New Book Reveals Rich History of Limerick’s Beloved Theatre

A new book titled Limerick Athenaeum – If Walls Could Talk, authored by former owner Seamus Flynn, has been released, detailing the extensive history of a beloved theatre in Limerick City. This publication sheds light on the venue’s significant contributions to the arts, music, and culture of the region.

The Athenaeum Hall, established through public subscriptions in July 1856, holds the distinction of being the second oldest theatre in Ireland and one of the world’s oldest surviving music halls. Flynn describes his book as “a catalogue of things that happened there,” reflecting the rich tapestry of events that unfolded within its walls.

Seamus Flynn took ownership of the Athenaeum in 1989, after it had been inactive for four years. During this period, the rise of video rental shops had led to a decline in cinema attendance, prompting property developers to propose transforming the venue into a shopping mall. Under Flynn’s direction, however, the theatre evolved into a cornerstone of Limerick’s cultural landscape.

The venue hosted a variety of live performances, including notable acts such as Mary Black in 1989. Unfortunately, disaster struck in 1990 when an electrical fire severely damaged the building. After undergoing reconstruction, the theatre reopened in 1991, but soon faced another challenge regarding its operational model.

In a twist of fate, a forgotten piece of legislation from 1835 allowed the theatre to obtain a license to sell alcohol under the Excise Act. This legal adjustment was pivotal, enabling the Athenaeum to attract larger audiences and setting a precedent for other venues throughout Ireland.

Among the memorable moments at the Athenaeum was the first live performance by the iconic band The Cranberries, who later gained international fame. Local comedians Tom and Pascal entertained audiences with their popular Christmas Crackers Show, while the local pop group Tuesday Blue became the first musicians from Limerick to appear on MTV.

The Athenaeum also featured in Channel 4’s BAFTA award-winning comedy Father Ted, specifically in the beloved Eurovision episode, and hosted auditions for the RTÉ film production Thou Shalt Not Kill. Over the years, the theatre became a vital space for local talent and a hub for cultural expression.

Despite its closure in 1998, discussions about the theatre’s future have persisted. In November 2022, the venue was temporarily reopened for the filming of One Night Only, a feature film starring Colin Morgan and directed by David Gleeson.

Seamus Flynn expressed hope for the theatre’s revival, emphasizing its potential to draw significant events back to the city. “It’s a huge place. You put Tommy Tiernan on the stage of the Royal and he’s going to bring 700 people into the city centre,” he stated, highlighting the demand for cultural events in Limerick.

The Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, has expressed aspirations to reinstate the theatre as a community resource. Flynn supports the Mayor’s initiatives, believing the Athenaeum could play an essential role in revitalizing the city centre.

The book Limerick Athenaeum – If Walls Could Talk is now available for purchase at the Limerick Civic Trust on Church Street and the People’s Museum. Proceeds from the book will benefit both the Historic Houses of Ireland and the Limerick Civic Trust, ensuring that the legacy of this historic venue continues to resonate within the community.