A NUMBER of iconic Limerick venues and landmarks will be rolling out the barrel in welcome for the European Sport for All Games later this year.
From August 7 to 10, the Treaty City will play host to the 2026 Games, which are set to attract over 250 participants from across 26 European delegations for four days of sport, cultural exchange, and community.
The event will see traditional games, performances, and cultural experience from across Europe take place in parks, streets, and public spaces throughout the Treaty City.
Venues confirmed for the anticipated Games so far include King John’s Castle, Nicholas Street, the Hunt Museum Garden, Arthur’s Quay Park, Honan’s Quay, The Crescent and Georgian Limerick, People’s Park, Mary Immaculate College, Merchant’s Quay, and the Milk Market.
The Games will kick off on Friday August 7 with an opening ceremony at King John’s Castle, and a conference at Mary Immaculate College.
Throughout Saturday and Sunday, traditional sports and games from across Europe will take over the city centre, with demonstrations, performances, and opportunities for everyone in Limerick to join in on different traditional games and cultures.
The Games will conclude on Monday with a closing ceremony at the Milk Market.
Among the sports visitors can expect to see are asphalt stock sport from Austria, pljockanje from Poland, barrel rolling from France, gymnastics from Estonia, the horseshoe throw from Hungary, and tamburello from Italy.
Phelim Macken of Limerick Sports Partnership said: “there is huge excitement among delegates and participating countries about coming to Limerick for the European Sport for All Games in August. People are looking forward not only to demonstrating their traditional sports and games, but also to sharing their culture, meeting communities in Limerick and experiencing the city together.”
“What makes these Games special is that they bring sport out into public spaces and create opportunities for everyone to get involved, whether that is by taking part, watching, volunteering or simply enjoying the atmosphere across the city.”
The Games are being organised by Limerick Sports Partnership and TAFISA in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Sport Ireland, University of Limerick, and co-funded by the European Union.