From free open-air concerts to world-class comedy, traditional music to trad-punk, to international band competitions, Limerick’s St Patrick’s Festival 2026 delivers something for everyone. Running from Thursday March 12 to Thursday March 19, the city comes alive with live music, street spectacle, theatre and family fun — with many events completely free. Here’s everything you need to know.
THURSDAY 12
Torch Players: Dancing at Lughnasa
Belltable
Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel is a beautifully crafted, poignant and lyrical play set in rural Ireland in 1936.
The SpongeBob Musical
Lime Tree Theatre
Uplifting messages, big laughs, and show-stopping moments, this musical is perfect for audiences of all ages.
Mike Rice: Cruel Little Man (comedy)
The Irish Cheltenham Experience
Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell
The only Racecourse in Ireland with live racing during the Cheltenham Racing Festival. Cheltenham live on all screens including the Big Screen.
Irish Baroque Orchestra presents The Trials of Tenducci
FRIDAY 13
Torch Players: Dancing at Lughnasa
Charlie Cunningham
Dolans
His new album In Light offers a luminous blend of gently pulsating organic production, soaring melodies, and Cunningham’s signature masterful guitar work.
Croithe
Dolans
Seoda Shows: Dublin-based indie post-punk band known for their dark, atmospheric sound and intense live performances.
Whiplash – Tribute to Metallica
Dolans
Presented by Bad Reputation.
Two Mad Folkers
Blue Bar, Punches Cross
Drive
The Old Quarter
Known for their energetic performances and a set list that spans everything from timeless rock anthems to modern chart-toppers.
ICO Lunchtime Concert
St Mary’s Cathedral – 1.15pm. Live music by the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
ICO Youth St. Patrick’s Festival Performance
Istabraq Hall, City Hall. Free access classical strings concert from 6pm.
Keith Barry: Unhinged
Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
St Mary’s Cathedral
SATURDAY 14
Torch Players: Dancing at Lughnasa
Showdown: The ELO Experience
Tales of St. Patrick by the Limerick Fireside
The People’s Museum of Limerick
Join storyteller and musician David Collopy for a narration of the life and legacy of Ireland’s beloved St. Patrick. This enchanting and interactive performance features songs and verse in the Irish tradition for all the family to enjoy.
Sweet Freedom
The Old Quarter
Five-piece rock powerhouse from Johnstown, Kilkenny known for their high-energy performances and soaring riffs, delivering rock anthems that get every crowd fired up.
DJ Eoghain Fitz
Fordes Courtyard
Spinning all the latest hits and high-energy mixes guaranteed to get you up on your feet.
ZEN
Pharmacia
Melodic house & techno from Shaq, Dave Meehan & Phily.
The Roadrunners
Blue Bar, Punches Cross
Leon’s 80s Night
Phil Flannery’s, Lower Denmark St.
80s classics from rock to pop — and maybe even a slow set.
After Show Party
Dolans Terrace
DJ til late playing alternative and lost classics.
SUNDAY 15
The Mersey Beatles
Lime Tree Theatre
The Mersey Beatles have been rocking sold-out shows around the globe since 1999 with their truly authentic and widely acclaimed celebration of John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Rob O’Doherty
The Old Quarter
Celebrate Mother’s Day with great music, great company, and local Limerick musician Rob. Taking the stage at 6pm, Rob performs a lively mix of originals and crowd-favourite covers.
Pinch of Snuff
Dolans
Japan’s finest practitioners of Irish traditional music. Formed in Tokyo, the band brings together long-standing musicians who fell in love with the reels, jigs and airs inspired by The Pogues and The Dubliners. Frontman Masakazu — also known as Tiger — cites the famous céilí scene in Titanic as his first introduction to traditional Irish music.
High Parasite
Dolans
Presented by Bad Reputation.
Tales of St. Patrick by the Limerick Fireside
The People’s Museum of Limerick
With storyteller and musician David Collopy.
54th Limerick International Band Championship
City Centre – 12pm
O’Connell Street (Barrington Street junction) to Arthur’s Quay Park. High-calibre marching bands from the US, the UK and Ghana.
Irish National Clown Orchestra – ‘One Step Beyond’
Limerick Milk Market – 1.30pm & 3.30pm
Like a cross between the Muppets and the Marx Brothers, these idiots are great at playing music but useless at anything else. ‘One Step Beyond’ is a joyful celebration of the madness of life as expressed through clown comedy, funky grooves, funny music, and sweet melodies for audiences of all ages.
Soundscapes with Molly Crilly & Caroline Lodge
The Hunt Museum – Event starts at 2pm.
The Irish Harp with Dr Fiana Ní Chonaill
Lough Gur – Event starts at 2pm.
The Lockys
Blue Bar, Punches Cross
MONDAY 16
The Kilkennys
The O’Malleys
SLVL B2B USHD
Legends of Limerick Stage – FREE Open-Air Concert
Arthur’s Quay Park – 5pm to 10pm. 18+ only. Free entry.
Limerick’s vibrant music scene takes centre stage with a special free open-air concert featuring homegrown talent: Major Feen, The Labourers, Citrus Fresh, Hazey Haze and Denise Chaila.
Screening: Brave
The Hunt Museum – 1pm
The beloved animated adventure from Pixar. Set in the rugged Scottish Highlands, the film follows the spirited princess Merida as she challenges tradition and embarks on an unforgettable journey of courage, family, and self-discovery.
TUESDAY 17
Reboot Presents: St. Patrick’s Topping Takeover
Dolans
Irish dance music phenomenon Patrick Topping.
Limerick St. Patrick’s Day Parade
City Centre – From 12pm Get ready to celebrate as the streets of Limerick City transform into a spectacular tribute to our very own “Legends of Limerick”. This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade promises a burst of colour, creativity, and community spirit like never before.
Harp Harmony: A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
King John’s Castle – 1pm
Experience the enchanting sound of Ireland’s iconic harp in a captivating performance led by Dr Fiana Ní Chonaill and the Cuisle Harp Ensemble, honouring Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage.
St. Patrick’s Festival Block Party
Arthur’s Quay Park – 2pm
A lively mash-up of dance, music and aerial magic.
The Big Limerick Seisiún
The Locke Bar
Aftershock
WEDNESDAY 18
Limerick Early Music Festival: Festival Launch
The People’s Museum – 5.30pm
An experimental performative happening that unfolds as a live exploration of masks, identity, and form. Billy Mag Fhloinn will give a presentation and performance based on his work as director of Pagan Rave.
THURSDAY 19
Serena Terry: Therapy
Lime Tree Theatre
Creator of Mammy Banter on stand-up comedy tour. Over the last six months, Serena Terry has tried and tested 22 different types of therapy in a bid to improve her physical and mental health and calm the chaos that comes with being a busy mum on the cusp of turning 40 — resulting in some diverse, embarrassing and hilarious outcomes.
Jason Byrne
Michael Collins – A Musical Drama
University Concert Hall
From Limerick Musical Society. A gripping and powerful work of a changing period in Ireland’s history, set to music, bringing the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War to life — and telling a beautiful love story.