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11 Oct 2025

BREAKING: Massive 2028 European event coming to Limerick

West of Ireland secured the win with an impressive 70% of the votes

BREAKING: Massive 2028 European event coming to Limerick

THE West of Ireland’s bid to host EuroPride 2028 has been successful with Limerick and Clare set to stage the massive event.

Manchester Pride in northern England competed with a joint ‘West of Ireland’ bid from Limerick Pride, QuareClare and The Outing Festival to host the celebration. 

Manchester hosted EuroPride in 2003 whereas the event - Europe’s most significant LGBTQIA+ event -  has never been hosted on the island of Ireland. 

READ ALSO: Best friends recreate photo in Limerick town 42 years later via Las Vegas and trip to Penneys!

Bids were presented at the EPOA annual conference in Barcelona this weekend. More than 120 member organisations cast their votes this Saturday and West of Ireland secured the win with an impressive 70% of the votes.

There were plenty of whoops of delight and hugs in the room when the announcement was made on Saturday afternoon.

The event will give voice and visibility to smaller Prides and LGBTQIA+ communities across Ireland and Europe, ensuring that every community — rural or urban — is seen, heard, and represented,” reads a statement posted to EuroPride’s Instagram page this Saturday.

Welcoming the announcement Mayor of Limerick John Moran said: "People will talk about the fun we will have, they will talk about the positive impact to the economy, but this is much more. It is saying to every kid and adult who may be asking the question to themselves, that they are welcoming in the inclusive Limerick (and Clare) that we are continuing to build.

"As Mayor of Limerick on behalf of all the people of Limerick, I welcome this landmark event as a recognition of our spirit, our inclusivity, and our commitment to equality.

"Our goal is not only to host memorable events, but to leave a lasting legacy of inclusion, awareness, and civic pride."

Local councillors in Limerick had thrown their weight behind a local bid to host EuroPride with one member even suggesting the 2028 event could be known as “P-Ryder Cup” in relation to the county's hosting of the major golf tournament in 2027.

Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara had previously said the event is worth potentially €2.5m to the local economy, and is estimated to draw more than 100,000 people.

However, the northside councillor had warned that Limerick faced a “David v Goliath” battle with the British city of Manchester for the right to host the event.

Reacting to the news of the successful bid this Saturday, he said: "That the West of Ireland has won the bid to host EuroPride 2028 is testament to the work, preparation and drive of the combined team from Limerick Pride, The Outing Festival, and Quare Clare!

"This will be an extraordinary opportunity for Europe to see Limerick shine as a beacon of inclusivity, solidarity, and creativity! Congratulations to all who made this happen!"

Cllr Daniel Butler, Cathaoirleach of the Limerick Metropolitan Area said: "I am absolutely thrilled to welcome the news that Limerick, together with Clare, has been selected to host EuroPride 2028 – the largest Pride event ever to take place on the island of Ireland. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the passion, creativity, and determination of our local LGBTQIA+ community and to the spirit of inclusivity that defines Limerick."

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