The festive season is in full swing now, isn’t it? Have you got your lights up and your presents tucked away under the tree. If you’re looking to get out of the house, there’s plenty of events (some Christmassy, others not so much) and we’ve got the Limerick Events Guide ready to guide you through it.
The Garda Community Engagement Van will be on Thomas Street daily from 12pm handing out “Nice List Certificates” to kids (until Sunday 22nd). More info here
Rapunzel is locked in a tower. Can she use her long hair to escape? Can she make her way out of the forest? Will she find true love? Does she want to? Who is the follically challenged Juan Garibaldi? Find out more at Rapunzel 2024 in the Lime Tree Theatre from Saturday 7th December to Sunday 5th January. Written by Mike Finn and directed by Michael Finneran. Tickets €30/€27 with family ticket for €105. More info here
The Egg-straordinary Specsavers Limerick Panto, Mother Goose, comes to University Concert Hall this December from Thursday 19th December to Sunday 12th January. Poor Mother Goose is struggling to get by on her meagre pension. Her two sons Seamus and Gussie are pretty hopeless at earning money, but they help her on the farm looking after her geese. Mother Goose’s Fairy Godmother sees how hard things are getting and sends her a goose that lays golden eggs. This makes Mother Goose very happy and very rich. But money turns Mother Goose into a different person, and she becomes distracted by the evil Demon Vanity as she goes off seeking a magic elixir to bring her youth and beauty. However, Vanity is just trying to steal Priscilla, the golden goose for themselves. More info here
Fossett’s Christmas Circus returns to Cleeves on O’Callaghan Strand from Thursday 12th December to Sunday 5th January. Step into the heated festive big top and be swept away with amazing acrobatic presentations, daredevil stunts and a sprinkle of festive Fossett magic. Join Otto the clown and the Queen of Irish Circus, Marion Fossett in a unique Circus Show – a must see in Limerick this Christmas! Online Ticketns €14 for children, €14 for seniors and €18 for adults. Box Office Tickets €16 for children and seniors and €20 for adults. More info here
Hop on board Toots the Train and soak up Limerick City’s most festive sights and Christmas lights! Toots leaves the UL City Campus, Liddy Street every 25 minutes between 11.30am and 7pm (runs until January 5th). Tickets €5pp (Children under 2 go free) and are available from Toots’ Train Driver. Pay by Revolut or cash on the day. More info here
Local Artist, Grace O’Brien, is holding a two-month solo exhibition, the Best of Both, in the Hunt Cafe. Her first solo exhibition features 24 paintings of local scenery. Runs from the 1st November to the 31st December. More info here
Get your skates on at Limerick On Ice in Arthurs Quay Park until January 5th. Open 3pm to 8pm weekdays and 10am to 8pm at weekends. Tickets €20/€18/€16. More info here
The Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) is hosting its highly anticipated 2024 Christmas Showcase, running from December 3rd to 23rd in the Old Debenhams Store. Showcasing the work of more than 100 talented artists, the exhibition offers a dynamic mix of mediums including fashion, ceramics, fine art, photography and sculpture. Featured artists include Ann McBride, Lidija Savickaite, Gavin Hogg, Frank McCarthy (representing Paint Punch), Tina O’Connell, Shane Vaughan of Limerick Printmakers and many more. More info here
Ormston House presents The Limerick Show, a showcase of works by emerging and established artists. This is a celebration of the breadth of art being produced in Limerick (city and county) today, showcasing thirty-nine artists and spanning painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and video. This edition has no theme, but there are recurring motifs and subjects. Runs from the 29th November to the 1st February. More info here
Risk/ Reward, Limerick Printmakers at 25 explores the importance of, and power in cultivating resilience as an individual and an artist, while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining this quality in an ever more complex world. Runs from the 21st November to the 12th January in the Limerick City Gallery of Art. Risk/ Reward features a selection of entirely new work from diverse printmakers working within an array of techniques, united by deep engagement within their practice. More info here
Discover Kwaidan – Encounters with Lafcadio Hearn at The Hunt Museum, showcasing an extraordinary collection of prints by 20 Japanese artists and 20 Irish artists. Inspired by Hearn’s ghostly tales, the works reflect a range of techniques and artistic perspectives, each transforming these eerie stories into compelling visual pieces. The exhibition explores the intersection of folklore, storytelling, and the shared cultural heritage between Ireland and Japan. Runs until 22nd February. More info here
Monday 16th December
The Big Limerick Seisiún with live music and dance takes place every evening in the Locke Bar at 5pm and 9pm
Run 061’s weekly Girls Night Run starts at 7pm. There are 3km, 4.5km and 6km routes. Open to runners of all levels. More info here
Chess Club is in Pharmacia from 7pm
There’s live music in Katie Daly’s from 7.30pm.
