Programme One
Thursday, December 4th 2025,
RTÉ One,
8:00pm
In the first of this new two-part special, Neven’s Christmas in Limerick, Neven Maguire prepares Smoked Salmon Galettes, Glazed Rack of Pork with Creamy Roast Potatoes, and No Bake Chocolate Tart.
The popular chef explores Limerick City meeting some of the city’s most respected food producers and chefs, with the focus on Christmas food, drinks, and recipes.
Neven says: “I was delighted to explore Limerick city for my Christmas programmes this year and I was inspired by the people I met. They were so welcoming and proud of what they do, and where they come from. I was also honoured to visit the historic St. Mary’s Cathedral and enjoy performances of beautiful Christmas music.”
Neven meets Antón Togher in O’Connell’s Butchers, a craft butchers shop which has operated in Limerick since 1919 and is famous for producing Limerick Christmas Ham.
He visits the Milk Market and chats to the manager David Fitzgerald. The Milk Market dates back to 1852 and today features an array of market stalls selling fresh, locally sourced produce, and artisanal foods.
Neven also heads to St. Mary’s Cathedral to meet the Dean, the Very Reverend Niall Sloane. The Cathedral overlooks the Shannon river and was founded in 1168. It has been a place of continuous worship for over 850 years.
The local An Cór Chamber Choir joins Neven in the Cathedral to complete programme one with a Christmas Carol.
Programme Two
Thursday, December 11th 2025,
RTÉ One,
8:00pm
In the second of this new two-part special, Neven’s Christmas in Limerick, Neven Maguire prepares Saffron Orzo with Mussels Nduja, Slow Roasted Shoulder of Lamb and Bulgar Wheat; and Cinnamon and Mincemeat Swirls.
The popular chef explores Limerick City meeting some of the city’s most respected food producers and chefs, with the focus on Christmas food, drinks, and recipes.
Neven says: “I was delighted to explore Limerick city for my Christmas programmes this year and I was inspired by the people I met. They were so welcoming and proud of what they do, and where they come from. I was also honoured to visit the historic St. Mary’s Cathedral and enjoy performances of beautiful Christmas music.”
Neven visits The French Table restaurant, overlooking the Shannon, where chef Thomas Fialon cooks his festive recipe for Goose Breast with Chestnuts.
He then heads to Cahill’s Tea which dates back to 1870 and offers a carefully selected range of teas from around the world. Neven meets owner Eleanor Purcell for a tasting of Christmas tea blends.
Neven visits Limerick’s Georgian Quarter and enjoys Afternoon Tea in boutique hotel No.1 Pery Square with owner Patricia Roberts.
Then, in the spectacular setting of Limerick’s 12th Century St. Mary’s Cathedral Neven is joined by the local An Cór Chamber Choir as they perform a Christmas carol.
