Welcome

What a fantastic range of encounters we have in store for you.

This year’s theme is ‘Encounters’ and what a fantastic range of encounters we have in store for you. From our inaugural Vincent Hanley Summer School – a celebration of Vincent’s legacy through a series of talks interspersed with live music – to new works, concerts, literary events, theatre, dance performances, as well as family events on Kickham Plaza on both weekends, there really is something for everyone in our busy 10-day programme. So, delve in and try something new, bring your friends and family and gather at the many events held in Clonmel’s historic venues and beautiful cultural spaces.

Visit Kickham Plaza for the Snug – a space for discussions and the odd seisiún or two – circus, dance, music performances and workshops, or STAC Chapel for a packed schedule of dance, theatre and music performances. Check out performances from Irish Modern Dance Theatre, Eamon O’Malley, the Banshee Brass Quintet, the Irish National Opera, Nth Degree Productions, ConTempo Quartet, Bits and Bobs Orchestra, and Suzanne Buttimer…and peep behind the curtain to see work in development from Aoife Delany Reade, Eve O’Mahony and the cultural exchange, SPLASH Lab.

Pop into the Main Guard for the ‘Encounters with the River Suir’ exhibition, and our hugely popular Spoken Word event.

Don’t forget to call in to see Asylum Productions on O’Connell Street – a hive of activity where they’re looking to harvest your stories. Next, call into STAC for an ‘Encounter with Failure’, an exhibition inspired by the works that didn’t quite make the grade.

Visit the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History for an exhibition relating to iconic 1980s culture, inspired by Clonmel’s own Vincent Hanley or hop across the square and see the Photographic Haiku exhibition in Clonmel Library.

Take in the new Bridget film, Blue Road or TUS student animations at IMC Cinema or Baker’s Bar for unreal beats from Zimbabwean band Gonora Sounds, theatre from Anseo Anois Theatre, comedy with Áine Gallagher and local bands.

Old St Mary’s will offer festival highlights with performances from Oisín Leech and Lemoncello, supported by Clonmel’s Eve Whelan and Ross Boland. Whatever you choose, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the many arts encounters at Clonmel Junction Arts Festival 2025.