Seth Rackard plays the Record Room at 8pm. Gander down for a wee auld folky night courtesy of Shroomie, Sean Freeney and Seth Rackard. Tickets €8. More info here.
It’s Industry Night in Pharmacia from 8pm
The 061 Open Mic Night in Charlie Malones from 9pm
Tuesday 17th December
Run 061’s weekly 3Ks & Latties Run starts at 7.30am at Oahu. Open to runners of all levels. More info here
Limerick Sports Partnership’s weekly ActiveCities Walking Group is doing the Castletroy Urban Greenway Walk. Meeting at Kilmurry Lodge Hotel at 11am. More info here
The Limerick Sports Partnership weekly West Limerick Walk takes place in the Newcastle West Demesne (by the soccer Car Park) at 11am. More info here
The Big Limerick Seisiún with live music and dance takes place every evening in the Locke Bar at 5pm and 9pm
Sahaja Yoga are running a Free Meditation workshop in Limerick City Library at 6pm. More info here
Meditation classes with Grainne take place in the People’s Museum at 6.30pm. Tickets €10. More info here
Jack Brolly’s Wierd and Wonderful Quiz Night is in Crew Brewing from 7.30pm. It’s quizzing but not like you know it. Get down early because this will definitely be a full house!
There’s live music in Katie Daly’s from 7.30pm
Come and celebrate the magic of the Christmas season with A Winter’s Night: Songs of Peace and Joy, a heartwarming concert of songs performed by four of Limerick’s top choirs. A Winter’s Night: Songs of Peace and Joy will take place in the beautiful gallery at the Limerick School of Art and Design at 7.30pm. It will feature performances by the Limerick Chamber Choir, Seoda, the Limerick Youth Choir and the Cantette Children’s Choir. They will perform a mix of atmospheric songs celebrating peace and joy at this special time of year. Admission is free and a retiring collection will be held in aid of Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland – a charity that trains and provides life-changing service dogs to children with autism, helping them to increase safety, independence and confidence. More info here
The Tintéan Sessions take place in the Commercial Bar from 8:30pm til late. Free Entry
You’ve seen Wicked, now it’s time for Night of 1000 Ariana Grandes in the Wickham from 9pm. Including some Holiday Hits and Drag Performers from across the country. Tickets from €5. More info here
The Acoustic Club open mic night is in the Number 3 pub, Lwr Glentworth St from 9pm
Wednesday 18th December
The Limerick Sports Partnership weekly Kimallock Walk meetings outside the Kilmallock Library at 11am. Just turn up and enjoy the walk!
Run 061’s weekly Social Run starts at 7pm at the Strand. This is a 4.5km run at an easy Conversation Pace. Open to runners of all levels. More info here
Comedian Katie Boyle is in Dolans Warehouse at 7.30pm. Katie Boyle is an Irish comedian living in New York City. She performed as a “New Face” in the 2023 Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, and was featured in NY Funniest showcase and New York Comedy Festival in 2022. Katie’s debut album and special, I’ll Do It Myself, was released through Pinch Records in summer of 2023. Tickets €22. More info here
There’s live music in Katie Daly’s from 7.30pm
LGBT+ Mediation with Grainne takes place in GOSHH at 7.30pm. Email [email protected] to book your place.
It’s Drink & Draw night at Crew Brewing at 8pm.
