← All events
sport · Thursday 9 July 2026 · TBC 
Irish Summer National Age Group Swimming Championships 2026
At UL Sport - University of Limerick · University of Limerick, Limerick
At UL Sport - University of Limerick · University of Limerick, Limerick
Ireland’s biggest swimming competition for 12 to 14 year olds comes to Limerick in July 2026, bringing four days of intense racing to one of Europe’s finest aquatic facilities. The Irish Summer National Age Group Championships is the premier Swim Ireland event for this age bracket - the meet where club swimmers from every province compete for the title of Irish Age Group Champion. If you have a child competing, or if you simply enjoy watching young athletes push their limits in a serious competitive setting, this is a fine few days to be in Limerick.
The championships run from Thursday 9 July to Sunday 12 July at UL Sport Arena, using its full 50-metre competition pool. Only swimmers born in 2012, 2013, or 2014 are eligible, and entry requires qualifying times achieved earlier in the season - so the standard is genuinely high. Expect heats in the mornings and finals in the evenings across a range of individual strokes and relay events, with the pool set up in long-course (50m) configuration throughout. UL Sport’s national pool opened in 2002 as Ireland’s first Olympic-sized facility; it runs to 50m x 25m, has an adjustable floor at the shallow end, and seats spectators along the poolside. The wider arena complex includes a 25m diving pool and a national strength and conditioning centre, so the infrastructure is well matched to an event of this scale. Event merchandise is usually available at national championships, and Swim Ireland publishes a full session schedule and heat times to registered clubs ahead of the meet.
UL Sport sits on the University of Limerick campus on the northern bank of the Shannon, roughly 5km east of Limerick city centre. By car, follow the N7 or N18 and take the University of Limerick exit - the campus is well signposted. There is car parking on campus, though it fills quickly during large events, so arriving early is worthwhile. From Limerick city centre, Bus Eireann operates routes to the UL campus; the 304 and related services stop nearby. Limerick itself is straightforward to reach: the M7 motorway links it to Dublin (around two hours), the N20 runs north to Galway and south to Cork, and Limerick Colbert Station has regular Intercity rail connections to Dublin Heuston and Cork.
Limerick is well worth a look beyond the campus. The Treaty City has King John’s Castle right on the river, a strong food scene on Thomas Street, and a Georgian quarter that repays a wander. There is more to see in Limerick and across Co. Limerick.
Heading to UL Sport - University of Limerick in Limerick? Limerick has plenty more to see. Read the Limerick area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.