Show-stopping performances at the 52nd International Band Championship will cap off an exciting weekend of entertainment and family fun at the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival 2024.
The annual crowd pleaser, which is unique to Limerick, returns to the city streets on Monday 18 March. This year marching bands from across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK and the US will dazzle the crowds with music and dance along the city parade route before performing in a free Jamboree in Arthur’s Quay Park.
It will be a captivating finale to the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival which promises to be an extraordinary celebration of Ireland’s Patron Saint, bringing tens of thousands of people together, with events from Friday to Monday catering for all tastes and ages.
The Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell is extending a Céad Mile Fáilte to all:
“I am inviting people to come together as a community to enjoy the richness of diverse cultures and the creative talent on display at parades and events throughout the city and county. Let the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival be your jumping off point to get out and explore all that our amazing city and county has to offer. Enjoy spending time with family and friends and extend a hand of friendship to those you have yet to meet. Tá fáilte roimh chách i Luimneach. Ar mian libh go léir Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona.”
Limerick will burst into life with Shamrock Street Shows, the Panoramic Wheel and exciting parades weaving through the city and county.
The ever popular St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Limerick city is certain to draw huge crowds as over 1500 parade participants create a riot of colour, music, dance and fun. BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2024 winner Seán O’Sullivan will add a smart touch to proceedings as Parade Grand Marshal.
Festivals and Events Coordinator at Limerick City and County Council, Eugene Crimmins is looking forward to the celebrations:
“We are close now to the first major festival of the year and after all the behind the scenes work we are really excited to see people getting out and enjoying the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival weekend. We are delighted to present a packed calendar of events that showcase Limerick’s ‘Different Kind of Energy.’ The International Band Championship is a unique event and we are thrilled to see so many bands making the trip to Limerick to take part again this year. There really is nothing like it anywhere.”
Limerick.ie/stpatricksfestival is the place to go for all the details in just a few clicks.
As well as a handy festival guide the webpage is choc-full of ideas to help you make the most of the three day break, from family fun to sporting action and lively nights out.
This year the Newcastle West St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place on Saturday 16 March. Details of further parades taking place across the county can be found at Limerick.ie.
Autism Friendly
ASD Ireland, in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, present an autism friendly, relaxed environment to view the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival parades in Limerick City. The new purpose-built, wheelchair accessible and eco-friendly mobile sensory room is the first of its kind. Request access to this viewing point at the Crescent, O’Connell Street by emailing keith@asdireland.ie.
Wheelchair Accessible
The wheelchair accessible viewing area will be at a new location at The Crescent, O’Connell Street for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This will move to the O’Connell Street/Mallow Street Junction for the International Band Championship Parade on Monday, 18th March. Access will be by wristband only, limited to three people per application. Request a wristband from festivalsandevents@limerick.ie.
Road Closures
A number of road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect to facilitate the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival events on March 17 and 18. Full details available on Limerick.ie.
Grooveyard is producing this year’s Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival on behalf of Limerick City and County Council along with partners Analog Devices, Mr. Binman, Maldron Hotel, Crescent Shopping Centre and Fáilte Ireland.
Media Sponsors are Limerick Leader, Live 95, Limerick Post and Spin South West.
For the most up-to-date details, check out Limerick.ie/StPatricksFestival and Limerick St Patrick’s Festival social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X).
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