The Magic of Christmas
in Limerick
Limerick is just waiting
to be discovered this Christmas!
A dazzling selection of great shopping, FREE festive
events, traditional food and craft markets and
spectacular entertainment ...
CHRISTMAS
SHOPPING
IN LIMERICK
with
Celia Holman Lee
Page 6
TOP MUSIC &
COMEDY ACTS
Bell X1, Imelda May,
Jimmy Carr, Tommy Tiernan
and many more...
Page 8
LOTS OF FESTIVE
FAMILY FUN
Enchanting theatre &
pantomime for all ages
Page 10
02 THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS IN LIMERICK / WELCOME & PARKING
Unwrap the
Magic of
Christmas
in Limerick
Greeting: A warm welcome from the Mayor of
Limerick City, Cllr. Jim Long
Parking: Christmas Parking Offers
Page 3
Hotels: Hoteliers offer great value deals over the
festive season
Restaurants: Gastro-pubs to fine dining
Page 4
The Milk Market: Enjoy the variety and
experience the buzz of Limerick City’s
famous Milk Market
Page 6
Shopping: Celia Holman Lee talks Christmas
shopping in Limerick City centre
Page 8
Festive Family Fun: From Pantomime to
ice skating - there is just so much to do and see
for young and old!
Limerick is just waiting to be discovered
this Christmas offering a dazzling selection
of shopping opportunities and we extend a
warm welcome to all our visitors set to
enjoy the sights and sounds of the Treaty
City this festive season.
I hope you enjoy browsing through this
Christmas in Limerick guide which will
give you lots of tips, advice, gift ideas and
information on fun things to do Shannon
side over the month of December.
Contents:
Page 2
traditional food and craft markets, an
exciting entertainment line-up and an
impressive display of Christmas lights.
W
elcome to Limerick City,
European City of Sport 2011
and where the magic of
Christmas is just waiting to
be unwrapped! The city’s Christmas
stocking is packed full to the brim with a
spectacular line up of free festive events,
I would like to acknowledge the support of
Limerick City Council, Fáilte Ireland,
Limerick Communications Office,
Shannon Development, the Limerick City
Business Association and Limerick
Chamber in putting this production
together. Remember there’s free on-street
parking from 2pm every Friday and
Saturday during December so happy
shopping!
I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and
welcome to Limerick!
Mayor of Limerick
Cllr Jim Long
Page 10 Festive Entertainment: Big names in comedy
and live music gigs, Limerick really
entertains this festive season - like no other!
Page 12
European City of Sport: The main sporting
fixtures to watch and participate in!
Edited by Laura Ryan and Liz Gill, Limerick Communications Office
P
Limerick:
Parking friendly
for Christmas
Free On-Street Parking & Multi-Storey Parking
There are thousands of on and off-street car
parking spaces in Limerick. The good news
for Christmas shoppers is that Limerick City
Council is offering FREE on-street parking
on Friday and Saturday afternoons from 2pm
for the month of December. On-street
parking is always free on Sundays.
There are 5,500 spaces in city centre car
parks in Limerick City including overnight
deals for just €5! Limerick shoppers can
enjoy free parking in multi-storey car parks
with the launch of a special Freepark
Carparks initiative.
Parking Vouchers
When customers spend a set amount in
participating shops, hotels, restaurants and
businesses, they will be rewarded with
parking vouchers which they can use
throughout their Christmas shopping.
Depending on the amount spent, shoppers
may park in the 11 participating city centre
car parks for free!
Free Parking Credit
In addition, Limerick city with its Park by
Phone contractor ParkMagic have also
launched a December 2011 parking
promotion. ParkMagic, which currently
caters for in excess of 12,000 parking
customers in Limerick, in association with
Limerick City Council will make available
€10 parking credit to all new customers who
sign up to ParkMagic in December. The
normal parking credit assigned to new
ParkMagic customers is €5. This is a great
opportunity to experience the comfort and
cost efficiency of parking by phone in
Limerick where short stay parking for 30
minutes is available for 50 cent.
For further details:
www.limerickcity.ie
Park Magic:
Tel 061-311422 www.parkmagic.net
HOTELS & RESTAURANTS 03
Hoteliers
Cosy-up for
Great Christmas
Offers!
