Mersey Beatles, Trials of Tenducci & Legends of Limerick

This week in Limerick the St Patrick's Festival runs from the 13th to the 17th. The Legends of Limerick headline a free open-air concert at Arthur's Quay on the 16th, there are county parades in Kilmallock, Newcastle West, Broadford and beyond, and the Hunt Museum has a full weekend programme.

Here's what's in store this week:

⚫️ Free outdoor concert, city parade & five days of St Patrick's Festival

⚫️ RTÉ Concert Orchestra, baroque opera & the Mersey Beatles at UCH and Lime Tree

⚫️ Dolan's all week: Charlie Cunningham, Metallica tribute, ELO, Pinch of Snuff

Let's dive in 👇

(note: this is often a long email and may be clipped part way through. Simply click “view entire message” to see the rest.)

Joe Stilgoe & the RTÉ Concert Orchestra: A Night at the Movies Saturday, 14 March 19:30 University Concert Hall

Orchestral arrangements of iconic movie songs performed live by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra with the irrepressible Joe Stilgoe. Think Singin' in the Rain, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Moon River - the great film music canon, played properly. A genuinely special night at UCH. Book tickets

Limerick Early Music Festival: Masks & Masques Wednesday-Thursday, 18-19 March Multiple venues Programme includes free events

The Limerick Early Music Festival launches its 2026 edition with a theme of masks - exploring masquerade, concealment and performance across early music repertoire. The Opening Night Launch is at the Lime Tree Theatre on Wednesday at 19:00, with a free lunchtime concert at 13:15 on Thursday at the Newcastle West District Court. More info.

Legends of Limerick: Free Open-Air Concert Monday, 16 March 17:00-22:00 Arthur's Quay Park

The centrepiece of Limerick's St Patrick's Festival - the Legends of Limerick headline a free outdoor concert at Arthur's Quay as part of a full five-day programme. If the weather holds, this will be one of those evenings people talk about for years. More info.

The Big Limerick Seisiún Monday, 9 March 17:00 The Locke Bar, Georges Quay

Limerick's biggest traditional Irish music session at the Locke Bar - a great way to start the week, free entry, and on the banks of the Shannon where it belongs. More info.

MDR Wednesday, 11 March 20:00 Dolan's Kasbah

Irish indie rock band MDR exploring themes of connection and vulnerability - emotional, well-crafted, and a good Wednesday night option at the Kasbah. Dolan's

Sofia City Ballet: Swan Lake Wednesday, 11 March University Concert Hall

The Sofia City Ballet brings Swan Lake to UCH - classical ballet at its most iconic. UCH

Seán-Nós Singing with Máire Ní Churraoin Wednesday, 11 March 13:00

A free Seachtain na Gaeilge event featuring sean-nós singing from Máire Ní Churraoin - traditional unaccompanied singing at its most pure and powerful. More info.

Emer O'Flaherty: Go Dtí Seo Wednesday, 11 March 13:00 Free

Original Irish-language songs with a jazz twist from Emer O'Flaherty's debut album - described by Irish Music magazine as music to dream to. Free concert. Instagram

Irish Baroque Orchestra: The Trials of Tenducci Thursday, 12 March 19:30 University Concert Hall

One of the most compelling stories in 18th-century music - the castrato Tenducci, his scandalous marriage, and the trial that followed. The Irish Baroque Orchestra weave the extraordinary source material into a vivid concert experience. If you have any interest in baroque music or brilliant historical storytelling, this is your show of the week. UCH

Irish Chamber Orchestra Academy: Lunchtime Concert Friday, 13 March 13:15 Saint Mary's Cathedral Free

A lunchtime concert from the Irish Chamber Orchestra Academy in the extraordinary setting of Saint Mary's Cathedral. More info.

Candlelight Concert: Leonard Cohen Friday, 13 March 19:00 Saint Mary's Cathedral

Leonard Cohen's songs by candlelight in Saint Mary's Cathedral - Hallelujah and Suzanne in a medieval space. There's really no better setting for it. More info.

Charlie Cunningham Friday, 13 March 20:00 Dolan's Upstairs

Indie-folk from Charlie Cunningham - nylon-string guitar and piano in melancholic, rhythmic songs that reward close listening. Dolan's Upstairs is the right room for this. Dolan's

Croithe Friday, 13 March 20:00 Dolan's Kasbah

Dublin-based indie post-punk band Croithe bring their dark sound to the Kasbah - worth catching for fans of something with a bit more edge. Dolan's

Whiplash: Tribute to Metallica Friday, 13 March 21:00 Dolan's Warehouse

High-energy Metallica tribute night at the Warehouse Dolan's

Hammonds Brass Band Saturday, 14 March 19:00 Saint Mary's Cathedral

Brass band performance in the stunning setting of Saint Mary's Cathedral - a lovely St Patrick's weekend evening. More info.