It’s Open Mic Night in the Glen Tavern from 9pm to 11pm
It’s Weekend on a Wednesday(Christmas Edition) with DJ Greg in Micky Martins from 9.30pm
Thursday 19th December
Lunchtime Jazz, a special performance by members of the Limerick Jazz Society will take place in the Limerick City Gallery of Art at 1.15pm. Featuring Joe O’Callaghan (guitar), Peter Hanagan (Bass) and John Daly (Drums). Free event. More info here
The Wickham Way Food Court will be open from 4pm to 9pm (exact opening hours vary for each food truck)
Storytime for Young Children takes place in Watch House Cross Library at 4pm. Suitable for Ages 2-6 years. Free event. More info here
The Big Limerick Seisiún with live music and dance takes place every evening in the Locke Bar at 5pm and 9pm
Run 061’s weekly Speed Session Run starts at 7pm at the Strand. This is a 4km run covering Hills, Intervals or Tempo. Open to runners of all levels. More info here
Following a wonderful performance as part of Culture Night, Ballyhoura Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann (CCÉ) are back to perform an Evening of Traditional Music, Song and Dance in the Friars Gate Theatre at 7.30pm. Tickets €10 for adults and €5 for children. More info here
Donegal singer-songwriter Muireann Bradley returns to Dolans Warehouse at 8pm. Last year, she performed on Jools’ Annual Hootenanny on New Years Eve. Tickets €28 + BF. More info here
I.NY and Liveable Limerick presents Glen Hansard in the Belltable at 8pm in aid of Ukranian Action in Ireland. Glen Hansard is the lead singer and founding member of The Frames, and one half of The Swell Season. Together with Czech pianist and vocalist Markéta Irglová, they share an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly,” from the film Once, in which they both starred. Tickets €35. More info here
Award-winning Limerick chamber choir Ancór presents their annual sell-out Christmas event with seasonal music from all eras for choir and orchestra. The concert takes place in the beautiful candlelit atmosphere of St Mary’s Cathedral at 8pm and will be conducted by Cecilia Madden. Admission price includes your programme and mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets €28. More info here
It’s Irish Language Night at Crew Brewing at 8pm. All levels welcome.
It’s Trad Thursday in Katie Daly’s at 9pm.
For Folks Sake are in the Blue Bar (Green Yard Café) at 9pm
It’s the Thirsty Thursdays with DJ Colm Brandon in Mickey Martins from 9.30pm
The Rambler are in the Glen Tavern at 9.30pm
Friday 20th December
The Open-Air Courtyard and Christmas Outdoor Cafe in association with Limerick Suicide Watch is open in the Milk Market from 10am to 3pm
Castletroy Farmers Market is open 10am – 2ish at the Castletroy Town Centre. Fresh baked goods, artisan coffee, vege, fish, hot food, cookies, plants, and much more
Parent & Toddler Morning takes place from 10.30am to 12pm at Watch House Cross Library with songs, stories and rhymes. More info here
The Wickham Way Food Court will be open from 1pm to 9pm (exact opening hours vary for each food truck)
SOLD OUT Join storyteller and musician David Collopy for Christmas Tales by The Limerick Fireside at 5pm in the People’s Museum of Limerick, as he recounts stories of Christmas traditions gone by, including the Hunting of the Wren, Thomond Bridge on Christmas Eve, the bells of St. Mary’s Cathedral and Nollaig na mban! Free event. More info here
The Big Limerick Seisiún with live music and dance takes place every evening in the Locke Bar at 5pm and 9pm
It’s Friday Fest in 101 O’Connell Street from 5pm to 7pm
There’s a free Himalayan Meditation workshop in Dooradoyle Library at 6pm. More info here
The Barnagh Twilight Market takes place at the Barnagh Greenway Hub from 6pm to 9pm. Bring your paws to meet Santa Claus or check out the festive Food and Drinks, local Crafts and Gifts and great Christmas music and atmosphere
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with Christmas Jingle & Mingle, a night of festive fun and cheer at 6pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel. Come and enjoy a night filled with Christmas music, delicious finger food, and great company. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, catch up with old friends, and spread some holiday joy. Don’t forget to wear your favourite holiday attire; you could win a prize for it!! Don’t miss out on this merry celebration. Tickets €12.50. More info here
Oahu After Hours is a new monthly acoustic session featuring local artists in Oahu at 7.30pm. Admission by donation.