Fantastic Value for Money
Thirteen of Limerick’s top hotels have
come together to create a fantastic value
for money offer for all visitors to
Limerick this Christmas!
€35 pps B&B for 3* Hotels
€45pps B&B for 4* Hotels
€55pps B&B for 5* Hotels
To avail of this fantastic offer, you must
phone the participating hotels directly to
make a reservation and quote "Let Limerick
Surprise You". Offers are subject to
availability.
With so much to see and do in Limerick
this Christmas, why not take the work out
of planning your trip and follow advice
from those who know the place best.
While you're here make sure to try out
some of the city's wide range of quality
restaurants offering everything from hearty
pub grub to home-grown Irish cooking and
lively ethnic food.
Participating hotels include:
5*
• The Savoy Hotel 061-448700
4*
• Limerick Strand Hotel 061-421800
• Absolute Hotel & Spa 061-463600
•
•
•
•
The George Hotel 061-460400
No.1 Pery Square 061-402402
The Clarion Hotel 061-444100
Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa
061-456200
• Carlton Castletroy Park Hotel
061-335566
3*
• The Greenhills Hotel 061-453033
• The Maldron Hotel 061-436100
• Patrick Punches Hotel 061-460800
• Jurys Inn 061-207000
• South Court Hotel 061-487487
Dining Out
in Style
Restaurants in Limerick
Every corner of the city boasts top-class food
destinations from sleek fine dining to
independent bistros and high street favourites,
and it can tick just about every box in terms of
international cuisine.
Limerick’s superb hotels have a great choice
of restaurants, bistros and cafés which are
perfect to enjoy a meal over the festive
season, celebrate a special occasion, party
or just relax.
For further info: www.limerick.ie/hoteldeals
Limerick has a reputation for great dining
whatever your budget so catch up with old
friends with gourmet food and pints at gastro
pubs or give yourself a break this Christmas and
treat you and your family to a range of superb
eateries in the city!
Whether it’s a pint of Guinness, a Cosmopolitan
or a cold beer, you’ll find plenty of stylish bars
and cosy pubs to suit your tastes.
For lively Christmas night outs, a few quiet pints,
a trad session or a bit of post-match banter,
Limerick has it all!
04 THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS IN LIMERICK / THE MILK MARKET
Get Wrapped in the
Warmth of Limerick’s
Christmas Market
T
he Christmas Markets at
Limerick’s Milk Market on
Cornmarket Row will attract
thousands of visitors this
festive season! Local producers and
traders have been selling fresh, natural
foods and other produce here since 1852.
Last year the market underwent major redevelopment and has been transformed
into an all-weather shopping fair. It now
boasts Ireland’s largest tensile structure
which weather-proofs the entire courtyard
while keeping its outdoor market
atmosphere. The Milk Market won the
prestigious ‘Public Choice Award’ at the
RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2011.
Today, it is more popular than ever. The
Milk Market has always been the best
place to buy delicious artisan foods and
snacks, but it now offers so much more –
from crafts to fashions and other surprises.
An Exciting Christmas Market
Admission is free and it runs Thursdays
to Sundays from November 25th to
Christmas Eve PLUS all of Christmas
week.
The Christmas Market will feature up to
60 stalls and shops – all packed with a wide
range of artisan foods, ‘eats and treats’,
“
The Christmas Market is
the place to pick up
something special for
Christmas, from seasonal
artisan foods to
hand-crafted gifts.”
crafts, decorations, toys, books,
collectibles, fashion items and other gift
possibilities all set within a wonderful, fun,
festive environment.
You are certain to pick up something
special for Christmas and, if you are very
lucky, as other visitors have been, you
might even discover a first edition book or
a rare and valuable antique!
Choirs singing Christmas favourites will
feature at different stages during the
market and other live entertainment is also
planned. Kids will love it too and you can
even book them in to visit ‘Santa at his
Workshops’. www.SantaLimerick.com
Snacks and Lunches
The market is a great place to go for
morning or afternoon coffee, festive season
snacks or for a tasty lunchtime treat. You
can buy or just relax and take in the
unique atmosphere of the Christmas
Market while sipping on a latte from the
Pónaire Coffee Company, tucking into
one of Country Choice’s famous hot beef
ciabiatta sandwiches, savouring a mince
pie from Sallymills Artisan Cakes or a
mouth-watering chocolate crêpe from the
Bon-Appétit Crêperie.
