Tipperary is all set to celebrate local and national talent at a unique music festival

When Next We Meet is set to take place this weekend on the grounds of Raheen House in Clonmel.

Tickets are purchased, and final calls are being made as the organisers get underway with transforming the much-loved wedding venue into a festival site like no other on June 7th and 8th. Known for its unique intimate atmosphere and penchant for programming Ireland’s most exciting emerging artists (who remembers HousePlants performance in 2022 or Talos in 2023?) the festival is now comfortable in its own skin and ready to bring another tranche of homegrown and internationally lauded talent to the Suir Valley town.

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Who is playing, you ask? You may have already seen articles run in this very paper over recent weeks, or signs displayed across South Tipperary, or heard months worth of ads on the radio. But if not, we have got you covered.

The Main Stage

Saturday, June 7 is the perfect night to catch something new, loud, and full of life. If you haven’t checked these electrifying artists out yet, now’s the time.

Pillow Queens are an enigmatic, Dublin-based indie rock band known for their emotionally resonant lyrics and powerful harmonies. Formed in 2016, the all-female outfit blends punk, alt-rock, and heartfelt storytelling. Their music often explores themes of identity, love, and Irish life with raw authenticity. The headline the Main Stage on Saturday June 7.

Morgana is the solo project of Belfast-born, Dublin-based singer and songwriter Morgan MacIntyre, previously known as one half of the acclaimed duo Saint Sister.

In 2023, she launched her solo career with the single "I'll Cry When I'm Dead," blending theatrical flair with pop and disco influences, and has since performed at venues like Other Voices and the Guinness Storehouse .

Skinner is a DIY slouch rock musician based in Dublin who writes, records and produces songs with the DNA of no wave and post-punk acts like The B52’s, James Chance and the Contortions through to alt-rock touchstones Pixies and Morphine.

Sunday June 8 sees a festival career highlight for When Next We Meet organisers, with the announcement of internationally acclaimed Villagers playing their only full band show of the summer right here in Clonmel.

The indie folk project of Dublin singer-songwriter Conor O’Brien, since their 2010 debut Becoming a Jackal, the band has earned accolades including two Mercury Prize nominations and an Ivor Novello Award for Best Album with Darling Arithmetic .

Known for their introspective lyrics and evolving soundscapes, Villagers continue to captivate audiences with their emotive live shows and innovative musical explorations. This is set to be a festival highlight and one for the ages in Clonmel.

Paddy Hanna, known for his distinctive blend of indie pop and introspective lyricism, launched a solo career with his 2014 debut Leafy Stiletto, followed by critically acclaimed albums like Frankly, I Mutate and The Hill .

His 2025 release, Oylegate, marks a reflective chapter, delving into themes of parenthood and personal growth, all while maintaining his signature melodic craftsmanship

Join Me In The Pines is the solo project of David Geraghty, a founding member of Irish band Bell X1. Under this moniker, Geraghty explores a diverse musical palette, blending introspective songwriting with elements of folk, synth-pop, and art-rock.

His 2019 album Monomania showcases this evolution, drawing inspiration from artists like Prince and David Bowie, and has been praised for its engaging grooves and soulful depth.

Zoé Basha is a musician, composer and carpenter whose music is enriched by years of the travelling life. Her debut album ‘Gamble’ was released in April to widespread acclaim, pedalling a sound that is uniquely her own. Blending the storytelling of Appalachian mountains with the solemn ornamentation of Irish music and the rhythmic fervor of American blues and ragtime, Basha draws inspiration from Billie Holiday and Joni Mitchell.

Hidden Gems Stage

Proudly supported by Tipperary Museum of Hidden History with the additional support of Clonmel Credit Union, this stage is where a strong community vibe is strongest over the weekend.

Local DJ’s and artists at varying points in their careers, all with a connection to Clonmel fill the magical walled garden of Raheen House with originally penned sounds, under the cover of a stunning stretch-tent. Not only does music fill the walls, but art adorns them. Local artists collective R.A.T.S. (Random Artists of Tipperary South) exhibit for the third year running, where facepainting, live drawings and more takes place, adding to the wonderfully chilled ambience.

