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 17,000 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.