Experience the Culture of Limerick
Discover the people, places, and traditions that define Limerick, all just steps away. Beyond the conference sessions, immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture through curated experiences that bring its character to life. From historic Irish pubs to local experts sharing the stories and heritage of the city, Futura offers an opportunity to experience Limerick beyond the conference and connect with the spirit of the city.
Please reference the Event Schedule for the latest sessions and times.
Pop-Up Gaeltacht
Ever wondered what the Irish are saying when they switch into Gaelic?
Come along to our Pop-Up Gaeltacht, a lively, informal Irish-language experience where you can learn a few words, phrases and expressions in Gaeilge (Irish), Ireland’s native language.
You don’t need to speak Irish, or even know how to pronounce it! Our friendly Pop-Up Gaeltacht is designed for everyone, including visitors from the United States who want to experience a little more of authentic Irish culture.
You’ll learn useful Irish phrases such as:
- Dia dhuit (Dee-ah gwitch): Hello
- Sláinte! (Slawn-cha): Cheers!
- Go raibh maith agat (Guh rev mah agut): Thank you
- Céad míle fáilte (Kayd mee-leh fall-cheh): A hundred thousand welcomes
- Craic (Crack): Fun / good times / what’s happening
And, of course, you’ll discover that Irish is about much more than words: it’s about storytelling, music, community, humour and connection.
A Little Ireland, Wherever You Are. Think of the Pop-Up Gaeltacht as an Irish-language social gathering with a distinctly Irish sense of humour. Grab a drink, meet some people, try out a few Irish words and discover the language that has been spoken on the island of Ireland for centuries.
No homework. No exams. No pressure. Just Gaeilge, good company and plenty of craic!
Fáilte romhat! You are very welcome!
Futura Photo Walk Competition: See Limerick. Capture the Moment. Win Great Prizes.
Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:15–11:00am, starting at the corner of Bedford Row and Henry St
Get out of the conference room and into the heart of Limerick City! The Futura Photo Walk Competition invites Futura delegates, visitors and photography enthusiasts to explore the city, discover its hidden gems, capture its character and share your favourite moments.
Whether you’re using a professional camera, a compact camera or simply your smartphone, everyone can take part. No photography experience is required.
How it works
- Explore: Take a walk through Limerick and photograph the places, people, architecture, culture, creativity and unexpected moments that catch your eye.
- Share: Post your favourite Futura Photo Walk photograph to Instagram or X.
- Hashtag it: Use the official competition hashtags #FuturaInnovationLIMK and #FILimerick so your entry can be found.
- Be in with a chance to win: Your photograph will put you in the draw to win great prizes, including a fantastic hamper, with many more prizes to be announced.
What are we looking for? Photographs that capture the spirit of Limerick and the Futura experience: a stunning city view, a hidden corner of Limerick, architecture or street art, a great Futura moment, people enjoying the city, something unexpected, or simply a photograph that makes us stop and look twice! Be creative. Be curious. Show us Limerick through your eyes.
Prize draw: Wednesday 21 October 2026.
So grab your phone or camera, lace up your walking shoes and get exploring. Limerick is the backdrop. You are the photographer. Let’s see Futura through your eyes.
Free to take part for all attendees.
The Director’s Cut: Limerick Museum
Guided tour Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:30–2:15pm · Museum open 10:00am–5:00pm daily · Henry St
Dr Matthew Potter, Director of Limerick Museums, will offer a special guided tour of the museum on Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:30–2:15pm.
Limerick Museum is a vibrant cultural and heritage museum in the heart of Limerick City, telling the story of the city and its people through a fascinating collection of artefacts, photographs, documents and objects.
From Limerick’s medieval past and military history to its social, sporting and cultural heritage, the museum brings the city’s rich history to life. It offers visitors an engaging insight into how Limerick has evolved over the centuries and celebrates the people, places and events that have shaped the city.
Located on Henry Street, Limerick Museum is an important resource for residents and visitors alike, connecting the city’s past with its present. It is free to visit, 10:00am–5:00pm, Monday to Saturday.
Maryland Film Festival Showcase
Tuesday 20 October, 10:00am–4:00pm, Maryland Innovation and Film House, LPYMA
The Maryland Innovation and Film House at the Futura Innovation Conference features the Maryland Film Festival Showcase, a high-voltage lineup of 14 fresh films from some of the state’s most exciting filmmakers. Dive into two narrative features, two documentaries, and a thrilling mix of animated, documentary, experimental, and narrative shorts.
