A golden When Next We Meet moment awaits at a unique Tipperary Music Festival

This summer, one of Ireland’s most revered musical voices will grace the stage of  Clonmel's When Next We Meet, the boutique music festival returning on June 7 and 8.

The headliner? None other than Villagers, the project of acclaimed Dublin singer-songwriter Conor O’Brien.

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Known for their emotionally charged performances and lyrically rich songwriting, Villagers bring a unique blend of folk, indie, and orchestral pop that has captivated audiences and critics alike for over a decade.

Their appearance at When Next We Meet is set to be a festival highlight, a rare opportunity to see an internationally celebrated act in the kind of intimate, close-up setting this event is cherished for.

Since launching Villagers in 2008, O’Brien has carved out a remarkable and distinctive career. He’s a two-time Ivor Novello Award winner for songwriting, a recipient of the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year, and a two-time Mercury Prize nominee—first for the band’s breakout debut Becoming a Jackal, and again for the follow-up, {Awayland}.

Along the way, Villagers have played to sold-out audiences around the world and earned admiration from musical greats such as Paul Weller, Damon Albarn, Elvis Costello, and Guy Garvey. Their ability to blend introspective lyricism with lush, expansive arrangements has made them festival favourites and critics’ darlings alike.

Their live reputation is especially notable. O’Brien and his band have performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Later… with Jools Holland, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series.

Whether backed by a full band or stripped to its acoustic essence, Villagers’ performances are marked by vulnerability, grace, and a powerful sense of connection—qualities that align perfectly with the ethos of When Next We Meet.

Unlike many larger festivals, When Next We Meet focuses on atmosphere as much as music. Its carefully curated lineups, intimate venues, and scenic, close-knit setting invite artists and audiences into a shared experience that’s as memorable as the performances themselves. In this kind of setting, Villagers’ emotionally resonant music can truly flourish.

While the band’s most recent album, That Golden Time, has continued to build on their signature sound with new depth and nuance, their upcoming appearance isn’t just about promoting new work.

It’s about celebrating a career defined by artistic integrity, creative evolution, and an ongoing dialogue between musician and listener.

For fans who have followed Villagers’ journey from the intimate folk of Becoming a Jackal to the sonic explorations of Fever Dreams, this headline set offers a chance to see the full arc of O’Brien’s musical storytelling come to life. For newcomers, it’s the perfect entry point into one of Ireland’s most compelling contemporary acts.

Adding even more excitement to the weekend, Pillow Queens will headline the Saturday night, June 7th. The Dublin-based quartet has quickly become one of Ireland’s most electrifying live acts, with a reputation for soaring harmonies, heartfelt punk energy, and emotionally raw lyrics.

Their blend of anthemic indie-rock and tender storytelling has earned them widespread acclaim, and their live shows are as cathartic as they are unforgettable. Their headline set promises to kick off the weekend with power and passion in equal measure.

As festival season approaches, the excitement surrounding When Next We Meet continues to grow. With Villagers at the top of the bill, this year’s chapter promises a headline performance full of atmosphere, raw energy, and emotional resonance.

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Don’t miss the chance to experience one of Ireland’s finest musical voices in a setting built to let that voice shine.

This intimate boutique music festival takes place across the weekend of Saturday June 7th and Sunday June 8th with a lineup of acclaimed and emerging homegrown artists.