Tipperary natives Eoin and Kate are at the heart of the When Next We Meet success
Impressive list of performers lined up for unique Clonmel festival
In just three short years, When Next We Meet has become one of Clonmel's most exciting cultural fixtures, returning this June 7th and 8th, with a vibrant program that reflects the town’s deep artistic roots.
At its heart are two Clonmel natives, Eoin Hally and Kate Twohig, whose shared vision has transformed from a formative youth project (2013) into a fully-fledged boutique music festival. With steadfast support from local CEO David Anchell and his company Camida, the festival has grown not only in size but in significance for the local community.
The story of When Next We Meet is inseparable from Clonmel. Its seeds were planted back in 2013 when Hally and Twohig were chosen for “We Can Be Heroes,” an initiative by Clonmel Junction Festival that paired emerging local talent with national music icons. Performing alongside the likes of Jack L and Jerry Fish under the musical direction of Gavin Glass, both artists found their calling.
“That experience set the wheels in motion,” recalls Twohig. “For me it was a glimpse of what was possible beyond the local pub circuit.”
Now in their 30s, Hally and Twohig have returned that gift to Clonmel with When Next We Meet, designed as a platform for original voices from the area to perform alongside Ireland’s most exciting acts. From its 2022 debut—hosted as a fringe event of Clonmel Junction Festival—the festival has steadily grown wings, while always staying close to its Clonmel core.
That first year saw just over 200 people gather under grey skies to hear Soda Blonde and John Francis Flynn in Raheen House’s walled garden. By 2024, the vision had become clearer, and so did the skies: Bell X1 performed an unforgettable live intimate show to over 600 people who travelled from all over Ireland to be there. Almost one year later, and it still evokes great smiles and fond memories amongst those who were there.
With each passing year, the commitment to Clonmel’s artists has deepened at When Next We Meet. Thanks to support from Tipperary Museum of Hidden History and Clonmel Credit Union, 2025 will revisit the Hidden Gems Stage, an expanded platform for homegrown talent nestled in Raheen’s garden. This year’s lineup showcases a stellar group of Clonmel-linked acts: Eve Whelan, Bowden, Noah Hayes, Sun Merchant, The Wood of O, MDR, and Briars—all selected by Hally and Twohig to represent the rich musical talent of the area.
None of this would happen without the support of Clonmel’s people and businesses. From David Anchell’s early belief in the project to the ongoing partnership with Camida, the venue Raheen House, the iconic Bulmers and the county council - the town has rallied behind its artists.
Local flavours will again be served up by The Oven, MyStreetFood, and more, while visual art gets its moment through a special exhibition from the RATS collective (Random Artists of Tipperary South), and a newly announced Sunday Fair. It’s a full sensory celebration of Clonmel—its sounds, its tastes, and its stories.
This year’s headliners—Villagers, Pillow Queens, Morgana, and Paddy Hanna and more —promise unforgettable performances in the most atmospheric of settings. But as always, the real star is Clonmel itself. No other town has an event like this on their doorstep and organsiers have urged locals to support this weekend, and celebrate the rich talent living amongst us. Final tickets, from €45, are available now at whennextwemeet.ie.