This is a cinematic road trip across the state known as “America in miniature,” from the mountains of Western Maryland to the broad streets of Baltimore, through the DC suburbs, and out to the sunlit banks of the Eastern Shore. Every style, every genre, every corner of Maryland are featured as Maryland Film Festival brings a full day (8.5 hours!) of our favorite recent moving images to the Futura Conference.
Presented by the SNF Parkway Theatre, home of the Maryland Film Festival, and curated by KJ Mohr, the Festival’s Director.
Pop-Up Gallery
Tuesday 20 October, 10:00am–3:00pm, Maryland House, LPYMA
Local Limerick artists take over the walls of the LPYMA (Limerick Protestant Young Men’s Association), one of the city’s oldest meeting houses, for a one-day Pop-Up Gallery, featuring work by Orla Hickey, Jelena Stamenković and Moya Ní Cheallaigh. Come and see the work, meet some of the artists and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic building. Then stay for the Maryland Innovation and Film House talks in the same building, on investing in or expanding to the US state of Maryland, or working with a US company here in Ireland.
Beyond the Label: Art, Expression & Second Chances
Tuesday 20 October, 12:00pm, Gardens International
What do we see when we look past a label? Presented with PALS, this lunchtime session showcases art made by people who have been incarcerated, and explores how creative expression can open doors, change perceptions and offer a genuine second chance.
Every piece carries a story of reflection, resilience and the will to start again. The work invites us to look beyond a conviction or a category and see the person, the talent and the potential behind it.
Come along, see the art, hear the stories and join a conversation about creativity, second chances and the communities that make fresh starts possible.
Golf Activation
Monday 3:00–6:00pm · Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00am–4:00pm · The Strand
A putting competition! Film yourself or your friends playing on our putting mat, or snap a photo, and share it with #golflimerick or #filimerick. We’ll have prizes from Golf Limerick to give away, in anticipation of the Ryder Cup coming to Adare, Limerick, in 2027.
Irish Coffee Lesson with Dr Mike McMahon
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 6:00–8:00pm, Mother Macs
Join Dr Mike McMahon for an Irish Coffee Lesson in the surroundings of Mother Macs, one of Limerick’s oldest and most beloved bars.
Discover the story of Joe Sheridan, the man who invented the Irish Coffee, and how his creation became a legend from Limerick that has travelled all over the world. Then learn how to make the perfect Irish Coffee yourself. Sláinte!
Irish Pub Crawl
Tuesday 20 October from 5:00pm, city centre
Get involved and take pictures of yourself and whoever you meet on our unique self-guided tour through Limerick’s most iconic bars, including The White House, The Commercial, Jerry Flannery’s, Mickey Martin’s, Timmy Martin’s, Mother Macs and The Locke. Try local favorites in some of the most historic bars in Ireland, with live music along the way.
Share your photos with #FILimerick #FIPubcrawl #LimerickGiftCard and you could be entered into a competition for a Limerick Gift Card. Winners announced on Wednesday.
Live music on the crawl
- 5:00pm, Timmy Martin’s: Trad session with Garryowen Comhaltas
- 8:20pm, The Commercial: Trad session
- 9:00pm, The White House / The Commercial: Trad session, then acoustic from 9:30pm
Play or listen to traditional Irish music live in the place it all happens.
Trad Sessions
Monday 9:00pm, The Locke Bar / Nancy Blakes · Wednesday 8:00pm until late, The Commercial / The Locke
Play or listen to traditional Irish music live in the place it all happens.
Run the 3 Bridges
Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:00am, The Strand, outside the gym door
Start the day with a paced run across Limerick’s three bridges, led by RUN061.
RUN061 is a social run club based in Limerick city, founded by Aimee and Pravesh Dana, who wanted to build a sense of everyday community in the city they call home. What began as an Instagram invitation to join them for a run has grown into one of Limerick’s best-known run clubs, known for its themed runs and post-run meet-ups with local cafés and businesses.
Runners of all levels are welcome. It’s about the people and the city, not race times or personal bests, so come along, meet some locals and see Limerick from the river.
