Visit

Situated on the banks of the River Suir, Clonmel has all the facilities that one would expect to find in a town of its size. It has always been regarded as the best shopping town in the South East of Ireland and great efforts have been made in recent years to preserve the character of the shop fronts in the town and restore them to their former styles. The town has a population of 18,000 within the borough, with an additional 5,000 in the surrounding area making Clonmel an expanding industrial town and a thriving commercial and business centre with many fine hotels, pubs, and guest houses.‍

The rolling Comeragh Mountains to the south and Slievenamon to the east provide a scenic backdrop to the town from almost every vantage point. The River Suir has been a major influence on the town’s development and the river route, historically used by barges to transport food and supplies between Clonmel and Waterford, can now be taken in by foot or bicycle as part of the Suir BlueWay. In the water, Clonmel hosts Ireland’s first canoe slalom course and is home to the Irish Canoe Slalom Club Championships.

The town of Clonmel is served by train and bus links to both local and national destinations. Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) has daily rail links to both Waterford and Limerick Junction and from these stations you can continue your journey to various destinations. For timetables, journey planners and ticket purchases please see the Irish Rail website at www.irishrail.ie

Bus Éireann offers connections to many parts of the country, including Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Kilkenny and Waterford as well as serving local towns such as Cahir, Carrick-on-Suir and Clogheen. You can access their website, www.buseireann.ie, for the most up to date timetables and journey information.

JJ Kavanagh are an independent bus provider which serves Clonmel. For information on routes and to book, see www.jjkavanagh.ie

Local Transport in Clonmel

Clonmel is served by the TFI Local Link bus network, providing connections throughout the town and to surrounding areas including Ard Gaoithe, Heywood Road, Cashel Road, Queen Street, O’Connell Street, Parnell Street, Showgrounds Shoping Centre, Poppyfields, Crann Ard and Glenconner Road.  These services offer an affordable and convenient way to travel between festival venues, accommodation and nearby towns.

For route information, timetables and service updates, please see timetables available here. Please note that bus services terminate at approximately 11pm each night – the CL9 route offers the earliest and latest local transport available.

Tickets can be purchased directly on board Local Link services. Passengers may pay using cash (no notes), contactless payment with a bank card or mobile device, or a TFI Leap Card.

TFI Leap Cards can be purchased online or from Post Offices nationwide. Cards can be topped up using the TFI Leap Top-Up app or at Post Offices and other authorised agents. For information on purchasing and using a Leap Card, see here.

Local Taxi Operators

A number of local taxi operators serve Clonmel and the surrounding area, providing transport throughout the festival period. The operators listed below are provided for visitor convenience; additional taxi services may also be available locally.

Noelie Cabs – 086 2006699
Pollard’s Cabs – 087 2227222
Smith Cabs – 086 0529500
TJ Cabs – 085 7697692
Amber Cabs – 087 9040244

Visitors are advised to pre-book where possible, particularly following evening performances and events. As payment methods vary between operators, we recommend confirming accepted payment options when booking and carrying cash where possible.

Wander through Time in your own immersive journey of 5,000 years of European History

Ireland’s Ancient East is a unique touring region taking in an amazing 5,000 years of history in the East and South of Ireland.  From passage tombs like Newgrange (older than the Egyptian pyramids) to Palladian Mansions like Powerscourt and Castletown; from Celtic and monastic sites to medieval castles and high crosses harking back to Early Christian Ireland, nowhere in Europe offers such a wealth of heritage in such an intimate geographical space.

Connecting the past and present, this is the perfect opportunity to have a personal journey of discovery in this relaxing, off the beaten track, lush, green, beautiful landscape that has attracted warring settlers for millennia. Meet the locals and get ready to have a memorable experience as they enthral you with stories of a time of contrasts, of empire, rebellion, innovation and industry, as well as local legends.

Walk around incredible monastic sites where Early Christians established flourishing communities.  Stand inside castles battered by brutal sieges and bloody battles, and wander the gracious manor houses and delightful gardens of the aristocracy.  You can do everything from boarding a replica Famine ship to following in the footsteps of Vikings and Normans.  Explore a land of living culture which is celebrated in its craft, food, music and festivals.  With some of the best storytellers in the world, the intrigue, romance and incredible tales of Ireland’s Ancient East are yours to discover.

The Suir Blueway in County Tipperary opened in 2019 at a coast of just under €6 million. The Suir Blueway runs for 53km in an east-west direction from Carrick-on-Suir to Cahir via Clonmel. The route is made up of a walking/ cycling trail for 21km which runs from Carrick-on-Suir to Clonmel and a further 32km of waterway along the River Suir which can be canoed or kayaked. It is the river-based element of the route that makes it a Blueway rather than a Greenway!

With Carrick-on-Suir being the home town of Sean Kelly and Sam Bennett, many consider this area to be Ireland’s spiritual home of cycling and this off-road route shouldn’t disappoint the experienced cyclist. Running through the rich valley of the River Suir and the surrounding pasturelands of the Golden Vale, the trail provides wonderful views of some of Ireland’s most beautiful countryside.

