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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
-
Romantic Breaks in Tipperary: Time to Rediscover What’s on Your Doorstep
Romantic breaks in Tipperary give you space to slow down and reconnect. Just as importantly, they offer a chance to rediscover the joy of travelling close to home. From historic towns and food worth travelling for, to gentle adventure and wellbeing escapes, this is a county made for meaningful short breaks and relaxed staycations. Tipperary…
-
Munster Vales cycling and hiking trails
Munster Vales cycling and hiking trails offer some of the most rewarding outdoor experiences in Ireland. Shaped by mountain ranges, river valleys and quiet rural landscapes, this region is ideal for visitors who want active days outdoors followed by good food and comfortable places to stay. For hikers and cyclists, it is a place to…
-
Horse Country experiences in Tipperary
Horse Country experiences in Tipperary form part of a wider, cross-county initiative that provides structured access to Ireland’s Thoroughbred heartlands through guided visits, curated itineraries, and behind-the-scenes touring. Horse Country operates across Tipperary and Kildare. Together, these counties bring stud farms, training yards, museums, racecourses, food producers, and accommodation partners into a single, coordinated programme….
-
Top Food Experiences in Tipperary: A Perfect Foodie Getaway
Top food experiences in Tipperary are best discovered following your appetite rather than a strict schedule. From early-morning coffee stops and lively farmers’ markets to relaxed pub lunches and memorable dining, a foodie getaway here unfolds naturally. Place, produce and people shape the experience at every turn. Across the county, good food grows from fertile…
-
Time to Enjoy Tipperary Food Experiences
Witness the dedication behind Tipperary’s finest food and drink with immersive farm experiences. Get behind-the-scenes at working farms, meet skilled producers, and explore traditional and modern techniques. Tours can include tastings, hands-on workshops, and scenic farm walks. Pre-booking and minimum group size is often required. Blackcastle Farm Twomileborris, E41 TK65Open by appointment Blackcastle farm is…
-
Time to Regenerate: Discover Regenerative Tourism in Tipperary
Regenerative tourism is far more meaningful than a travel trend. It means experiencing a place in a way that actively improves it, supporting nature, local people and rural communities. In Tipperary, it is a grassroots movement shaped by farms, woodlands, bogs, small enterprises and villages, and by the communities who are restoring, protecting and sharing…
