Introducing the Christmas in Limerick Merry and Bright Challenge!

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 Liam Dwan, General Manager of Brown Thomas.  

Lisa 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." 

Liam 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.” 

Competition Categories: 

1. 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!  

2. 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 our lovely county towns, decorate your shop or business front for Christmas and you could win €2,000 for the most festive and imaginative display.  

3. 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! 

4. 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! 

5. 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: 

1. Decorate your home or business exterior with festive lights and decorations. 

2. Take a photo of your decorated space. 

3. Email your contact details and photo to merryandbright@limerick.ie with the competition category in the subject line. 

Let's make Limerick merry and bright this Christmas! 

#LimerickMerryandBright #ChristmasinLimerick 

Terms and Conditions 

The Christmas in Limerick Merry and Bright Challenge! 

1. Eligibility:

   • 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. 

   • Employees of Limerick City and County Council and their immediate families are not eligible to enter. 

2. Entry Requirements: 

   • Decorations must be visible from the street. 

   • Entries must be submitted to merryandbright@limerick.ie by Thursday 19 December 2024. 

   • Participants must provide their name, address, and contact information with their submission. 

3. Judging Criteria: 

   • Creativity and originality. 

   • Overall visual impact. 

   • Use of lights and decorations. 

   • Theme consistency. 

   • Effort and attention to detail. 

   • Judging Process: 

   • A panel of independent judges appointed by Limerick City and County Council will evaluate the entries. 

   • The judges' decisions are final and binding. 

4. Prizes: 

   • Winners will be announced on Monday, 23 December 2024 – just in time for Christmas! 

   • Winners will be contacted via the contact information provided with the submission. 

5. General Conditions: 

   • By entering the competition, participants agree to have their decorations photographed and used for promotional purposes by Limerick City and County Council. 

   • Participants must ensure that their decorations do not pose any safety hazards. 

   • Limerick City and County Council reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with the competition rules or is deemed inappropriate. 

6. Liability: 

   • Limerick City and County Council is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from participation in the competition. 

   • Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless Limerick City and County Council from any claims arising from their participation. 

7. Privacy: 

   • Personal information collected during the competition will be used solely for the purposes of administering the competition and will not be shared with third parties without consent. 

8. Amendments: 

   • Limerick City and County Council reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will be communicated to participants promptly. 

9. Contact Information: 

   • For any questions or concerns regarding the competition, please contact merryandbright@limerick.ie.