Countdown is on to big Bank Holiday weekend in Limerick

EXCITEMENT is building in Limerick with tens of thousands of people set to descend on Shannonside for Riverfest.

Limerick’s flagship May Bank Holiday weekend festival gets under way on Friday, with four fun days of activities set to take place on the banks of the river Shannon.

The organisers are promising that it will be a “one-stop festival for live music, good food, thrilling performances and all around good craic!”

There will be a huge choice of activities across the weekend, including the traditional barbecue on the boardwalk beside the river, the Riverfestival village in Arthur’s Quay Park, while the Great Limerick Run will see runners pound the city streets on Sunday.

It’s the 19th time Riverfest has been staged, with last year seeing 120,000 people enjoying it as it returned following a Covid-19 hiatus.

On Sunday night, the Strand Hotel will play host to the popular Abba tribute band, the Sensations, with the skies then being decorated with a spectacular fireworks display, which are set to get under way at 10.15pm.

On Friday night, there will also be an exciting fireshow in Bedford Row.

The Panoramic Wheel has moved from Arthur’s Quay Park to the Potato Market to provide spectacular overhead views of the city.

And other highlights of the weekend festival include Riverfest Flyboarding, a water-based stunt show designed to amaze and the Riverfest Freedrop for the thrill-seekers among us.

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For younger family members, there will be a scavenger hunt, and a slime lab providing a gooey, oozy experience for curious minds!

A chill-out zone and sensory room, in partnership with ASD Ireland, has been set up outside the Hunt Museum to allow children and adults with autism to get away from it all.

Festivals and events officer at Limerick City and County Council Eugene Crimmins said: “The city is abuzz with excitement leading up to Riverfest Limerick 2023 with something for everyone”.

The council’s senior executive officer for tourism Eileen Coleman added: “With Riverfest, we endeavour to appeal to all audiences and age groups. It’s so important for families to spend quality time together, especially during the Bank Holiday weekends and there are a number of events that families can enjoy together”.

Mayor Francis Foley added: “Riverfest signals the start of summer for all in Limerick and the region. This year’s festival is busier than ever and once again Limerick City will be the place to be over the four days. With river-based fun, sport, music, culture and food to the fore, where else would you be this May bank holiday weekend than in Limerick. As always, the people of Limerick will embrace visitors from Ireland and the World for the festival where we, as a people, can showcase what we’re about”.

For a full guide to events telephone 061-556000 or visit riverfest.ie