This Week in 60 Seconds

  • Happy St. Patrick’s Day! The city is currently a sea of green as the main parade kicks off at 12:00 PM today from O’Connell Avenue. Over 70,000 people are expected, so if you're heading in, travel early! Parade Info

    Lá Fhéile Pádraig

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  • Galway in Town: Fresh off their winning streak, Limerick’s senior hurlers face Galway this Saturday, March 21st at the TUS Gaelic Grounds. It’s the final push before the league finals in April. Match Tickets

  • Going for Gold: The 2026 Limerick Going for Gold environmental grant is officially open. Community groups and residents’ associations can apply for a share of the funding for biodiversity and litter projects. Apply by March 27

  • Early Music Festival: For something a bit different, the Limerick Early Music Festival begins tomorrow, March 18th, featuring "Masks & Masques"—a series of historical performances across various city venues. Full Programme

  • Adare Traffic: Planning a trip south? The N21 Adare Bypass works continue with overnight lane closures near Rineroe. Expect some minor delays between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Road Updates

1. What’s On

This Week & Weekend – Mar 17th–Mar 23rd

  • St. Patrick's Festival Block Party – Arthur’s Quay Park, Today (2:00 PM). A massive free outdoor performance featuring the Irish National Clown Orchestra and Fidget Feet Aerial Dance. Event Details

  • 🍀 St. Patrick’s Festival Highlights

  • Harp Harmony – King John’s Castle, Today (Ongoing). Enjoy the iconic sounds of the Cuisle Harp Ensemble within the castle walls. More Info

  • Treaty United (Men) vs Athlone Town – Markets Field, Friday (7:45 PM). Local soccer action returns to the city under the Friday night lights. Get Tickets

    Treaty United vs Athlone Town

Dolan’s Warehouse & Gigs

The Weekend Planner (Mar 21st – Mar 22nd, 2026)

  • Saturday, March 21: Match Day

    • 10:00 AM – Milk Market: Recover from the festivities with a coffee and the best local produce. The Saturday market is back to its usual lively self.

    • 1:00 PM – Treaty United (Women) vs Waterford FC: Support the women’s side at Markets Field for their weekend fixture. League Details

    • 7:00 PM – NHL: Limerick vs Galway: The big one at TUS Gaelic Grounds. John Kiely’s side looks to maintain their form.

      Limerick vs Galway

    • 2:30 PM – Tales of St. Patrick: Traditional storytelling by the fireside sharing Irish legends and folklore. Booking Required

  • Sunday, March 22nd

  • 12:00 PM – County Hurling League Launch: The all-county format kicks off today. Heavy hitters Na Piarsaigh vs Adare and Kilmallock vs Patrickswell lead the charge. Club Fixtures

  • 2:00 PM – NFL: Limerick vs Fermanagh: Head to Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale to support the senior footballers in their Division 3 clash.

  • ⚽ Sports & Community1

  • 📽️ Cinema & Arts

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    Something for the Kids

    • Creative Workshops & Art

      • Magic Windows (Stained Glass Art) – King John’s Castle, Saturday (11:30 AM). Kids (ages 7–12) can channel their inner Harry Clarke to create vibrant stained-glass designs using acetate. Book Castle Workshop

      • St. Patrick’s Day Wands – Hunt Museum, Monday (11:30 AM). A hands-on craft session where children can make their own festive wands just in time for the big parade. Hunt Museum Events

        St. Patrick’s Day Wands

      • ‘Go Fly Your Kite’ Workshops – Harvey’s Quay, Saturday (Various times). Design and fly your own shamrock-inspired kite along the Shannon. Register Here

      🎭 Theatre & Storytelling

      • Harpsichord Diaries – Belltable, Saturday (1:00 PM). A "theatrical concert" that uses animation and storytelling to introduce kids to the magic of early music. Book Belltable

      • Tales of St. Patrick by the Fireside – Kilmallock (Sat) & People’s Museum (Sun/Tue). Interactive storytelling, songs, and verse bringing the legends of St. Patrick to life. Storytelling Info

      • Puppeteer Show – Limerick Milk Market, Saturday (11:00 AM). Catch a classic puppet performance followed by the bustling weekend market.

