Established by Michael Whelan in 1949, Whelan Cameras started life as Whelan's Chemist on Shannon Street in Limerick City. A few short years later the business moved to its current location at 30 O'Connell Street, where it remains to this day. Though a chemist by trade, Michael always had a huge interest in photography, helping to set up Limerick Camera Club in 1943, he established Whelan's as Limerick's Photo HQ and so it remains.


In order to celebrate this momentus occasion, we are hosting a series of events both in-house and on location. Inviting the biggest brands in the industry to help mark this special year.


Wednesday February 21st 2024

In-store Touch & Try with Sigma Imaging - 11am to 4pm

Aidan from Sigma will be in-store demonstrating the latest Sigma lenses in all the popular fits, including Sony E-mount and Fuji X-mount. If you are considering a new lens for your camera, pop in and let the expert help you go through the range and find something that suits your needs and budget. 

In-store Touch & Try with DJI - 11am to 4pm

DJI will be in-store all afternoon showcasing the latest offerings from their various departments. If you are thinking of purchasing a drone, gimbal, action camera or microphone system, pop in and chat to the team. Various items will be available to get your hands on. There will be no drone demos, but the team will be able to talk you through all the available options both at consumer and enterprise level.

Nature Walk with ZEISS Optics - 1pm to 4pm

Join Whelan Cameras and ZEISS's nature ambassador Toby Carter at Whelan Cameras Store (30 O'Connell St, Limerick), for a walk over the River Shannon & around the Westfield Wetlands before heading back along the river front, where you can test out the latest binoculars from ZEISS out in the field.

Toby Carter is a keen birder and in his early 20’s, originally from rural Leicestershire. When he was just 5 years old, Toby’s passion for birdwatching was ignited on a trip to Titchwell Marsh RSPB and there’s been no going back since. Now with a BSc in Environmental Conservation, Toby has taken his passion to new heights, birdwatching in countries such as Sri Lanka. For Toby, “the best feeling is finding that one bird on your patch you didn’t expect, it doesn’t have to be anything rare, just unusual”.

The tour will take place on Wednesday 21st February, where we will meet at Whelan Cameras at 1pm for a meet and greet, and run through the binocular range before heading on a walk to the wetlands. The tour itself should last 2 hours and is limited to 10 people and should finish up around 4pm back at the shop. These tours will be €5 - as places are limited it is recommended to book early to avoid disappointment.

There will be plenty of ZEISS optics (binoculars) for each participant to use during the course of the walk.

The trails around the Westfield Wetlands are good but the weather will be unpredictable so dress accordingly.



Friday February 23rd 2024

Nikon Z Series Touch & Try Day with Bruno Murari (11am to 4pm)

Join us for a Touch & Try session of the whole Z range of cameras and a wide selection of lenses with Nikon and Bruno Murari. 
After his popular visit last year, Bruno from Nikon will be back in-store showcasing the full range of Nikon mirrorless cameras and a wide variety of lenses. If you have recently purchased and have questions or would like some tips and tricks or you are thinking of buying, be sure to pop in and have a chat.




Tuesday February 27th 2024

Fujifilm X Series - Launch Day with James Gilbert

Fujifilm's Technical Product Specialist James Gilbert will be in-store, showcasing the best new Fujifilm products so you can get hands-on. It's the first time we have stocked the Fujifilm X range, so we are delighted to mark the occasion with a wonderful touch and try session with James.

The original X-T1 was released in 2014 to celebrate Fujifilm’s 80th anniversary, and it would go on to lead a mirrorless camera revolution. Five generations and a decade later, Fujifilm’s latest imaging technology has come to X-T5, bringing photographers unrivalled image quality in a timeless and classic camera body.

James will be delighted to help with any queries and tips if you bring your camera along, or to show you what makes the range special if you are thinking of making the switch.



Wednesday February 28th 2024

Rugby Photography with James Crombie & Tour of The International Rugby Experience (Tour 2pm, Talk 3.30pm) - SOLD OUT

Join us as we celebrate Whelan Camera's 75th year in business with a very special event in the International Rugby Experience in Limerick.
We will meet at 2pm for a Tour of the International Rugby Experience followed by a talk on Rugby Photography by award winning photographer James Crombie - in association with Canon Ireland.
Time:
2pm: Tour of International Rugby Experience
3.30pm – 5.30pm: Talk/Presentation by James Crombie
About James:
James Crombie is a sports photographer working out of Dublin. In 2020 he won the Irish Press Photographer of the Year Award during the Covid lockdown. He is credited with taking sports photos that defined history, as well as the now famous photos of The Hurler and The Moon, and Murmuration of Starlings over Lough Ennell. James is a staff photographer with INPHO Photography. As well as being named ‘Press Photographer of the Year’ he was also awarded prizes in two other categories; Daily Life and People - 3rd place, Sports Feature - 3rd place, Nature and the Environment - 1st place.



Thursday February 29th 2024


Touch & Try Sessions (with Canon Ireland & 3 Legged Thing) - 11am to 4pm

To help celebrate our 75th year in business, Canon Ireland & 3 Legged Thing will be in-store from 11-4, showcasing and demonstrating the Canon R series of cameras and RF lenses & 3 Legged Thing Tripods and supports. If you are considering getting a new camera, lens or tripod, or if you are new to the Canon family and need some tips and tricks or a new tripod for your new camera - pop in and have a chat with the two teams. FREE ENTRY


Stay tuned for more updates and events to be announced soon...