Located less than 20km from Clonmel, Cahir is an important destination within the Suir Blueway Arts Cluster, a collection of cultural attractions, creative spaces and heritage sites celebrating the artistic and historical character of the River Suir region. With its blend of contemporary art, medieval architecture and scenic countryside, Cahir offers visitors another opportunity to explore the rich cultural landscape surrounding Clonmel.

One of County Tipperary’s most iconic landmarks, Cahir Castle is among Ireland’s largest and best-preserved medieval fortresses. Built in the 13th century by the powerful Butler family, it stands dramatically on a rocky island in the River Suir. As a key heritage attraction within the Suir Blueway Arts Cluster, the castle offers visitors a chance to explore centuries of Irish history, admire its impressive defensive architecture and discover the stories that have shaped the region.

Located just a stone’s throw from Cahir Castle, Cahir Arts brings a contemporary creative perspective to the Suir Blueway Arts Cluster. This contemporary art gallery and design store showcases the work of more than 250 artists, offering a diverse selection of original artwork and design. A vibrant hub for creativity in the heart of Cahir, it provides visitors with an opportunity to discover artistic talent and experience the area’s thriving visual arts scene.

Set within the leafy Tipperary countryside just outside Cahir, the Swiss Cottage is a distinctive historic attraction that adds another dimension to the Suir Blueway Arts Cluster. Built in the early 19th century, this ornamental cottage is renowned for its whimsical architecture, thatched roof and charming interiors. Surrounded by woodland and landscaped grounds, it offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can appreciate the relationship between architecture, design and the natural landscape.

Located along the River Suir, Carrick-on-Suir is a vibrant destination within the Suir Blueway Arts Cluster, where centuries of history meet contemporary creativity and community arts. From immersive storytelling and historic architecture to independent artisans and makers, the town offers visitors plenty of opportunities to discover the cultural heritage and creative spirit of the Suir region.

Housed within the beautifully restored St. Nicholas’ Church, Tides of Time is an immersive visitor experience exploring the people, places and stories that have shaped Carrick-on-Suir. Through photography, artefacts, sound, imagery and interactive storytelling, visitors can discover the town’s connection to the River Suir and its history of trade, industry and everyday life. Celebrating local voices and heritage, Tides of Time offers a compelling introduction to the stories that make this riverside town unique.

In the heart of Carrick-on-Suir’s Cultural Quarter, the Tudor Artisan Hub is a creative space showcasing the work of more than 100 independent artists and craftspeople. With its focus on Irish craftsmanship and independent makers, the Hub is an ideal place to discover unique gifts, support local artists and experience the contemporary creative community that forms an important part of the Suir Blueway Arts Cluster.

Overlooking the River Suir, Ormond Castle is home to one of Ireland’s finest surviving Elizabethan manor houses. Originally established as a medieval fortress, the castle was transformed in the 16th century by Thomas Butler, the 10th Earl of Ormond, into an impressive Tudor residence. Its remarkable decorative plasterwork and distinctive architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s aristocratic past. As one of Carrick-on-Suir’s most significant heritage landmarks, Ormond Castle adds another historic dimension to the cultural journey along the Suir.

In the heart of County Tipperary’s Golden Vale, Cashel is a historic town renowned for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque surrounding landscapes. With a thriving local creative community, Cashel offers visitors another place to explore the heritage and artistic character of the region.

Rising dramatically above the town, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most recognisable historic landmarks and a defining feature of the Tipperary landscape. Its distinctive silhouette against the surrounding countryside has made it an enduring source of inspiration for artists, photographers and visitors alike.

Cashel Palace Hotel is a five-star luxury country house hotel in Cashel, County Tipperary, set beside the Rock of Cashel in Ireland’s Ancient East. Dating from 1732, this restored Palladian manor is a landmark address where heritage, hospitality and a deep connection to place come together. The gardens at Cashel Palace bring calm, beauty and a deep connection to place. Mature planting, lawns, quiet paths and views towards the Rock of Cashel shape moments of rest, wellbeing, celebration and discovery throughout the changing seasons.

Just beyond Cashel town, the atmospheric ruins of Hore Abbey sit in open countryside with spectacular views towards the Rock of Cashel. Surrounded by open fields and rolling green landscapes, the abbey is a beautiful location for appreciating the relationship between historic architecture and the Tipperary countryside.

Beyond its celebrated landmarks, Cashel offers visitors opportunities to discover local history, traditional Irish culture and contemporary craft. The Cashel Heritage Centre explores the town’s past, while Brú Ború Cultural Centre, located at the foot of the Rock, celebrates Irish music, song, dance and folklore. Together, these attractions highlight the breadth of Cashel’s cultural offering and make the town a natural addition to a journey through Tipperary’s heritage and arts destinations.