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05 Dec 2025
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05 Dec 2025
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A vintage tractor covered in Christmas lights crossing Dillon Bridge during the Christmas Tractors of Carrick-on-Suir parade last year
Carrick-on-Suir is preparing to host its second annual Tractors and Tudors Christmas Festival that is set to bring thousands of visitors to the town on Saturday, December 13 from 1pm to 8pm.
The celebration will kick off with a Christmas craft market at Ormond Castle, culminate with the famous Christmas Tractors of Carrick parade and conclude with a BEAT FM street party at New Street Car Park.
READ ALSO: Get in the Christmas spirit at Carrick-on-Suir's Jingle Jam sing-along show
The tractors parade is one of the most cherished community traditions in the region, drawing families and hinterland communities together to watch a fleet of 50 tractors illuminated with Christmas lights.
This year’s expanded Tractors & Tudors Festival will involve the transformation of Ormond Castle, Castle Street and New Street into a lively trail of history, music, crafts, reenactments and family friendly excitement.
The festival is organised by Explore Carrick-on-Suir and Carrick Christmas Tractors, and supported by Carrick Credit Union, Tipperary County Council, the Office of Public Works and regional partners.
“We’re looking forward to a brilliant fun filled day. The Tractor and Tudors Festival really is a magical Christmas experience in Carrick-on-Suir. There’s something for everyone,” said Sarah-Jane Cleary of Explore Carrick-on-Suir.
Festival events
Craft Market at Ormond Castle - 1pm to 7 pm
Ormond Castle will be filled with artisan stalls selling handmade Christmas gifts, local food, festive treats and winter warmers.
Tudor Re-enactments and Free Tudor Christmas Tours -1pm to 5pm
Tudor interpreters will bring the 16th century to life through engaging displays, demonstrations and storytelling. Visitors will experience traditional household items, customs, historical costumes and festive Tudor traditions.
Free short tours of Ormond Castle will offer an enjoyable introduction to Tudor life during Christmas.
Voices from the Land, 2pm to 5pm, Long Gallery, Ormond Castle
Voices from the Land speakers will explore the connection between people, land, memory, ritual and tradition.
David Keohan, aka Indiana Stones, will discuss Irish stone lifting traditions and the stories behind them
Eimear Burke, Chief Druid of OBOD, will speak about ritual, myth and Ireland’s spiritual heritage
Poet and archaeologist Ben MacCoille will explore poetry, memory of place and the Irish language.
GIY founder Mick Kelly will discuss the importance of food growing and reconnecting with the land
The session will be recorded for Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre’s Oral History Collection.
South East Bikers Charity Toy Run - 2pm New Street Car Park
Hundreds of Christmas decorated motorbikes will arrive in town for the 29th annual charity toy run, supporting children’s causes in the South East. It is always one of the most colourful and uplifting seasonal traditions.
Christmas Tractors of Carrick Parade begins circa 5pm arriving in Carrick around 7pm
The tractors will travel through Piltown, Fiddown, Portlaw, Clonea Power, and Rathgormack before arriving in Carrick at approximately 7pm. The sight of the tractors rolling into town will be one of the most anticipated moments of the evening.
Community Carol Sing Along - 5pm to 5.30pm, Castle Park Green
The Suir Valley Choir will lead a festive community sing along.
Children’s Christmas Tractor Run - 5.40pm to 6pm Castle Park Green
Children are invited to take part in this miniature version of the main tractor run with their own small tractors and ride-on vehicles.
The Earls of Ormond – Tudor Christmas Concert
An hour long concert will be performed by The Earls of Ormond trio, featuring counter tenor Mark Chambers, Laoise O’Brien on recorders and Norah O’Leary on viola da gamba. The performance will offer a beautiful mix of Tudor Christmas carols and music from the court of Henry VIII. Familiar festive carols will also be played.
Beat Street Party, 6pm 8 pm, New Street Car Park
Beat FM will close the festival with an energetic evening of music, entertainment and a kids tractor display.
READ NEXT: Watermains works in Carrick-on-Suir suspended until January after traders raise concerns
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