Clare and Limerick win bid to host EuroPride festival in 2028

Clare and Limerick have won the bid to host EuroPride 2028, after competing against Manchester.

It has been confirmed the 2028 edition will be coming to the Munster region, for a joint ‘West of Ireland’ bid from Limerick Pride, QuareClare and The Outing Festival.

Ireland will play host to the international event for the first time. EuroPride attracts more than 100,000 from around the world, and is hosted in a different European city each year.

Over the last few years, it has been hosted in London, Thessaloniki, Cologne, Warsaw, Rome, Oslo, Madrid, and Zurich.

The news was confirmed by Limerick mayor, John Moran, who said the event will have a positive impact on the economy.

"People will talk about the fun we will have, they will talk about the positive impact to the economy, but this is much more.

"It is saying to every kid and adult who may be asking the question to themselves, that they are welcoming in the inclusive Limerick (and Clare) that we are continuing to build," Mr Moran said.

Europride 2028 will be the occasion to celebrate diversity, promote visibility, and forge new connections among LGBTQ+ communitiess.

"This achievement would not have been possible without the diligent work of local community organisers and partners. I want to warmly congratulate Limerick Pride, The Outing Queer Arts Collective (The Outing Festival) and QuareClare for their leadership in developing the West of Ireland bid, and to thank the many volunteers, campaigners, and civic supporters who travelled to represent our region during the bidding process.

"I would also like to acknowledge and congratulate named local figures who have been central to this effort including Limerick Pride, and the councillors and civic partners who backed the bid. The city is grateful for the energy and vision they have shown in securing this opportunity," Mr Moran added.

"Hosting EuroPride 2028 is an extraordinary honour for us here in Limerick. It is a moment for us to shine a spotlight on equality, to welcome the world, and to show how far we have come.

"Our goal is not only to host memorable events, but to leave a lasting legacy of inclusion, awareness, and civic pride."

The bids for Europride were presented at the EPOA annual conference in Barcelona, and the winner was announced this Saturday.