For more information on the Christmas
Market see www.milkmarketlimerick.ie
Photography – Bocktherobber.com
THE MILK MARKET 05
Worth knowing about
the Milk Market ...
All-weather crowd pleaser
Buzzy crowds,
friendly traders,
enthusiastic
shoppers
Country Choice - Champions of Fine Food
Country Choice is one of Ireland's best
known food businesses. Their shop will be
a riot of colours with hampers and gift bags
all wrapped in cerise and violet. They will
be offering a wide variety of festive foods to
take away or to eat there. Enjoy their
famous Muscatel and Brandy Christmas
Puddings served with Irish whiskey and
cardamom cream or their famous anise and
ginger mulled wine and seasonal soups.
terrines or chocolate truffles. Her plum
puddings are hugely popular and first sold
in Limerick some 30 years ago!
Whatever the weather outside, inside the crowds
are happily shopping. No wonder the Milk Market
won the prestigious ‘Public Choice Award’ at the
RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2011!
Sallymills - Artisan Cakes & Desserts
Sallymills Bakery make wonderful artisan
cakes and desserts by hand. You can enjoy
a coffee, a cake or a dessert in the jolly
atmosphere of the market or take home
their freshly-baked scones, wholemeal
bread, pastries, award winning carrot cake,
cup cakes or desserts ... and there’s so
much more see www.milkmarketlimerick.ie
Tasty Christmas treats
Live at The Big Top in the Milk Market
You can buy fine foods to take home or snack on
gourmet sandwiches, ciabattas, wraps, soups,
cheese plates, pastries, delicious crêpes,
chocolates and freshly brewed teas & coffees.
Bon-Appétit Crêperie - a Huge Fan Base
Sébastien from France and Kasia from
Poland are both food lovers with a long
experience in catering. They operate the
Bon-Appétit Crêperie at the Food Pavilion
and offer a range of delicious crêpes and
galettes. You should try their Parisian crêpe
(with chocolate sauce), their hand-made
fruit mince crêpe topped with cream or
perhaps one of their seasonal galettes with
smoked salmon, brie and cranberry
chutney.
Anne Lloyd’s Market Kitchen
– Simply Delicious Food!
Anne Lloyd has been head chef at Glin
Castle and has helped to set up and run
restaurants, bistros and delicatessens. Anne
will be offering wonderful festive dishes
including her ever popular Limerick hams
on the bone simmered in cider, vegetables,
herbs and spices and glazed with cider,
mustard and brown sugar. Or, enjoy her
fruit mincemeat (with lashings of rum),
Cumberland sauce, stuffings, delicious
soups, pâté, smoked salmon mousse,
December sees Bell X1, Imelda May and more ...
Full of surprises
The Milk Market regularly hosts brilliant special events
from concerts and lunchtime sessions to fashion
extravaganzas. Bell X1 will perform on Friday, December
2nd and Imelda May on Friday, December 23rd.
The Milk Market is not just about food. It offers so much
more, with different surprises week-to-week from
antiques, crafts, vintage fashions and jewellery to toys,
books, CDs and collectibles.
VISITOR SUMMARY: The Milk Market Christmas Market
Where: The Milk Market, Cornmarket Row, Limerick City
When: Christmas Market on Thursdays to Sundays from
November 25 to Christmas Eve plus all Christmas week.
Open: Thurs/Fri.10am to 3pm;
Sat. 8am to 4pm; Sun.11am to 4pm.
Mon-Fri Christmas Week 10am to 3pm.
Christmas Eve 8am to 4pm.
(Market is Friday to Sunday rest of year).
Why: The buzz of the crowds, Christmas foods, crafts,
collectables, gifts, decorations, eats ‘n treats, Christmas
choirs, entertainment and a “Visit Santa Workshop”.
06 THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS IN LIMERICK / SHOPPING
At Home
for
Christmas
S
tyle queen Celia Holman Lee
never misses the opportunity to
indulge in some retail therapy and
is looking forward to plenty of
gift inspiration in bustling Limerick city
this Christmas!
