The Bang Bike, riverside routes, and family activities headline Limerick’s flagship Bike Week event on Saturday May 16
Limerick city centre is set to come alive this Saturday as Limerick Rolls, a free family cycling festival, transforms Davis Street into a pedestrian hub and sends hundreds of cyclists through some of the city’s most iconic streets.
Taking place this Saturday May 16, from noon to 5pm, the event is the flagship occasion of Bike Week 2026 and is open to people of all ages and abilities, with no registration required and no entry fee.
Davis Street will be closed to traffic from early morning and will serve as the festival’s base throughout the afternoon, hosting children’s activities, street food, local cycling club stalls, and a free bike maintenance and safety station. An adapted and accessible bike showcase will also be on display, reflecting the event’s commitment to inclusive participation.
TV presenter Will Leahy will host proceedings on the day, guiding attendees through an afternoon of activity before the main parade departs at 2pm.
The Bang Bike leads the charge
The centrepiece of Limerick Rolls is a 5km circular group cycle through the heart of the city, led by The Bang Bike — a Belfast-based mobile festival DJ who cycles and performs simultaneously, bringing music and spectacle to the streets as he rides.
Departing Davis Street at 2pm, the parade will carry cyclists along Parnell Street, Mungret Street, Broad Street, and Nicholas Street, before crossing Thomond Bridge and travelling along Clancy Strand beside the River Shannon. The route then crosses Shannon Bridge, continues along Bishops Quay, Lower Cecil Street, and O’Connell Street, passing through Barrington Street and Pery Square before returning to Davis Street for a final celebration.
The route takes in two of Limerick’s signature river crossings and hugs the Shannon for a stretch, offering participants a striking view of the city from two wheels.
Something for every cyclist
Organisers have emphasised that no prior cycling experience is necessary. The event is designed to be welcoming to first-time cyclists, families with young children, and seasoned riders alike.
A dedicated children’s activity zone will feature a bike decorating station, a balance bike try-out track, and a range of cycling games, keeping younger attendees entertained from the moment the festival opens at noon.
To support participation from across the city, guided feeder cycles will travel into the city centre from three locations: Mayorstone Quarry Park, departing at 12:30pm; Castletroy Park, departing at noon; and Mungret Park, also departing at noon. All feeder cycles will be led by experienced bike leaders. For those who prefer not to make their own way home afterwards, a guided group return cycle will also depart Davis Street at 5pm.
Civic voices back the event
The event has received strong backing from Limerick’s civic leadership. Mayor of Limerick John Moran said that Bike Week is an important annual event in the city, offering people of all ages and abilities an opportunity to experience the benefits of cycling in a welcoming and supportive way, and that it brings communities together while highlighting cycling as part of everyday life across the city and county.
“Bike Week is an important annual event in Limerick, offering people of all ages and abilities an opportunity to experience the benefits of cycling in a welcoming and supportive way,” adding that it brings communities together and highlights cycling as part of everyday life across the city and county.
“Limerick Rolls captures the fun spirit of Bike Week, bringing people together on bikes in the heart of the city and promoting cycling as a social, accessible and enjoyable way to move around Limerick.”
“Limerick has a proud tradition of embracing active travel, and Bike Week gives us the perfect moment to celebrate that. We encourage every Limerick resident to come out on Saturday and be part of it.”
At a glance
What: Limerick Rolls — Bike Week 2026 Flagship Event When: Saturday May 16, 12pm–5pm (parade 2pm–3pm) Where: Davis Street (hub) and 5km city centre parade route Admission: Free. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Full details are available at limerick.ie