Applefest organisers launch busy programme for Clonmel festival
Four days of arts, music, creativity and community in Clonmel
Clonmel Applefest 2026 has officially launched their programme setting the scene for four days of arts, music, creativity and community in Clonmel from Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th September.
Festival organisers, artists, supporters and members of the community gathered Under the Arches at the Main Guard for the programme launch, with music from local singer Ross Boland and Clonmel Community Choir, led by Applefest’s 2026 Musician in Residence Kate Twohig.
This year’s festival takes Care as its theme, exploring how we care for ourselves, one another, our communities and the world around us.
"Care is at the heart of Applefest and one of the loveliest ways to show you care is to get involved," said Festival Director Theresia Guschlbauer. "We’d love to welcome some new faces to our volunteer team this September. You don’t need any special experience, just enthusiasm and a willingness to be part of it."
The 2026 programme brings together artists, writers, musicians, makers and community groups in venues and public spaces across the town. Highlights include The Forest Midwife, with Catherine Greene in conversation with Roz Purcell; Clonmel StorySlam, hosted by Joe Whelan; a guided walk of St Patrick’s Well with author Charlotte Emily Rose; a Harvest Hooley with seasonal stews and live music by the Megatrad Trio, a whiskey tasting with Jennifer Nickerson of Tipperary Distillery; and music and participatory events led by Kate Twohig.
The festival culminates on Sunday with the River Field Day at Greenane Blueway, a free afternoon by the River Suir featuring apple pressing, arts and crafts, boating, a treasure hunt and activities for all ages.
Clonmel Applefest is made possible through the support of its funders, sponsors, partners, patrons and volunteers. The 2026 festival is funded by The Arts Council, Culture Ireland, Tipperary County Council and Tipp Age-Friendly with generous additional support from local businesses, organisations and community partners.
"Applefest simply couldn’t happen without the support of the local businesses and agencies that fund and sponsor us. It allows us to bring ambitious creative work to Clonmel while keeping so much of the festival free and accessible. We are hugely grateful to everyone who helps make it happen," said Guschlbauer.
Tickets for all events are now for sale online at www.clonmelapplefest.ie, with many events across the four-day festival free to attend.