SOLD OUT The Amazing George Michael Experience is in Dolans Warehouse at 8pm. More info here
Green Fake, God’s Favourite Tribute Band, are in Dolans Kasbah at 8pm. Get ready to embark on a nostalgic journey through the rebellious anthems of Green Day with Green Fake, the ultimate tribute band. Tickets €15. More info here
The legends behind Féile Na Gréine present Christmas For Misfits in Pharmacia at 8pm. Expect mulled wine, a banging lineup, Christmas cheer -they’ve got it all. The lineup includes Henry Earnest, Róis, Krautrock Christmas and the Féile DJs. Tickets €12. More info here
Domino Lite are in the Blue Bar (Green Yard Café) at 9.30pm
Guilty Pleasures are in the Glen Tavern at 9.30pm
It’s the FUBAR Friday (Christmas Edition) with DJ Cillian Callaghan in Mickey Martins from 9.30pm
Out of the Blue are in Off the Bone (South Court) at 9.30pm
Andy Unscene and My Name Is John are on the decks in the Record Room from 10pm till late. Free entry.
Josh Quinn is in the Old Quarter at 10.30pm
Saturday 20th December
The Festive Food/Craft Market and Santa Post-box is open in the Milk Market from 8am to 3pm
Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5k run that takes place every Saturday morning at 9.30am. Limerick has Parkruns at the UL Boathouse, Mungret Park and The Demense in Newcastle West. All you need to do is register once on parkrun.com to get your barcode and you can show up to any of the events.
Enjoy a Festive Breakfast with Santa and Mrs Claus and enjoy a visit to Santa’s Wonderland at 9.30am in O’Regan’s Restaurant in the Foynes Flying Boat Museum. Tickets €15 for children and €25 for adults (Family Tickets €75). More info here
The Wickham Way Market Stalls & Food Court will be open 10am to 3pm (food court open til late).
The Art4Limerick Pop-Up Gallery is open from 10.30am to 5.30pm. It’s located at 19 Nicholas St. More info here
Cruises Street will be a hive of family-friendly activity on Saturdays and Sundays in December. Here are all the great events happening:
1pm-3pm: Music Generation Stage
2pm-2.45pm: Walkabout Performers
2pm-4pm: Face Painting & Balloon Modeling
3pm-3.45pm: Walkabout Performers
3pm-4pm: Kids Disco Queen Kelsey
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Breathe Better Yoga with an intimate and reflective evening workshop at 4pm in the Breathe Better Yoga Studio, 3 Michael Street. Through ritual, movement, meditation, and sound, you’ll explore the theme of transition and renewal. You’ll leave feeling grounded, inspired, and aligned with the solstice’s energy of light and rebirth.Tickets €35. More info here
The Big Limerick Seisiún with live music and dance takes place every evening in the Locke Bar at 5pm and 9pm
It’s Bottomless Christmas in the Black Rabbit from 5.30pm. Celebrate the festive season with an unmissable night of live music, delicious food, and bottomless drinks. Whether you’re planning the ultimate Christmas party or just looking for some festive fun with friends, this is the perfect event to get into the holiday spirit. Relive the magic of the 90s and 2000s with spectacular tribute performances from Westlife and Take That tribute acts. Sing along to classic hits like “Flying Without Wings,” “Back for Good,” and “Rule the World” – it’s the ultimate throwback Christmas celebration! Tickets from €20. More info here
The Limerick Sport Eagles play Moycullen in the National League Basketball Division 1 in the UL Arena at 7pm
SOLD OUTQween, Ireland’s top Queen tribute act, returns to Dolans Warehouse at 8pm. More info here
The Three Tenors perform their show O Holy Night at 8pm in the Redemptorist Church. Celtic flavoured with a blend of classical and good humour, it’s the fabulous mix of carefully selected popular and inspiring songs beautifully arranged and sung with passion that draws in people, who can easily connect with the three warm engaging singers Paul Feery, Conor Gibbons and Philip Klubicka. Tickets €30. More info here.
