St. John's Pavilion

St. John’s Pavilion, Mahon, Newtown, LimerickGoogle Maps

This site was built in 1934 by members of St. John’s Temperance, part of the Temperance movement, a group dedicated to lowering the consumption of alcohol. From then it became an important location for commercial and social life in Limerick, hosting dances and functions alike. It remained popular through the 1950’s and 1960’s, being used at this time for ceilís (a traditional Irish social gathering featuring folk music and group dancing). It remains an iconic building to the people of Limerick and its recent history, it still boasts its original dance floor.
This site was one of nineteen venues used for the 41st edition of EVA International in 2025. It was used as part of the Guest Programme, It Takes a Village, curated by Eszter Szakács in collaboration with the EVA team. It was also used as part of the Platform Commissions programme selected by Iarlaith Ní Fheorais and Roy Claire Potter.
On the opening weekend of the 41st edition of EVA International, a newly commissioned performance by Eimear Walshe (b.1992) LANCERS/LOVERS (2025) starred Colin Dunne, August Kirwan, Meadhbh Ní Laoghaire Nic Ghiolla Phádraig, Nóra Casey and Tuán Ó Baoill.