10 things to look forward to in Limerick in 2023

Things to look forward to in Limerick in 2023

1. St Patrick's Day

In 2022 we finally saw a return to full scale St Patrick's Day celebrations after two years of muted festivities.

Limerick city was a sea of green for the big parade as well as the International Band Championship. There was a great atmosphere across the county as parades also took to the streets in towns and villages throughout Limerick.

No official plans have been announced yet but St Patrick's Day falls on a Friday in 2023 so we can expect a weekend of celebrations.

2. Riverfest

One of the highlights of the year in Limerick takes place on the May Bank Holiday weekend and each year it gets bigger and better.

Taking place from April 28 to May 1, 2023 Riverfest is the festival of the summer with families, foodies and fitness fanatics arriving in the city.

Highlights of the festival include Riverfest on the Shannon, the Riverfest BBQ Competition, the Riverfestival Village in Arthur’s Quay Park, Regeneron Great Limerick Run and a spectacular fireworks display to finish off the weekend.

3. Great Limerick Run

One of the most anticipated events of the year will return once again this May Bank Holiday weekend.

The Regeneron Great Limerick Run will take place on Sunday, April 30 after returning last year for the first time since 2019.

The marathon brings thousands of runners and supporters to Limerick for the May Bank Holiday weekend and there is always an amazing buzz around the city.

Registration is now open for the Marathon, Relay, Half Marathon and the six mile event.

4. LIMERICK GARDEN FESTIVAL

Over 50 traders from all over Ireland will descend on the Milk Market in June for the Limerick Garden Festival.

The exciting plant, garden and food market will take place on Sunday, June 18 and will feature something for everyone.

The event will feature talks from garden experts as well as demos, workshops, artisan food stalls, music, entertainment from young and old as well as masterclasses for gardeners.

Test out your local knowledge with the Limerick Leader/Limerick Live end-of-year quiz

5. Dermot Kennedy

Ed Sheeran delighted his fans with two sold-out gigs at Thomond Park in 2022, and in 2023 another superstar will take to the stage at the famous stadium.

Dermot Kennedy will play three gigs in Limerick on July 7, 8 and 9 with tickets for the first two shows already sold out.

One of Ireland’s best-selling artists, Dermot headlined Electric Picnic to over 70,000 people in September – his biggest festival headline so far.

His debut album, Without Fear, was the biggest selling album of the millennium by an Irish artist.

6. Holidays

So this technically takes you away from Limerick but once you have enjoyed everything going on in the Treaty County in 2023, you can jet off from an airport right on your doorstep.

Shannon Airport has announced a number of new routes recently, taking passengers to destinations such as Porto, Naples and Liverpool.

It has never been easier to set off on a weekend break or a longer trip with the easily accessible airport just 20 minutes from Limerick city.

7. Four-in-a-row?

In the summer of 2022, the Limerick hurlers proved once again why they are the pride of the county as they brought home the Liam MacCarthy Cup for the third year in-a-row.

Declan Hannon and the boys were victorious in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship and hopefully they can keep their winning streak going.

The team have defeated Galway, Waterford, Cork and Kilkenny in four out of the last five years so fingers crossed they will continue on their spell of big triumphs in 2023.

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There are some great gigs lined up for 2023 with big names making their way to Limerick to entertain audiences.

Nathan Carter, Keith Barry, Madness and of course Dermot Kennedy are just some of the artists coming to the Treaty City.

Kraftwerk, Kasabian, Hermitage Green and Bell X1 are more of the acts that will rock King John's Castle in the summer.

9. Ballyhoura Walking Festival

Once all the excitement of the summer fun dies down, you might want to consider getting your walking boots on for the 27th Ballyhoura Walking Festival.

The festival takes place from Friday, October 6 to Sunday, October 8 in Kilfinane.

Established as Ireland’s first-ever walking festival, it provides an opportunity to explore some of Ballyhoura Country’s stunning scenery.

Many of the walks are led by members of the Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club, who have in-depth knowledge of the area and its heritage, history, flora and fauna and are suitable for all abilities, from the enthusiastic well-equipped walkers to gentle ramblers.

10. Christmas in Limerick

If the 2022 Christmas in Limerick festivities are anything to go by then we can expect even more festive fun in 2023.

The festive calendar is bursting with fun events for families including a special market, illuminations and nighttime entertainment.

There will be something for all ages to enjoy including Limerick on Ice, a number of Pantos to choose from and much, much more.