Limerick Events Guide – 1st-4th January
All Week (1st-4th January)
Ormston House presents Table Turning, a solo exhibition by Susan MacWilliam, running until Saturday 21st February. Since 1997, Susan MacWilliam has had an ongoing fascination with how humans have sought to document and quantify the spirit realm. She explores the study of psychic phenomena by drawing from printed archives, scientific apparatus, and interviews with experts. This exhibition of new work has emerged out of meticulous, manual processes: the cutting, stitching, sculpting, and moulding of paper, felt, and clay. For MacWilliam, “the realisation of ideas and objects in the studio” is akin to “the manifestations and materialisations of the séance room”. More info here
A new exhibition by Swedish-Irish artist Freya Porritt Wessman will animate the heart of Nicholas Street this winter, running until Friday 20th March. Presented in collaboration with Limerick School of Art and Design and Limerick City and County Council, and funded through Creative Ireland, the project brings contemporary animation, drawing, and storytelling to one of the city’s most historic quarters. Freya’s practice is rooted in a deep connection to landscape, folklore and mythology, drawing equally on her Irish and Scandinavian heritage. More info here
This festive season, Limerick Museum is delighted to host an exhibition exploring the fascinating history of the much-famed and much-loved local porcelain company Irish Dresden. On display until Saturday, 31st January. The exhibition explores the intriguing story of Dromcolliher-based, porcelain factory, Irish Dresden and how it came to be. From war-torn beginnings in East Germany to the adventure of starting anew in 1960s County Limerick, to major international success, the story of the Saar family is one of resilience and determination. Featuring an array of exquisite Irish Dresden porcelain figurines, some of which are rarely seen, this exhibition will celebrate the company that could, and the curiosity, opportunity, and legacy which it brought to a small corner of rural Limerick. More info here
Thursday 1st January (New Year’s Day)
Kick off the New Year with a special New Year’s Day Parkrun special events at the UL Boathouse and Mungret Park (note no Newcastle West Event) at 9.30am. Free event but you need to register online and bring your barcode. More info here
The University Concert Hall Panto Cinderella runs until January 11th. Can a pair of shoes really change your life? This Christmas, you shall go to the ball with the spectacular rags-to-riches family pantomime, Cinderella at the University Concert Hall. Brought to you by the same creative team behind last year’s smash hit Mother Goose, Cinderella has all the traditional elements of a fabulous festive outing to entertain the entire family. This is a family Panto, with some loud bangs, flashing and strobe lights, and theatrical fog and haze effects, along with a few scary moments, a bit of panto innuendo (never intended to offend) – and some very silly jokes! Starring Cliona Hagan, John Sharpson, Myles Breen, Keith Hanley and Cían O’Riain. Shows today at 2pm and 6.30pm. Tickets from €17. More info here
Limerick Panto Society presents Aladdin in the Millennium Theatre at 4pm. Tickets from €22. More info here
The Eat Street Limerick Food Court at the Wickham Way is open from 4pm to 9pm (Exact times for each food truck will vary)
Friday 2nd January
Hop on board Toots the Christmas Train and soak up Limerick City’s most festive sights and Christmas lights from 11am to 7.30pm. Bus Stop at Liddy Street. €5 per person (Under 2s go free). More info here
The Milk Market Outdoor Cafe is open from 11am to 3pm
The Lime Tree Theatre Christmas Panto Red Riding Hood runs until January 4th. Written by Liam McCarthy and directed by Joan Sheehy, it stars Jessica Bray, James Corr, Aidan Crowe, Saoirse Daly, Cora Fenton, Hazel Park and Pat Ryan. Shows today at 1pm (Relaxed show) and 6pm. Poor Granny isn’t well at all, and only Red can help her find the medicine she needs. Join our heroine as she sets off into the deep, dark, and lonely woods, where wolves and ghouls lurk behind every corner. This year’s panto promises to be an exciting, fun-filled musical extravaganza for the whole family. Tickets from €18. More info here
The Eat Street Limerick Food Court at the Wickham Way is open from 1pm to 9pm (Exact times for each food truck will vary).