“I’m planning to do all my Christmas
shopping here in Limerick, I love browsing
through the independent shops
particularly in the boutique district in the
heart of Limerick city finding that unique
gift and of course a little treat for myself!”
she says.
“There’s nothing like Limerick city during
the festive season with a dazzling array of
Christmas lights, lots of shops to choose
from, a wonderful atmosphere surrounded
by my family and catching up with friends
I haven’t seen in a long time, it’s my
favourite time of year! I’m always so busy
during December travelling to the four
corners of the country with work so it’s
great that I can come home to Limerick
and know that I can do all my Christmas
shopping right here in the city centre. It
leaves me with enough time to enjoy all
the festivities with my family which is
what this time of year is all about.”
“
I’m planning to do all my
Christmas shopping here
in Limerick, I love
browsing in the heart of
the city centre to find
that unique gift ... ”
If the shopping gets a bit too much, you
can always take a break and sip a hot
chocolate or steaming cappuccino in the
Café Quarter while soaking up the
atmosphere listening to carol singers and
enjoying the festive spirit that is Limerick
city at Christmas time.
SHOPPING 07
Pedestrian
plazas, colourful
boutiques & high
street brands
You’ll be spoiled for choice!
Limerick’s pedestrian plazas are lined
with colourful boutiques and high street
brands giving you a unique selection
of stores to get your loved one the
perfect gift.
Limerick ladies are renowned for their style
and the city has a wealth of beautiful
boutiques particularly if you’re shopping for
that special Christmas outfit!
Around the ‘Boutique Quarter’ stretching
from Thomas Street to Cecil Street, there
are plenty of on-trend labels like Isabel de
Pedro, Elisa Cavaletti, Stella Lam and Tai
Fun to be found in stylish stores like
O’Donnells and Gretta Gibbs, in
Catherine Street.
Limerick favourites, Helene Modes,
Amee’s, The Dolly Boutique and Eve’s
carry contemporary lines from Gerry
Weber, Basler, Betty Barclay, Olsen,
Pomodoro, Fee G and Joseph Ribkoff.
“
... Market Quarter, Cruises
Street, Bedford Row, Patrick
Street and William Street
areas are bursting with
unique and quirky festive
presents this Christmas ... ”
Imasa in O’Connell Street is a
recessionista’s dream full of funky and
affordable fashion. Stylish Thomas Street is
home to In Vogue stockists of Fran&Jane,
Versace and Just Cavalli while Tippe
Canoe champions wonderful Irish designers
including local favourites Marion Murphy
Cooney & milliner Aisling Maher.
Men are spoiled for choice with well-
known Limerick store Tony Connollys full
of Christmas gift ideas while Noel’s,
Remix, Stitch and Leonards are all bursting
to the brim with festive goodies.
Limerick’s premier jewellers are full of
exquisite jewellery, breath-taking diamonds
and timepieces just waiting to be
unwrapped on Christmas morning. Don’t
forget to check out Arthur’s Quay
shopping centre in the heart of the city
with it’s own multi-storey carpark.
There are thousands of parking spaces for
busy Limerick shoppers with free on-street
parking every Friday and Saturday from
2pm for the month of December and check
out the Freepark sticker on the doors of
many stores offering free multi storey
parking when you purchase your Christmas
gifts!
There are a treasure trove of smaller shops,
shoe boutiques and antique stores around
the Market Quarter, Cruises Street, Bedford
Row, Patrick Street and William Street
teeming with unique and quirky festive
presents this Christmas in Limerick!
3 Great places to start your Christmas shopping:
Tony Connolly,
Gretta Gibbs
Brown Thomas Limerick
“We have been providing quality menswear for over 40
years with an unrivalled selection of leading labels,
expert service and a friendly atmosphere.”
12 - 14 Patrick Street
“We are one of Limerick’s long-established boutiques
catering for all age groups and sizes. Both mum and
daughter can treat themselves to that special Christmas
outfit.” 16 Catherine Street
A unique gifting destination offering all things exclusive,
beautiful & magical. The Gift Box at Brown Thomas will
showcase fashions, beauty, jewellery and accessories.
