Plans for two major festivals a year in Limerick

A New strategy has been approved which aims to ensure Limerick hosts at least two festivals a year.

The blueprint, put before council members, also contains a provision for a “mega” international event every decade, and a “major event” every other year.

It was put in place in order to ensure Limerick feels the full benefit of the Ryder Cup golf tournament set to be held in Adare Manor in 2027, and have a number of “legacy” events off the back of it.

It’s aim is “to position Limerick as a festival and events destination for leisure, weekend breaks, day trips, and to support seasonality”.

It’s hoped this will motivate and attract domestic and international tourists to the area and increase the amount of time they spend.

To this end, a special office solely focused on festivals and events will be set up in City Hall.

Fine Gael councillor Olivia O’Sullivan formally proposed the approval of the document at this month’s council meeting.

She said: “I see this as a turning point for festivals and events in Limerick. We’ve had an over-reliance on volunteerism in our festivals and events, we have not properly developed our local festival industry and have had to contract in experience from elsewhere as a result.

“We have insufficient festival and events spaces. It impacts our festival and events calendars to Limerick’s detriment.”

From the Limerick Leader