Frank McNamara presents A Very Irish Christmas by Candlelight in the Longcourt House Hotel at 8pm. Featuring the lovely talents of Anne Phelan on violin with Frank McNamara on the piano, we are joined once again my the fabulous Megan Ruby Walsh (star of Celtic Woman for 5 years) and very special guests Cór Coláiste na Trócaire from Rathkeale. Tickets €28/18. More info here
Paint the Town Rua is coming to The Wickham at 9pm to bring you a sensual night of pole dance, burlesque, drag and music for Xmas! Paint the Town Rua is a cabaret show from your wildest dreams, bringing you fun, games, burlesque, drag, pole dance and more. If you were looking for something to brighten up the dark and cold nights of winter, we have the very thing! Expect madness, mayhem and mulled wine with a fabulous cast and an even better audience- YOU! Tickets €9. More info here
Tara and Marion are in the Glen Tavern at 9.30pm
16 Tons of Jive are in the Blue Bar (Green Yard Café) at 9.30pm
It’s the Saturday Sessions(Christmas Edition) with DJ Arsenik in Mickey Martins from 9.30pm
Acoustra are in Off the Bone (South Court) at 9.30pm
Local selector extraordinaire Tom Prendergast is back in the Record Room from 10pm till late. Free entry. More info here
Drive are in the Old Quarter at 10.30pm
Finish your night off with the Dolans After Party on the Dolans Terrace from 10.30pm
Sunday 22nd December
The Festive Food/Craft Market and Outdoor Cafes are open in the Milk Market from 8am to 3pm
The Wickham Way Food Court will be open through the day (exact opening hours vary for each food truck)
Run 061’s weekly Sunday Long Run starts at 9.30am at the UL Sports Arena. This is a 65-minute run Time on Legs Run. Open to runners of all levels. More info here
Junior Parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year-olds) held every Sunday at 9:30am in Shelbourne Park, Shelbourne Road. It’s free to take part but you need to register online before your first session and bring along your barcode. More info here
Croissant Run Club Limerick, a fun social running group, meets at 9.45am at Arthurs Quay Park for a 3.5km run (followed by a Crossiant). More info here
Yoga Flow takes place every Sunday in the Milk Market at 10.15am. No booking required, just bring a mat. €5 per person. All Levels Welcome
The Art4Limerick Pop-Up Gallery is open from 10.30am to 5.30pm. It’s located at 19 Nicholas St. More info here
PIGTOWN PICK OF THE WEEK A Limerick Georgian Christmas takes place at the Crescent, O’Connell St from 1pm to 5pm. Experience Panto, choir carols, sacred Latin recitals, and jazzy melodies. Meet Mr. & Mrs. Santa & Paws, and take a photo with your dog. Witness Mr. Scrooge redeeming his humanity. Enjoy magical lit trees, a winter wonderland, and complimentary hot chocolate and treats! More info here
Cruises Street will be a hive of family-friendly activity on Saturdays and Sundays in December. Here are all the great events happening:
3pm-4pm: Kids Disco Queen Kelsey
1pm-3pm: Music Generation Stage
2pm-2.45pm: Walkabout Performers
2pm-4pm: Face Painting & Balloon Modeling
3pm-3.45pm: Walkabout Performers
Festival in a Van presents JaYne and Michelle Grimes on Thomas St from 1pm to 3pm. Free event. More info here
Wrap up in your winter woollies and join Limerick Opera Festival for festive operatic performances on Cruises Street from 1pm to 3pm. Free event. More info here
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, along with his faithful canine companion, Henri, are delighted to invite dog lovers and their furry friends to a unique winter event, Christmas Paws, Limerick’s First Canine Cinema at the Royal Cinema at 5pm. This festive gathering will feature a special screening of the heartwarming film Angela’s Christmas. This enchanting movie promises to captivate audiences of all ages, providing a magical experience for both two-legged and four-legged attendees. Tickets for Christmas Paws are available through a ticket lottery system. More info here
The Big Limerick Seisiún with live music and dance takes place every evening in the Locke Bar at 5pm and 9pm
It’s Games Night in Mickey from 6pm
The Lockys are in the Blue Bar (Green Yard Cafe) at 7pm
Liam O’Brien’s Crooning at Christmas returns to Dolans Warehouse at 7.30pm. This December marks a milestone for Crooning at Christmas, the beloved festive show led by Liam O’Brien, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Since its debut in 2004, this celebration of the swing era has become a cherished Limerick tradition, lighting up the city’s holiday season year after year. To honour this special anniversary, Crooning at Christmas returns for not one, but two performances, on Sunday December 22nd, and Monday December 23rd. Tickets €25 + BF. More info here
Local legends the Brad Pitt Light Orchestra play Dolans Upstairs at 8pm. Tickets €16. More info here
The Bohemian Vibes Open Mic night kicks off at the Wickham from 8pm.
Nollaig are in the Glen Tavern at 9.30pm
That’s all for this week’s Limerick Events Guide. So, what you’re looking forward to?
If we missed an event, drop us a message. We’ll be adding more as we go on. Check out some recent posts:
