Traditional sports and games from across Europe to transform Limerick city centre in August
Some of Limerick’s most historic and best-loved public spaces will become a playground for traditional sports and games when the European Sport for All Games 2026 come to the city from 7th to 10th August this year.
From King John’s Castle to the Milk Market, the Games will transform Limerick city centre into a vibrant celebration of sport, culture and community, with traditional games, performances and cultural experiences from across Europe taking place in parks, streets and public spaces throughout the city.
Organisers have now confirmed the venues that will host the Games, which will attract over 250 participants from 26 European delegations, for four days of sport, cultural exchange and public events.
The venues confirmed so far are King John’s Castle, Nicholas Street, Hunt Museum Garden, Arthur’s Quay Park, Honan’s Quay, The Crescent / Georgian Limerick, People’s Park, Mary Immaculate College, Merchant’s Quay, and the Milk Market.
The programme will begin on Friday, 7th August, with an opening ceremony at King John’s Castle and a conference at Mary Immaculate College.
Throughout Saturday and Sunday, traditional sports and games from across Europe will take over the city centre, with demonstrations, performances and opportunities for the public to try out the different traditional games for themselves and experience all the different cultures.
The Games will conclude on Monday with a closing ceremony at the Milk Market.
Among the sports visitors can expect to see are Asphalt Stock Sport from Austria, Pljockanje from Poland, Barrel Rolling from France, Gymnastics from Estonia, Horseshoe Throw from Hungary and Tamburello from Italy, alongside many more traditional games and activities from across Europe.
The announcement comes as representatives from Limerick Sports Partnership return from the 29th TAFISA World Congress in Prague, where anticipation is already building among participating nations ahead of the Games coming to Ireland.
Phelim Macken, Limerick Sports Partnership, said:
“There is huge excitement among delegates and participating countries about coming to Limerick for the European Sport for All Games in August. People are looking forward not only to demonstrating their traditional sports and games, but also to sharing their culture, meeting communities in Limerick and experiencing the city together.
What makes these Games special is that they bring sport out into public spaces and create opportunities for everyone to get involved, whether that is by taking part, watching, volunteering or simply enjoying the atmosphere across the city.”
The Games are being organised by Limerick Sports Partnership and TAFISA in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Sport Ireland, University of Limerick, and co-funded by the European Union.
Photos by Brian Arthur