11-16 O’Connell Street
08 THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS IN LIMERICK / FESTIVE FAMILY FUN
Limerick: A Playground
for Young and Old
Lots of cheerful
classics on show
in Limerick
Pantomime
Christmas is pantomime season and
nothing feels more special than taking
your kids to a colourful fun-filled theatre!
Two cheerful classics are on show in
Limerick to infuse the wonderful
Christmas atmosphere including
Cinderella at the Belltable Arts Centre
and Aladdin at UCH. Exquisite visuals
blend with pantomime-style silliness to
create an enchanting piece of theatre for
all ages.
Bookings www.belltable.ie; www.uch.ie
S
ince our Christmas lights lit up
the city on November 25th,
children are looking around in
awe at the dazzling display in
great anticipation of Santa’s arrival in
Limerick.
The city isn't just for grown-ups; it's an
urban playground for kids too! Join the
Park Rangers in the People’s Park for free
festive events including a Christmas
Treasure Hunt on December 3rd between
1-3pm, the festive Family Show on
December 10th and on December 17th, an
arts and crafts party where you make your
own Christmas present.
Soak up the Christmas cheer and enjoy
festive treats on December 8th at the
Hunt Museum's Christmas Cabaret with
arts and crafts, storytelling, Christmas
carols and much more throughout the
month of December. Don’t forget Limerick
City Library in the Granary is a welcome
time out for parents and children during
busy shopping sprees with special festive
story-telling on Saturday mornings.
Limerick On Ice
Limerick on Ice is back so what better way
to celebrate then to put your skates on and
enjoy the fun! This icy festive event will
run from the 8th of December through to
the 8th of January and can be found in
Arthur’s Quay Park right in the centre of
Limerick. It is a great family day out for
both young and old alike, and its central
location means it’s easy to find the rink
and park the car.
Ice skating is a sport that all can enjoy and
is great fun for those who are just putting
on their skating boots for the first time.
www.limerickonice.com
“
Exquisite visuals blend
with pantomime-style
silliness to create an
enchanting piece of
theatre for all ages.
FESTIVE FAMILY FUN 09
There’s plenty more to
see and do in Limerick ...
Favourite
Christmas songs
& timeless stories
Family Fun
Family fun abounds with matinee showings
of Santa and the Christmas Thieves at the
Belltable on December 12th and Rudolph
the Red-Nosed Reindeer at UCH on
December 14th. You know Dasher, Dancer,
Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner
and Blitzen but do you recall the most
famous reindeer of all? Meet Santa Claus
and enjoy all your favourite Christmas
songs wrapped together in this timeless
story. The children will love it! And don’t
forget to introduce your family to the
marvellous experience of Christmas choirs
as the Association of Irish Choirs presents
it’s ever-popular, Carols for All at UCH on
December 18th.
Watch as a young boy’s snowman comes to
life on Christmas Eve and they set off on a
night time adventure full of dancing
penguins and reindeer in the classic film
The Snowman with Nicky Byrne of Westlife
at UCH. This hugely popular production
has thrilled audiences every Christmas and
this year it’s even more special with the
score played live by the Irish Philharmonic
Orchestra on December 2nd.
www.limerick.ie/christmas
When you’re ready to take a break
from your Christmas shopping Limerick
has loads of fascinating sights and
attractions. Here are just some of
so many!
1.
Enjoy Christmas choirs in the superb acoustic
surrounds of Limerick’s oldest building still in use,
the 11th Century St. Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge
Street, Limerick
2.
See the internationally renowned collection of art
and artefacts at the Hunt Museum on Rutland St
3.
Brush up on your rugby knowledge at the home of
the mighty Munster team Thomond Park Rugby
Stadium and Museum Tour, Cratloe Road, Limerick
4. Visit the Georgian Quarter where you’ll find the
Limerick City Gallery of Art and family favourite,
the People’s Park
5.
Stretch your legs and take a walk along the city’s
riverside boardwalk
6.
Did you know Limerick is often referred to as
“Ireland’s Sporting Capital”? The City was
awarded the coveted European City of Sport title in
2011. Make sure to take in a sporting event while
you’re here!
7.