Forget Romance Saturday, 14 March 20:00 The Commercial, Catherine Street

Live music at The Commercial on Saturday night. The Commercial

Showdown: The ELO Experience Saturday, 14 March 20:00 Dolan's Warehouse

ELO tribute night with full band at the Warehouse - Mr Blue Sky will be sung very loudly. Dolan's

Mersey Beatles: Magical History Tour Sunday, 15 March 20:00 Lime Tree Theatre

The Mersey Beatles return with an all-new 2026 show featuring a special 60th-anniversary tribute to Revolver - widely regarded as The Beatles' finest album. If you're going to see a Beatles tribute, this is the one that actually delivers on the promise. Lime Tree Theatre

Pinch of Snuff Sunday, 15 March 20:00 Dolan's Warehouse

Japanese masters of Irish traditional music - Tokyo-based traditional players who have developed a genuine love affair with the Irish trad scene. Unusual and beautiful. Dolan's

High Parasite Sunday, 15 March 20:00 Dolan's Kasbah

Live at the Kasbah - a Sunday option for those who want something with a bit more edge. Dolan's

The Passenger Sunday, 15 March 20:00 The Commercial, Catherine Street

Live music at The Commercial on Sunday night. The Commercial

Comhaltas Bruff Traditional Concert Monday, 16 March 20:00 Milk Market

A traditional music concert from Comhaltas Bruff at the Milk Market - the perfect Paddy's Festival setting for a night of proper trad. More info.

The Kilkennys Monday, 16 March 19:00 Dolan's Warehouse

High-energy Irish folk with tight harmonies and a live show that fills rooms - The Kilkennys on Paddy's weekend at Dolan's is exactly what it sounds like. Dolan's

The O'Malleys Monday, 16 March 20:00 Dolan's Kasbah

Country, blues and folk from The O'Malleys at the Kasbah. Dolan's

Tinteán Sessions Tuesday, 17 March (St Patrick's Day) 20:00 The Commercial, Catherine Street

Traditional music sessions at The Commercial on Paddy's Night - the Tinteán Sessions are a warm, welcoming fixture. The Commercial

Harp Harmony at King John's Castle Tuesday, 17 March 13:00 King John's Castle

A harp performance at King John's Castle on St Patrick's Day - one of those events that feels exactly right for the occasion. More info.

REBOOT: St Patrick's Topping Takeover Tuesday, 17 March 22:30 Dolan's Warehouse

Electronic music phenomenon Patrick Topping takes over Dolan's Warehouse for a late-night St Patrick's Day set. If the parade is your afternoon, this is your evening. Dolan's

Acoustic Club at The Number Three Tuesday, 10 March and Tuesday, 17 March 21:00 The Number Three

The weekly Acoustic Club open mic at The Number Three - welcoming for performers of all levels, and a pleasant way to spend a Tuesday evening. Whatsontonight

The Voice of Hind Rajab - IFI@Belltable Monday, 9 March 20:00 Belltable

An IFI touring screening at Belltable - a film exploring courage, culture and storytelling in a time of crisis. Belltable

Dancing at Lughnasa - Torch Players Tuesday, 10 March (running through the week) 19:00 Belltable / Lime Tree Theatre

The Torch Players' 50th anniversary production of Brian Friel's masterpiece - one of the finest Irish plays ever written, about five sisters in 1930s Donegal. The Torch Players have been producing serious theatre in Limerick for fifty years; this is a landmark production. Lime Tree / Belltable

Randy Feltface: Gimmick Wednesday, 11 March 19:30 Dolan's Warehouse

The world's most famous purple puppet comedian brings his new show to Dolan's. Randy Feltface is genuinely, surprisingly funny - sharp stand-up that works for everyone who gives it a chance. Dolan's

Mike Rice: Cruel Little Man Thursday, 12 March 19:30 Dolan's Warehouse

Mike Rice's one-man show - stand-up comedy with wild stories and sharp wit. Dolan's

Keith Barry: Unhinged - 25 Years Inside Your Minds Friday, 13 March University Concert Hall

Ireland's greatest mentalist celebrates 25 years of mind-bending live performance - Keith Barry remains one of the most genuinely astonishing live acts in the country. UCH

Seachtain na Gaeilge at the Hunt Museum Friday, 13 March 10:00 (St Patrick's Weekend programme runs through to 17 March) The Hunt Museum, Rutland Street

A full weekend programme at the Hunt Museum for St Patrick's Day - live performances, workshops, storytelling and guided tours. Free admission across the weekend. Hunt Museum

Museum of Memorable Trees Friday, 13 March onwards The Hunt Museum

An exhibition kindly sponsored by the Welsh Government - exploring the history, culture and significance of remarkable trees from around the world. Free entry at the Hunt Museum. I Love Limerick

Face Maker - Patrick Redmond Saturday, 14 March Temporary Exhibition Gallery, Hunt Museum

The first solo exhibition in this year's Hunt Contemporary series by Irish artist Patrick Redmond - a significant young Irish artist getting a well-deserved platform. Hunt Museum

"St Patrick Was a Gentleman" - Tales of St Patrick by the Limerick Fireside Saturday, 14 March 16:00 The People's Museum of Limerick

Traditional storytelling about St Patrick, led by storyteller Daithi Collopy, at the People's Museum - the kind of St Patrick's Day event that feels genuinely connected to what the day is actually about. (Also repeated at the Hunt Museum on St Patrick's Day, Tue 17 March.) More info

