Christmas Merry and Bright Challenge launched by Limerick City and County Council

LIMERICK is set to dazzle this Christmas as Limerick City and County Council launches the Christmas in Limerick Merry and Bright Challenge, inviting businesses, residents, and offices across the city and county to showcase their holiday spirit. With a total of €10,000 in prizes, this festive competition promises to transform Limerick into a winter wonderland.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran is encouraging everyone to get involved:

“This challenge is a call to action. I want everyone to help Limerick transform into a festive wonderland this Christmas. I encourage businesses, residents, and offices to actively participate in decorating their spaces. The goal is to create a visually stunning and welcoming holiday atmosphere that enhances the region’s beauty and festive spirit for both locals and visitors. I want to see Limerick light up like never before.”

The challenge will be judged by Lisa Kearney from Rooney Auctioneers and General Manager of Brown Thomas, Liam Dwan.

Ms Kearney is looking forward to judging the entries, saying:

"I love Christmas and each year we put a lot of effort into making our business look festive and cheerful. This competition is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and show Limerick at its best. I can't wait to see the creativity and effort everyone puts into their decorations."

Mr Dwan added: "The Brown Thomas windows are famous for their Christmas displays and it is always a joy to see people’s reactions to what we put on show each year. I hope to see many more businesses take up this challenge to help create an even more festive atmosphere right across the city and county.”

The competition is open to all residents and businesses meeting the criteria set out in each competition category. Businesses must keep the festive lights on until at least 10pm to help light up Limerick.

READ MORE: Network Ireland Limerick to host a festive President’s Dinner

Decorations must be visible from the street. Participants must provide their name, address, and contact information with their submission.

The competition categories are as follows:

Best Christmas Shop Front – Limerick’s Historic City Centre

Calling all retailers in Limerick’s Historic City Centre (including Newtown Pery, the Walled City Areas of Irish Town and English Town, the Market Quarter). Get into the Christmas spirit by decorating your shop or business front with festive flair. The most creative and eye-catching display will win €2,000.

Best Christmas Shop Front – Limerick County

This competition extends to all retailers in Limerick county. Whether you're in Adare, Newcastle West, or any of the county towns, decorate your shop or business front for Christmas and you could win €2,000 for the most festive and imaginative display.

Limerick Christmas Tree Competition – Georgian Quarter Shops/Offices

Shops and offices located on the ground floor in the historic Georgian Quarter of Limerick city are invited to decorate their Christmas trees to spread the festive cheer. Set up your Christmas tree in your street-facing window. The most festive tree will win €2000.

Limerick Christmas Tree Competition – Residents in the Georgian Quarter

Do you live in the iconic Georgian Quarter of Limerick? If you have a street-facing window, you can also join in the festivities and be in with a chance to win. The best tree will win €2,000.

Best Christmas House Decorations – Limerick City & County

Whether you live in the city or the countryside, it's time to get your home looking merry and bright. Whether it's twinkling lights, creative displays, or whimsical holiday decorations, the most stunningly decorated house in Limerick city and county will win €2,000.

 How to Enter: Decorate your home or business exterior with festive lights and decorations, take a photo of your decorated space and mail your contact details and photo to merryandbright@limerick.ie with the competition category in the subject line.

Entries must be submitted to merryandbright@limerick.ie by Thursday, December 19. Winners will be announced on Monday, December 23 – just in time for Christmas!