Limerick is the birthplace of the famous 5 line
bawdy “limerick” verse. Wax lyrical at one of
Limerick’s poetry readings at the White House Pub
on O’Connell Street or at the Loft Theatre at the
Locke
8. Get on your bike at the largest trail network of its
kind in Ireland – the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike
Trails in Kilfinane, County Limerick
9. Learn even more about the achievements of the
Pulitzer Prize winning author of the Angela’s
Ashes book at the Frank McCourt Museum and
Leamy Art Gallery on Hartstonge Street.
10. Step back in time and take in the medieval glories
of King’s Island, home to the city’s most iconic
landmark, King John’s Castle on Nicholas St.
Limerick Tourist Office, tel: 061 317522
Santa in Limerick
Limerick’s Santa Experience in a purpose
built grotto in Sarsfield Street will re-create
a truly unforgettable journey taking
children on a wonderful magical journey to
Santa’s house, with their own elf guide
leading them through an elves lounge, an
arctic landscape, and Santa’s barn! Open
daily from December 1st.
Bookings are on www.santaexperience.ie
Santa will also be at his workshop in the
Milk Market during its Christmas Markets
from Thursday-Sunday in the lead up to
Christmas and all of Christmas week.
Children will have to take the lift to visit
Santa in the North Pole and if they’ve been
very good, they’ll be rewarded with a
special gift before they leave!
www.santalimerick.com
All this, along with family movies and
storytelling for kids, Limerick has a great
variety of festive fun to keep any family
busy!
10 THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS IN LIMERICK / FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT - LIKE NO OTHER
Limerick City:
Festive Entertainment
like no other!
L
imerick’s unique, award-winning
venues play host to a variety of
gigs and shows to suit both
young and old this Christmas
with a wide range of live entertainment
including some of the best stand-up
comedy and world famous music artists.
There’s a fantastic line-up this Christmas
to suit all tastes from pantomime to rock
music and opera to comedy!
T’is the season to be merry! Beat the
winter blues with this special Christmas
comedy as triple bill The Kings of Comedy
(Barry Murphy, Joe Rooney and Kevin
McAleer) hit Dolans Warehouse on
December 1st. Don’t miss an evening of
non-stop jokes, gags and banter when
internationally renowned Jimmy Carr
makes his way to UCH with his ninth solo
show Laughter Therapy on December 3rd
while on December 5th witness street
“
... beat the winter blues in
Limerick with comedians
Tommy Tiernan, Barry Murphy,
Joe Rooney, Kevin McAleer,
Katherine Lynch, David
McSavage and Jimmy Carr!”
entertainer & comedian David McSavage’s
cutting commentary on all aspects of life.
Leitrim comic Katherine Lynch is back and
bolder than ever with her no holds barred,
pull no punches, “If ya don’t
like it there’s the bleedin’ door” live comedy
show in UCH on December 9th and on
December 14th legendary Irish comedian
Tommy Tiernan makes a return to UCH.
FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT - LIKE NO OTHER 11
Choral concerts,
live screenings
& stunning ballets
Big Gigs
Big Names
Culture Vultures
Culture vultures will find themselves spoilt for choice
this Christmas with festive choral concerts and live
screenings from The Met in New York!
Transport yourself to the infamous Metropolitan Opera
Theatre in New York with Limerick Omniplex for three
‘Live in HD’ events beginning with Handel’s opera
Rodelinda with American diva Renée Fleming, followed
by the dark satire Faust.
Limerick is again hosting big name gigs
with major artists performing throughout
the city! Following the success of Villagers,
Arthur’s Day, The Stunning and The
Coronas at previous ‘Live at The Big Top’
sessions at the Milk Market, Dolans
Warehouse presents internationally
acclaimed Bell X1 in the architecturally
award-winning venue on December 2nd.
Imelda May’s unique fusion of rockabilly,
blues and jazz makes a return on December
23rd, when fans can expect to be wowed by
her seductive vocals and feisty burlesque
chic at this very special show.
