Music Factory is a summer camp the ICO runs every July, brings children together from across Limerick city and the region to have fun, whilst developing their interest in music and the arts.

The camp is devised by ICO violinist Diane Daly and run by Diane, along with ICO education officer Kathleen Turner.


In addition a number of facilitators are brought in, each specialising in a different art form.

The 2010 camp took storytelling as a starting point, and developed a series of different plays, based on life on different planets. The children devised the stories, designed the set and created the songs and music.

Facilitators included Jenny Brown (dance), Peter Hanagan (jazz), Boris Hunka (drums), Moley o Suilleabhain (beat-box/rap), Carmel Doolan (voice/guitar), Lisa Cody (art) and Anne Blake (drama).

Since 2008 the ICO in partnership with Bank of America Foundation, has offered an enhanced Music Factory, designed to complement the regeneration of Limerick City.

Music Factory helps children to develop their inventive skills, providing them with access to music and the ‘hands on’ experience of composing and playing musical instruments, encouraging talents that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

In addition, the project works to break down social barriers, bringing children from different backgrounds together to work to achieve common goals. Such experiences encourage a positive mindset that can enhance a child’s musical, personal and community experience.

Music Factory culminates in a ‘Family Fun Day’ which allows the ICO musicians to meet directly with parents as well as children.