What’s On in Tipperary: Festivals and Events

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Discover music, arts, food and family festivals across County Tipperary

Tipperary has a strong tradition of festivals and community celebrations that bring towns and villages to life throughout the year. From music and arts to heritage, agriculture, harvest gatherings and seasonal events, festivals and events in Tipperary offer a rich way to experience the county’s culture, creativity and sense of place.

This guide highlights a curated but broad mix of established annual festivals and events across the county. As a result, dates and programmes can change from year to year. Always check official event websites and social channels for the most up-to-date information, and keep a close eye out for special one-off events announced throughout the year.

The Irish Words You Should Know, Dromineer and Nenagh Literary Festival. Photo: Odhran Ducie

Festivals and Events in Tipperary – Calendar Highlights

February

Tipperariana Book Fair, Fethard
A long-running highlight for book lovers, the Tipperariana Book Fair attracts book dealers and collectors from across Ireland to the heritage town of Fethard.

March

Finding a Voice, Clonmel
An acclaimed festival celebrating music by women composers across centuries and continents. The festival marks International Women’s Day through concerts and performances.

May

Clancy Brothers Music and Arts Festival, Carrick-on-Suir
A multi-day celebration inspired by the legacy of the Clancy Brothers. In addition, the programme features concerts, theatre, heritage walks, family events and live music across the town.

Cloughjordan Community Amphitheatre Programme, Cloughjordan
Outdoor arts events at this unique community-run amphitheatre. Performances typically continue from spring through autumn.

Tipperary Bealtaine Festival (county-wide)
Part of the national Bealtaine programme, this festival celebrates creativity as we age. Events take place across towns and villages throughout Tipperary.

June

Rhododendron Walking Festival, Cahir
Guided evening walks showcasing the natural beauty of the Vee and Galty Vee Valley at peak colour.

When Next We Meet, Clonmel
A small-scale but highly regarded music festival known for its intimate atmosphere and carefully curated line-up.

When Next We Meet Music Festival Clonmel
When Next We Meet Music Festival, Clonmel – Photo by Kevin O’Donnell

July

Clonmel Junction Festival, Clonmel
One of Tipperary’s largest arts festivals, featuring theatre, dance, comedy, music and spectacle across the town.

Fair on the Square, Thurles
An evening celebration in Thurles town centre with live music, crafts, street performance and family entertainment.

Clonmel Show, Clonmel
A traditional agricultural show celebrating rural life. Highlights include equine and livestock competitions, local food and family activities.

Féile Brian Ború, Killaloe and Ballina
A vibrant celebration of heritage and history in the twin towns. The festival includes parades, pageants and strong community spirit.

August

Dualla Show, Dualla
One of Tipperary’s major agricultural shows, featuring livestock displays, tractors, showjumping, food stalls and family entertainment.

Tipp Indian Clonmel Summer Fest, Clonmel
A multicultural festival celebrating diversity through sport, dance, food and community activities.

Queen of the Castle, Cahir
A lively summer festival combining music, food and entertainment. The programme is inspired by historic fair traditions.

Clonmel Busking Festival, Clonmel
Street performances, pub gigs and live music bring energy and atmosphere to Clonmel over a summer weekend.

September

Resonance Lough Derg, Lough Derg
A distinctive festival of talks, workshops and performances featuring writers and thinkers. Events are set in a lakeside location.

Cashel Arts Festival, Cashel
A four-day arts festival animating Cashel’s historic spaces with music, theatre, visual arts, film and family events.

Applefest, Clonmel
A community celebration of food, heritage and nature. The festival marks the apple harvest with workshops and a seasonal fair.

Willow weaving at Applefest, Clonmel
Willow weaving at Applefest, Clonmel

October

Dromineer and Nenagh Literary Festival
A festival of literature, film, music and visual art on the shores of Lough Derg.

Spleodar Halloween Arts Festival, Nenagh
Spleodar is an annual Halloween arts especially for children and young people. The festival programme typically includes theatre, music, storytelling, workshops, visual arts and family-friendly performances, with events taking place in venues across the town.

Scare in Cahir, Cahir
Dare to wander the Freaky Fairy Trail and encounter strange, spooky, and frightfully fun characters lurking in the shadows… if you’re brave enough!

Harvest festivals and autumn fairs
Throughout October, towns and villages across Tipperary host harvest-themed events. These include food celebrations, markets and community gatherings.

Santa Clause Christmas events in Tipperary

December – Christmas in Tipperary

From late November through December, towns and villages across Tipperary host Christmas markets, craft fairs, light switch-ons, concerts and festive celebrations. Many of these events are community organised. As a result, local traditions remain strong and shopping local is firmly in the foreground.

With Christmas events taking place in nearly every parish, this is a lively and welcoming time to experience Tipperary’s towns and villages. Keep a close eye on local listings and social channels as programmes are announced each year.

Galloping Horses in a Cross Country Race

Sporting Events and Fixtures in Tipperary

Tipperary is home to a rich sporting calendar. This ranges from hurling and Gaelic football fixtures at Semple Stadium and club grounds across the county, to horse racing at Tipperary Racecourse and Clonmel Racecourse. In addition, rugby supporters can follow Munster Rugby for club fixtures.

Meanwhile, runners and athletes are drawn to a strong programme of marathons, half marathons and fun runs held across the county. Motorsport enthusiasts can also enjoy oval racing at Tipperary Raceway in Rosegreen, which hosts national and regional events during the season.

Planning Your Visit

Festivals, events and major sporting fixtures are popular times to visit Tipperary. Accommodation can fill quickly during summer months and at Christmas. For visitors planning a stay, booking ahead is advised.

Always check official event websites for programme details, dates and ticket information. In addition, watch for extra events announced closer to the time.

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