      🎪 The Big Day Out (Tuesday, March 17th)

      • Milk Market Family Fun Day (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM): A carnival atmosphere with stilt walkers, fire breathers, face painting, and traditional uilleann pipes.

      • St. Patrick’s Festival Block Party (2:00 PM onwards): After the parade, head to Arthur’s Quay Park for an epic outdoor party featuring the Irish National Clown Orchestra and high-flying aerial displays by Fidget Feet.

      📚 Library Fun

      • Storytime for Young Children: Watch House Cross Library, Thursday (3:30 PM). A cozy afternoon of reading and imagination.

      • Lego Club: Limerick City Library, Tuesday (3:00 PM). The weekly creative build-off is a perfect way to wind down after the morning's parade.

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2. Milestone Spotlights

  • Community Heritage Grants: A final reminder that the Heritage Council’s 2026 scheme closes this Friday, March 20th. Funding of up to €25,000 is available for projects that protect local monuments or intangible heritage. View Guidelines

  • Heart of the Community Fund: Non-profits delivering vital local services have until March 20th to apply for capacity-building grants between €5,000 and €25,000.

3. Local Business Spotlights

Master Chefs: A €90 Million Expansion

Limerick-based Master Chefs is celebrating its 25th anniversary in spectacular fashion. The company, founded by entrepreneur Pat O’Sullivan, recently announced a massive €90 million expansion following a series of new catering contract wins.

  • Local Roots: Headquartered in Limerick with a 10,000 sq. ft. "Artisan Food Factory," they now employ over 450 people nationally.

  • The "Farm to Fork" Mission: They aren't just caterers; they are farmers. Their Ellan Farm in Ballyneety, Co. Limerick, provides organic vegetables directly to their kitchens, helping them push toward a zero-waste, carbon-neutral goal.

  • New Deals: Their new contracts include major names like the National Gallery of Ireland, Maynooth University, and closer to home, the Bon Secours Hospital in Limerick. Read more here.

    Master Chefs is celebrating its 25th anniversary in spectacular fashion

DIY SOS: The Big Build Comes to Westbury

The community in Westbury is buzzing as the DIY SOS team prepares to arrive next week (March 23rd). Local tradespeople and businesses are being praised for donating their time and materials to help renovate the home of 11-year-old Alex. It’s a massive logistical undertaking and a testament to the "Treaty Spirit." Read the Full Story

Raheen’s 50-Year Milestone: Analog Devices

In a unique nod to local industry, the Limerick Metropolitan District has announced it will hold its April meeting at the Analog Devices (ADI) campus in Raheen Business Park. This special gesture marks 50 years of ADI in Limerick. Since 1976, the company has grown from a small operation into a global powerhouse, providing thousands of local jobs and cementing Limerick’s reputation as an "Engineering Powerhouse." More on the 50-year celebration

4. City Life & Practical Updates

  • Sarsfield Bridge Closure: For those in town today, Sarsfield Bridge will be closed to all traffic from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM for the parade. Use Shannon Bridge or Thomond Bridge as alternatives.

  • Greenhill Road (Garryowen): Ongoing junction realignment and footpath works will continue through March 27th. Minor delays are expected during work hours (08:00–18:00).

  • Seeconglas Bridge: A long-term closure is now in effect on the L7041 for full bridge deck replacement, lasting until late June. Diversions are signposted.

5. Community Pulse

  • Volunteer Shoutout: A huge thank you to the hundreds of Festival Ambassadors who helped manage the crowds over the last five days. You are the reason these events run so smoothly!

  • Spring Planting: With the Going for Gold grants now open, several Tidy Towns groups are holding "Clean Up" mornings this Saturday. Check your local community Facebook page to get involved.

6. One Thing Worth Knowing

Parade Parking Warning: If you are attending the parade today, be aware that parking on the route (O'Connell St, Henry St, etc.) is strictly prohibited until 4:00 PM. Cars parked illegally risk being towed to ensure the safety of participants.

7. From the Editor

There is no day quite like St. Patrick's Day in Limerick. Whether you're watching the parade, heading to the Milk Market, or just enjoying a quiet pint, the city feels alive today. Let's carry that "Legendary" energy into the weekend as we support our hurlers and footballers in a massive double-header of sport!

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