The trio culminates in a stunning ballet performance of
Tchaikovsky’s famous score, The Nutcracker. Enter the
magical world of Clara’s imagination as she prepares
for Christmas in a production by the world-renowned
Bolshoi Ballet Company. This traditional ballet is a treat
for the whole family with beautiful costumes,
spectacular sets and the ever- recognisable The Waltz
of the Flowers and The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Most music lovers have encountered Handel through
holiday-time renditions of the Messiah's Hallelujah
chorus. This yuletide Limerick Choral Union will once
again treat us to this most festive of oratorio on
December 11th at UCH. Anticipate the return of
acclaimed virtuoso star of Classical Twist Vladimir
Jablokov this December 16th at UCH with a gorgeous
arrangement of the family favourite A Viennese
Christmas, a perfect choice for the Christmas season.
Limerick’s resident orchestra, the Irish Chamber
Orchestra, returns home after its US tour to present a
‘Seasonal Symphony & Song’ with three great choirs
performing festive choral works from Karl Jenkins,
Mozart and more. Featuring the sublime soprano
Susanne Bernhard and a combined choir of sixty voices
the ICO celebrates the wonder of Christmas.
“
... best of Irish singersongwriter talent will
feature in Dolans Warehouse
including Declan O’Rourke,
Damien Dempsey and Mick
Flannery throughout the
festive season!”
On its first week of release, Passenger, the
successor to Lisa Hannigans’ double
platinum award-winning debut album Sea
Sew, went straight in at Number 1. Now
she’s back after a US tour & an appearance
on The Jay Leno Show performing in
Dolans Warehouse on December 18th to
finish off what is proving to be an
incredible year.
More of the best of Irish singer-songwriter
talent will feature in Dolans Warehouse
including Declan O’Rourke, Damien
Dempsey and Mick Flannery throughout
the festive season!
Celebrate the swing era in Limerick this
yuletide with crooning and classics! Take a
trip back in time to the glamorous, glitzy
nights of Las Vegas in the late 1950s and
early 60s where, in the company of Rat
Pack star Liam O’Brien and the Million
Dollar Swing Band, you will experience
Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr & Dean
Martin. The High Kings are also
showcasing their incredible versatility and
skills as multi-instrumentalists, bringing a
rousing acoustic flavour to well-loved Folk
songs. See The High Kings up close and
personal at UCH on December 17th as
they continue to live up to their reputation
as a phenomenal live band, serving up
laughter, good times and even the odd sing
along!
From cosy, atmospheric pubs to cuttingedge clubbing, Limerick’s nightlife is as
varied as it is exciting. The city’s thriving
nightlife scene is reflected in the variety of
its pubs and clubs so whether you want to
curl up with a glass of spiced mulled wine or
enjoy great live music and DJ’s check out
what’s on for you in Limerick!
Log on to www.dolans.ie; www.limerick.ie
for more information and event listings.
12 SPORT - SPORTING LIMERICK
Sporting Limerick
Get your pulse racing!
L
imerick celebrates the finale of its
year as European City of Sport
with lots of sporting fixtures to
watch and participate in over the
holidays.
“
Put on your Munster red &
white Santa hats and fill
Thomond Park this Christmas
in support of our province
with Heineken Cup rugby ...
Put on your Munster red & white Santa
hats and fill Thomond Park this
Christmas in support of our province with
Heineken Cup & RaboDirect Pro12 Rugby
matches.
The Welsh Llanelli Scarlets are up first at
Thomond Park on December 18th at
12:45pm in Heineken Cup Rugby. This
fourth pool match of the 2011/2012
Heineken Cup campaign is the second
match of the critical back-to-back
matches. The atmosphere promises to
be electric!
On St. Stephen’s Day Munster face inter-
provincial rivals Connacht in this
RaboDirect Pro12 Christmas fixture.
The fun and excitement of the 2011
Christmas Festival will start on St
Stephen's Day, Monday 26th at Limerick
Racecourse with the first race off at
12.30pm.
Great racing, great fun, great food and
entertainment is all guaranteed at the
Limerick Races 4-day Guinness Christmas
Festival. Live action starts at 12.40pm each
day at Greenmount Park with 7 national
hunt races each day. Limerick Racecourse
also has a Kidz Club which runs on the
28th where little ones can enjoy facepainting, balloons, colouring competitions
and much more. Children under 16 years
will enjoy free admission to the races. With
all that is on offer in this fun filled city you
will not be disappointed you when you
visit Sporting Limerick this Christmas!
For more information and event listings of
all sporting events visit
www.limerick.ie/europeancityofsport