Saturday June 7 sees old favourites and newcomers take to the stage. DJ Paulie opens the festival making sure the mood is set from the getgo!

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Eve Whelan writes heartfelt songs inspired by personal experience and has performed at festivals like Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, When Next We Meet, and Other Voices at UCC.

A recipient of the Dónal (Doc) Gleeson award, she now returns to her roots with a solo set of new material.Clonmel singer-songwriter Noah Hayes has been writing music since 2021, honing his craft while studying music. Performing with a versatile trio, his sound blends soft-rock pop, rich harmonies, and rhythmic complexity inspired by artists like Steely Dan and Joni Mitchell.

Bowden is a five-piece alternative rock band from Cork, fronted by Clonmel native Padraig Dempsey. Their sound blends melodic alt-rock with rhythmic urgency, drawing influence from Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, and Frank Ocean. Their debut album Glacier (2025) showcases an intense, layered style and has cemented their reputation as a rising force in the Irish music scene.

On Sunday June 8 Lorcan Ryan, founder of Clonmel Vinyl will take to the decks spinning great tunes from 3pm. Sun Merchant is a genre-defying Irish band formed in 2023 by Stephen McGrath (Crowblack Chicken) and Aury Livingstone after meeting in Cork.

Their music blends alt-rock, blues, gypsy jazz, and Balkan influences, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly unique. Known for their dynamic live performances, they are currently recording their debut album, with plans to release a single soon.

The Wood of O, made up of Breege Phelan and Will McLellan, have spent the past eight years captivating audiences with their unique alt-folk sound and genre-blending acoustic guitar work. They've performed widely across the South East at festivals like Clonmel Junction, The Clancy Brothers Festival, and Shannonside, and are currently working on their debut album. MDR is a four-piece indie rock band based in Cork, fronted by Clonmel native Kaitlyn O’Regan.

Formed during their college years, the band has been gaining attention for their energetic live shows and emotionally charged songs that blend influences from The Strokes and Oasis.

Their track "Days of Grace" showcases their signature mix of catchy choruses and raw intensity, with O’Regan’s standout vocals leaving a lasting impression. Briars is a Cork-based alternative folk band led by Michael Grace and Paul O’Shea from Carrick-on-Suir, blending acoustic instruments with energetic rhythms. Their sound combines contemporary vibes with Irish tradition, showcased in singles like "There There" and "Words."

Beyond the Music

While the music is undoubtedly the highlight of the weekend, When Next We Meet has become beloved for its ability to create an atmosphere that feels simultaneously electric as it does laid-back. For those who are just coming along for the vibes, and for a day out, there is plenty to keep them smiling throughout the day.

Food vendors fill the air with deliciously enticing flavours and smells as you walk through the food court towards the walled garden. It is a feast for the senses, with old faourites returning as well as some new additions. The Oven returns, with the little blue wood fired food truck erving organic vegetarian and vegan sourdough flatbreads and delicious sides. My Street Food return with a mouth watering take on bold bites and nourishing fuel. My Street Food has you covered with both meat and plant-based goodness. “Come hungry”. Wildfox Coffee joins the lineup of food for the first time, serving delicious coffees and gourmet toasted baguettes.

Rom’s Crépes Station, established in 2005, will serving up authentic French street food and crépes, the organiser's response to people’s requests for sweet treats at the festival! Raheen House Hotel will be serving light lunches and bites from Cobdins Hall. This is inside the Hotel, so ask at the box office where to go. Cash and card accepted.

The Sunday Fair is a new addition to the festival on Sunday June 8th.

Taking place from 3pm, join artists, activists, vendors, workshops and tattoo artists in between the music!

The festival organisers are very excited to present this new addition to When Next We Meet!

Clonmel Friends of Palestine will be raising awareness and funds, Dabúlga Design - The Artwork of Colin Bolger, will be selling prints and ready for chats, Willow Workshop with Lynn Kirkham will take place with booking required on arrival to the festival.

Inksmith Tattoo’s artists Black Samara and Aran Bradley are ready to tattoo and talk all things ink! Other features include Ómra Jewels and Art, Chous Cottage, Clare Blount Pottery plus more to be announced!

All vendors accept cash, some accept card.