Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, a cornerstone of Tipperary’s cultural calendar, returns this week for its 24th edition. Held across various venues in Clonmel, Tipperary’s largest town, this 10-day multi-disciplinary event, curated by Artistic Director Rebecca Lenehan, offers a diverse programme of music, theatre, dance, visual arts, and community activities. Visitors can expect a range of performances and exhibitions, many free, with a focus on local and national talent.
Founded in 2001 by the now-defunct Galloglass Theatre Company, Clonmel Junction Arts Festival initially focused on touring theatre and live music, featuring four theatre shows, a comedy performance, and traditional music in local pubs.
By 2004, it became an independent organisation managed by a board of directors, including long-time supporters like Jimmy Ryan, a business mentor with a passion for music and cinema, and Ricky Hennessy, a former Clonmel Chamber of Commerce president. The festival expanded in 2005 from six to nine days, incorporating acts like KT Tunstall and Máirtín O’Connor, and later embraced circus and international collaborations, such as Nofit State Circus in 2006 and a Polish community celebration.
Under Cliona Maher’s direction from 2019 to 2024, the festival prioritised local stories and artists, commissioning new works like Áine Ryan’s The Hills of Love in 2024. Maher’s tenure saw the introduction of the Junction Theatre Dome, a geodesic venue that became a central hub.
Rebecca Lenehan, appointed Artistic Director for 2025, continues this commitment, with a focus on community engagement through projects like the 100 Dogs Project, led by artist Tom Campbell. The festival has grown to attract over 40,000 visitors annually, despite Clonmel lacking a dedicated performing arts venue.
The 2025 festival, themed “Encounters,” will feature over 70 events across Clonmel, including music, theatre, circus, dance, literature, and visual arts. Key highlights include:
- Music: Performances by local artists like Eve Whelan, Noah Hayes, and Bowden, alongside Villagers, led by Conor O’Brien, for their only full-band show of the summer on 8 June. The Clonmel Originals Music Trail will offer free nightly performances in local bars.
- Theatre: The Junction Theatre Dome at Kickham Civic Plaza will host productions, including new works co-produced with groups like Fishamble and Source Arts Centre.
- Visual Arts: Exhibitions include a 1980s-themed display celebrating Clonmel’s Vincent Hanley at Tipperary Museum of Hidden History, “Encounters with Failure” at South Tipperary Arts Centre, and “Encounters with the River Suir” at the Main Guard, featuring local artists Annie Hogg, Marine Kearney, and Shay Hurley.
- Literature: A “Crime Night” on 9 July at STAC Chapel, with Patricia Gibney in conversation, hosted by Tipperary Libraries.
- Family and Circus: Family-friendly events include Cikada Circus at the Junction Dome and “The Illumination,” an immersive show about strong women, at Denis Burke Park on 6 July.
- Community Projects: The 100 Dogs Project, led by Tom Campbell, offers workshops in May and June for schools and community groups to create art displayed during the festival.
Most events are at Kickham Civic Plaza, with others at Clonmel Library, the Main Guard, and local venues. Many are free, with ticketed events available via www.junctionfestival.com or the box office at 3 Parnell Street. Visitors can expect accessible venues, with the Civic Plaza offering yoga, a pop-up restaurant, and “The Snug” for conversations and live music. No camping is available, but Clonmel’s hotels and B&Bs are well-prepared for visitors. Public transport, including buses to Davis Road, is recommended due to limited parking.
The festival encourages sustainable travel, with road closures around Kickham Plaza during events. Attendees should check the festival website or app for schedules and weather updates, as some events are outdoors. Bag checks may be in place, and cash is advised for some vendors, though cards are accepted at major stalls.
Clonmel Junction Arts Festival 2025 offers a practical and varied arts experience, rooted in community and local talent. For details, visit www.junctionfestival.com.