The University Concert Hall Panto Cinderella runs until January 11th. Can a pair of shoes really change your life? This Christmas, you shall go to the ball with the spectacular rags-to-riches family pantomime, Cinderella at the University Concert Hall. Brought to you by the same creative team behind last year’s smash hit Mother Goose, Cinderella has all the traditional elements of a fabulous festive outing to entertain the entire family. This is a family Panto, with some loud bangs, flashing and strobe lights, and theatrical fog and haze effects, along with a few scary moments, a bit of panto innuendo (never intended to offend) – and some very silly jokes! Starring Cliona Hagan, John Sharpson, Myles Breen, Keith Hanley and Cían O’Riain. Shows today at 2pm (Relaxed & Signed Show) and 6.30pm. Tickets from €17. More info here
Sip & Play Trivia Night at the Wickham at 7pm. Covering Pop Culture, Movies and Fun Facts. Teams of four. Free entry. Raffle and mini game on the night. More info here
Saturday 3rd January
Celebrate Women’s Little Christmas at the Savoy with Afternoon Tea with YSL at 1pm and 3.30pm. Enjoy a beautifully curated selection of sweet and savoury treats, freshly brewed tea’s and a relaxed setting — the perfect way to unwind and celebrate Women’s Little Christmas. More info here
Join Neuro Pride Ireland organisers and members of the Limerick Neurodivergent community for a Winter Picnic at 1pm in the People’s Park. This will be a cosy daytime connection circle, whether the day turns out to be chilly or sunny, and we invite you to bring warm things: hot water bottles, cups of hot chocolate, thermoses of soup, animal companions (on lead or otherwise safely secured), hand warmers, and comfy things that make you feel warm and fuzzy like blankets and comfort items. Free Event. More info here
Thomond play Midleton in AIL Division 2C at 2.30pm in Liam Fitzgerald Park
Come and enjoy the Wolf Supermoon with some guided meditation at 3pm in the Thomas Fitzgerald Centre in Bruff. Tickets €30. More info here
The Newcastle West Indian Community will be celebrating Christmas and New Year’s in the Castlemahon Community Centre at 5pm. Free event. More info here
Celebrate Little Women’s Christmas at the Joe Dolan and Dickie Rock Show in the Radisson Blu Hotel at 7pm, in aid of Claire’s Wish. Paschal Brennan and his band guarantee the full Joe Dolan and Dickie Rock experience. As well as an amazing night of music, a four-course meal is included with your ticket. Tickets €65. More info here
Thin Lizzy tribute act Thin Az Lizzy celebrate Phil Lynott’s 40-year anniversary in Dolans Warehouse at 8pm. 30 years as a tribute act to the mighty Thin Lizzy and are regarded as the number one in the world. They’ve toured extensively in Ireland, Germany, Holland and Scandinavia, played numerous times at the annual Vibe for Philo in Dublin. Tickets €19.50. More info here
Tina Turner Proud Mary & Her City Limits Band are in the Friar’s Gate Theatre at 8pm. Get ready to experience Simply the best tribute to the Queen of Rock Tina Turner. Proud Mary & Her City Limits Band brings you all the power, passion and energy of Tina’s legendary performances. Featuring the incredible Amanda Lane, a night of unforgettable music and pure rock ‘n’ soul magic. Tickets €30. More info here
Sunday 4th January
The Annual Walk for Cliona’s Foundation takes place at 11am at the Gleann Beag Loop Trail. Starting point Broadford Car Park. Bucket Collection in the day. Refreshments afterwarss in the Broadford Community Centre. More info here
The University Concert Hall Panto Cinderella runs until January 11th. Can a pair of shoes really change your life? This Christmas, you shall go to the ball with the spectacular rags-to-riches family pantomime, Cinderella at the University Concert Hall. Brought to you by the same creative team behind last year’s smash hit Mother Goose, Cinderella has all the traditional elements of a fabulous festive outing to entertain the entire family. This is a family Panto, with some loud bangs, flashing and strobe lights, and theatrical fog and haze effects, along with a few scary moments, a bit of panto innuendo (never intended to offend) – and some very silly jokes! Starring Cliona Hagan, John Sharpson, Myles Breen, Keith Hanley and Cían O’Riain. Shows today at 1pm and 5.30pm. Tickets from €17. More info here
Limerick’s Christmas Circus returns to the iconic Cleeves site on O’Callaghan Strand at 2pm. Step into the heated, festive big top and be swept away by amazing acrobatic performances, 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! Tickets from €18. More info here