Siege of Limerick – FAQ
Established in 2009, the Siege of Limerick is a free, independent, community minded, underground Metal gathering held in Limerick City. It typically taking place twice a year around the Easter and Halloween bank holiday weekends. The event is owned and organized by Bad Rep Promotions and has been hosted at Dolan’s Pub and venue for over 15 years. It is typically a one-day event and features dozens of alternative music bands performing across multiple stages - a full day of live heavy music hosted at the iconic Dolan’s music venue.
The festival has grown from a small local event into one of the largest gatherings for underground metal fans in Ireland, attracting bands and attendees from across the country and abroad. It is also worth noting that some special editions of the Siege are ticketed events.
The core philosophy of the Siege of Limerick is accessibility and community.
The event has nearly always been free to attend in order to remove financial barriers
for fans and to encourage discovery of new bands. This is an independent, DIY event.
The festival is designed as a meeting place for the Irish metal community where
fans, bands, promoters and artists can interact throughout the day.
The event is organised by Bad Reputation promotions, named so after the famous Thin Lizzy song. Bad Rep is a duo dedicated to supporting heavy underground music and is bolstered by an excellent team of friends and fellow music heads. The organiser has long been involved in promoting gigs, supporting touring acts and providing opportunities for emerging bands.
The festival is made possible through the support of volunteers, venue staff,
sound engineers and the wider metal community.
One of the defining aspects of the Siege of Limerick is that there is no admission fee for most editions. This approach helps remove barriers for fans, allows new bands to reach larger audiences, and encourages attendees to discover new music. The festival is supported by merchandise sales, and a budget from Dolans
The Siege of Limerick typically features 20–30 bands in one day.
Performances take place across three stages within Dolan’s venue. Attendees often move between rooms throughout the day to discover different bands and styles of metal.
The festival showcases a broad range of heavy music that is all linked under the banner of Heavy Metal. It welcomes many of the genres of Metal. It has also showcased other left-of-field bands from time to time and always maintains a punk, DIY ethos.
This variety makes the event a snapshot of the underground alternative scene in Ireland.
One of the defining aspects of the Siege of Limerick is that it is completely free.
The aim is to encourage music discovery and make the event accessible to everyone.
The event is supported through merchandise sales, bar revenue and the dedication
of volunteers and organisers who believe in supporting underground music.
The Siege of Limerick began in the early 2009 in Baker Place, before moving to Dolans 2011 – where it remains happily.
Over time it’s grown into a major event within the Irish metal calendar.
Bands from across Ireland and international touring acts now regularly appear
on the lineup.
Despite its growth, the festival has retained its underground ethos and
community-driven atmosphere.
The name 'Siege of Limerick' references the historic sieges of the city during
the Williamite War in the late 17th century.
The festival uses the name as a playful metaphor for a large gathering – or
'siege' – of metal bands and fans descending upon the city.
Tips for first time visitors:
• Arrive early to avoid queues
• Get Siege merch if you can
• Be open-minded
• Bring ear protection
• Stay hydrated
• Explore different stages and discover new bands
• Support bands by buying merchandise
• Respect venue staff and fellow attendees
• Pace yourself – it is a long day of music
• Be respectful to other attendees
• Do not touch anyone without consent
• Follow venue staff instructions
• No antisocial behaviour
• Look out for fellow gig-goers in the pit
• Anyone under 18 must follow Dolan’s venue policies
The event is family friendly earlier in the day.
• Under 18s must leave by the venue’s curfew time 5-6pm
• Under 15s must be accompanied by a guardian/parent
• All children must wear ear protection
Strictly no alcohol for U18’s – Irish Law
Admittance is at the discretion of Dolans staff and non-negotiable
The Siege of Limerick is a free admission, community event. There are no tickets.
Some special editions are ticketed.
Bands interested in performing should send an EPK (with links to properly recorded music). However we do receive hundreds of applications a month, and we book at least 9 months out. Please don’t automatically expect a slot by applying and please don’t spam us. We do not offer slots to indie or pop bands – please don’t apply
Tips for bands:
• Be active in the local scene
• Build a strong live reputation
• Release music online and in-person
• Promote your shows and support other bands
• Send professional band information when submissions open
For many fans and musicians, the Siege of Limerick is more than just a festival.
It is a celebration of underground heavy music and the DIY spirit that keeps
the scene alive. It’s the perfect day to catch up with friends and meet new ones.
Bands often meet new collaborators, fans discover their next favourite group,
and friendships are formed that keep the community thriving.
Any do's and don'ts for first time attendees?
DO:
• Buy merch
• Watch bands
• Drink water
• Talk to strangers
• Wash your hands
• Be nice to staff and crew
DON'T:
• Be a gowl
• Touch anyone who doesn't want to be touched
Yes. The venue restaurant and bar food areas typically operate during the event,
though menus may be limited due to the large number of attendees.
Live music usually finishes around 1am. Venue closes around 2am.
There are no wristbands.
Yes – costumes are okay
It is recommended to bring your own
12pm for the front bar, venues start opening from 1pm
Siege merch will open at 12.45pm approx. on the upper terrace. Band Merch will open at 1.45pm in the downstairs courtyard
Cash only for band merch. Siege merch is cash or card.
We order a certain amount of merch to cover costs and keep the event flowing – that’s that. Get in early if you want merch.
No – at the event only. First come – first serve.
No – we don’t do this, it’s not fair.
ALL professional photography and videography needs to cleared in advance of the event by email to badreplive@gmail.com. Limited passes available. Even if you are taking photos of one band you must clear it with us. NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY.
MORE TO COME…