Seanchaí Storytelling at Lough Gur Saturday, 14 March 17:30 Lough Gur

Award-winning storyteller John Carew shares myth, history and local lore at Lough Gur - one of the most atmospheric heritage sites in Munster. Family-friendly and genuinely special. More info

An Evening of Choral Excellence: Chester River Chorale & Aoide Voices Tuesday, 10 March 20:00

A free evening of choral music from Chester River Chorale and Aoide Voices - two ensembles combining for what should be a beautiful night. More info

Lunchtime Concert: Mateo Daniel Coelho Tuesday, 10 March 13:15 Saint Mary's Cathedral

A free piano recital by Mateo Daniel Coelho in the stunning setting of Saint Mary's Cathedral - a perfect lunchtime escape. More info

Limerick Early Music Festival: Opening Night Concert - People's Museum Wednesday, 18 March 17:30 People's Museum of Limerick

The Opening Night concert featuring Justyna Czwojdzińska, Billy Mac Fhloinn and Gorkem Sen playing the extraordinary Yaybahar (a unique acoustic instrument you have to hear to believe). People's Museum

It Was Just an Accident - IFI@Belltable Monday, 16 March 20:00 Belltable

Jafar Panahi's new film - complex, humane, and quietly devastating in the way only Panahi manages. Belltable

Film Screening: Brave Monday, 16 March The Hunt Museum Free

A free screening of Pixar's Brave at the Hunt Museum during Paddy's Festival week - families welcome. Hunt Museum

Limerick St Patrick's Festival - Full Programme Friday-Tuesday, 13-17 March Various venues across Limerick Free events throughout

The full festival includes the Ceol Chorcaí Irish music programme, Céilí Mór, Tailteann Games Pop Up Play Zone, Coffee House Lates, Playing in the Park, and much more across five days. Limerick St Patrick's Festival

Seaweed, Snakes & Stout: St Patrick's at Treaty City Brewery Monday, 9 March 16:00 Treaty City Brewery, The Medieval Quarter

A St Patrick's Festival experience with a deliberately salty, irreverent twist at Treaty City Brewery - one of Limerick's finest craft breweries doing something genuinely different with the holiday. More info

Tarot and Cocktail Evening Saturday, 14 March 19:00-21:00 The Wickham, Limerick

A tarot reading paired with cocktails at The Wickham - an unusua Saturday evening that's a little bit different from the usual. Ticket includes a full reading. Eventbrite

Life Style Sports Recce Run Series - 10km Run Saturday, 14 March 10:30 Crescent Shopping Centre, Dooradoyle

The second run of the Recce Run Series - 10km, free entry, and a good way to get the legs moving ahead of the Great Limerick Run in May. More info

County Limerick St Patrick's Day Parades Sunday-Tuesday, 15-17 March Various locations across County Limerick

Multiple county parades across Limerick in the days around St Patrick's Day - check local listings for your nearest. I Love Limerick

National Tree Week 2026 Monday, 9 March onwards Various locations across Limerick

Tree planting and conservation events across Limerick for National Tree Week - a good reason to get outside and do something useful. More info

Limerick Racecourse: Irish Cheltenham Raceday Experience Thursday, 12 March Limerick Racecourse

A festival-style racing and hospitality event bringing the atmosphere of Cheltenham to Limerick Racecourse - timed perfectly with the actual Cheltenham Festival. More info

SpongeBob: The Musical Thursday, 12 March onwards 19:00 Lime Tree Theatre

SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy and the whole Bikini Bottom gang on the Lime Tree stage - MIDAS productions are consistently high quality and this is a show children will be talking about for months. Lime Tree

Magic Windows: Make Your Own Stained-Glass Art Saturday, 14 March 11:30 King John's Castle

A children's art workshop at King John's Castle inspired by Irish art and light - making stained-glass pieces for ages 7-12. A genuinely hands-on St Patrick's weekend activity. More info

Seanchaí Storytelling at Lough Gur Saturday, 14 March 17:30 Lough Gur

Myth, history and local lore told by an award-winning storyteller at Lough Gur - one of those experiences that gets children genuinely interested in where they're from. More info

Film Screening: Brave Monday, 16 March The Hunt Museum

A free Pixar screening at the Hunt Museum during Paddy's Festival week - Brave is a great choice. Hunt Museum

St Patrick's Festival Family Programme Friday-Tuesday, 13-17 March Various venues across Limerick Free events throughout

The full Limerick St Patrick's Festival includes creative workshops, storytelling, and family activities across the five days - from the Hunt Museum to King John's Castle to Arthur's Quay Park. Limerick St Patrick's Festival

Regeneron Great Limerick Run: Recce Run 2 Saturday, 14 March 10:30 Crescent Shopping Centre

John Kinsella and Ava Crean (the parade Grand Marshal herself) lead the 10km recce run ahead of the Great Limerick Run in May. A great way to get the family running. Instagram

Thanks for reading 1691

If you enjoy the newsletter or you find it useful here are some ways you can help us:

See you next week 👋

P.S. Not feeling it anymore? No hard feelings. You can unsubscribe from the email footer below