Level Up hosts gaming competitions including a Mario Kart tournament from 8pm, and Pery’s Bingo runs Thirsty Thursday from 6.45pm — €10 for a night of bingo with a €5,000 jackpot and complimentary tea and coffee.
Getting there
Free parking is available at the Potato Market Car Park from 6pm to 9pm. FreeNow and Uber are each offering a 40 per cent discount on rides for all Twilight Thursday dates. Passengers should use the code TwilightThursdayFebruary on FreeNow and TWILIGHTTHURSDAYSFEB on Uber.