Wild Geese Festival returns to Limerick for four days of celebration

THE Wild Geese Festival is set to return to Limerick, with this year's programme promising a vibrant mix of history, music, art, food and community engagement .

Now established as one of the county's most distinctive heritage festivals, four days of unique events will be hosted across Limerick from July 9 to July 12.

Celebrations are set to kick off with two pre-festival events, commemorating the Flight of the Wild Geese following the Treaty of Limerick in 1691, while celebrating the rich cultural, artistic and diplomatic links that continue to unite Ireland and France today.

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The popular Wild-Geese Cypher – The French Takeover will be held at The Record Room on June 25 as part of Twilight Thursday, followed by a special French Connection Whisky Tasting at Mother Macs on July 3.

Festival week aims to bring together local communities, historians, artists, musicians and international visitors for four days of cultural celebration, historical reflection and unique events honouring the enduring legacy of the Wild Geese and the historic connections between Ireland and France.

The official celebrations will commence at No.1 Perry Square Hotel, with an elegant Wine Tasting and Garden Party in partnership with the Limerick and Clare Wine Lovers Club on Thursday, July 9.

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On Friday, July 10, the annual History Lecture will explore the fascinating controversy surrounding the placement of the Patrick Sarsfield Statue in late eighteenth-century Limerick.

With a variety of events being held on Saturday, July 11, participants are first invited to attend a commemorative wreath-laying ceremony at the Patrick Sarsfield Statue in John's Square.

Throughout the day, Limerick will host artists participating in the annual Plein Air Painting Competition, while competitors gather in Corbally for the festival’s traditional Pétanque Tournament.

A major highlight of the weekend takes place at St Mary’s Cathedral, where visitors can enjoy a spectacular re-enactment Siege Camp, living history displays, period actors and musical performances.

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The festival concert, running from 2pm to 4pm, will feature an exciting line-up of local and international performers, including the Limerick School of Music, Conradh na Gaeilge, Social Uí Ruairc Irish dancers and other guest artists.

The day concludes with a five-course meal of French cuisine - prepared by award-winning chef George Casey - at the prestigious Wild Geese Festival Gala Dinner in The Hunt Museum.

The celebrations continue on Sunday, July 12, with the Limerick Plein Air Festival at Bunratty Castle before the annual French Flag-Raising Ceremony, hosted by Honorary Consul of France Dr Loïc Guyon.

Festivities will close with a unique historical and musical bus tour exploring sites connected to the Siege of Limerick.

Festival organisers, the Limerick Wild Geese Festival Committee - in partnership with community organisations, cultural groups, local businesses and French-Irish institutions - anticipate a strong turnout, following the event's success in recent years.