Our History
The Limerick Jazz Festival has been bringing world-class jazz to the heart of Ireland's mid-west for over a decade. From intimate pub sessions to main-stage concerts, the festival has grown into a cornerstone of Limerick's cultural calendar.
Early Years
The festival established itself with a strong community focus, hosting events across Limerick's best-loved venues including Dolan's Pub and Warehouse, Belltable Arts Centre, and the Lime Tree Theatre.
Growing the Lineup
Over the years the festival has welcomed legendary artists such as David Sanborn, Van Morrison, Mary Coughlan, and the Dublin City Jazz Orchestra, alongside emerging Irish and international talent.
Jazz Pub Trail
A much-loved festival tradition, the Jazz Pub Trail brings live music into Limerick's pubs — past editions have featured Steve Hanks and Joe O'Callaghan at Dr. John's, and Tuxedo Jazz at Flannery's.
Strategy & Mission
The festival is guided by a clear strategic vision: to celebrate jazz in all its forms, support Irish and international artists, and make live music accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Artistic Excellence
Programming spans classic jazz, contemporary works, and cross-genre collaborations, reflecting the breadth and vitality of the jazz tradition.
Community & Education
Through jazz workshops, teacher profiles, and resources like "Getting Started" and "What Is Jazz Education?", the festival invests in the next generation of musicians and listeners.
Partnerships
The festival works with key supporters including the Arts Council Ireland, RTÉ, Fáilte Ireland, and Limerick City Council to deliver a vibrant programme each year.
Testimonials
What audiences and artists have said about their Limerick Jazz Festival experience.
"A brilliantly curated festival that brings the best of jazz to Limerick. The atmosphere across the city during festival week is electric."
— Festival attendee"One of Ireland's most welcoming jazz events — great venues, passionate audiences, and a genuine love for the music."
— Visiting artistChild Protection Policy
The Limerick Jazz Festival is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all young people participating in festival activities.
Our Commitment
The festival maintains a comprehensive Child Protection Policy that governs all workshops, educational events, and interactions involving children and young people. All staff and workshop leaders are expected to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding. The full policy document is available on request.
Since its inception, the Limerick Jazz Festival has established itself as a vital part of Ireland's cultural landscape, bringing world-class jazz to the heart of the mid-west region. What began as a modest gathering of local musicians and jazz enthusiasts has grown into a multi-day celebration spanning multiple venues across the city. The festival's programming has consistently balanced international headliners with homegrown Irish talent, creating a unique atmosphere where established legends and emerging artists share the same stages. From intimate club sessions to large concert hall performances, each edition of the festival builds on the last, deepening its roots in the local community while expanding its reach to attract visitors from across Ireland and beyond.
Education has always been a cornerstone of the Limerick Jazz Festival's mission, with workshops and learning opportunities woven throughout the programme. These educational initiatives cater to musicians at every level, from school-age beginners just discovering the genre to experienced players looking to refine their craft. Professional musicians lead masterclasses covering improvisation, ensemble playing, and the history of jazz, while teacher resources and strategy documents help educators bring jazz into their classrooms. The festival also maintains an archive of profiles and testimonies from past participants, demonstrating the lasting impact these educational programmes have had on the development of young musicians and the broader jazz community in the region.
The festival's stages have hosted an impressive array of artists over the years, spanning the full spectrum of jazz and its related genres. Audiences have been treated to performances ranging from soulful vocalists and tight-knit small combos to larger ensemble productions that fill concert halls with rich, layered sound. The programme typically features a mix of straight-ahead jazz, fusion, blues-inflected sets, and contemporary experimental work, ensuring there is something for every taste. Beyond the main concert programme, the festival has become known for its vibrant fringe events, where spontaneous collaborations and unexpected musical pairings often produce some of the most memorable moments of the weekend, reinforcing the festival's reputation for creative risk-taking.
The Limerick Jazz Festival has become more than just a weekend of concerts; it is a community gathering that celebrates the city's rich musical heritage while looking forward to its future. Local venues transform into welcoming performance spaces, and the streets of Limerick fill with the sounds of live music spilling from doorways. The festival has fostered lasting connections between visiting artists and local musicians, creating a network of collaboration that extends far beyond the festival dates. Supported by dedicated volunteers, local businesses, and arts organisations, the festival continues to thrive as a testament to the power of community-driven cultural events, ensuring that Limerick remains a vibrant destination for jazz lovers year after year.