Over 2,300 people visited Carrick-on-Suir's Ormond Castle during Tractors & Tudors Christmas Festival

Carrick-on-Suir shone brightly as thousands of locals and visitors gathered to celebrate the inaugural Tractors & Tudors Christmas Festival honouring the town’s Tudor heritage.

The 11th annual Christmas Tractors of Carrick-on-Suir Parade was the grand finale of the one-day festival on Saturday, December 14.

Ormond Castle was the focal point for the early festivities that kicked off at 11am. The historic site welcomed more than 2,300 visitors on the day.

OPW staff provided free Tudor Christmas Tours, offering a glimpse into festive traditions from the Tudor era.

The castle yard was transformed into a bustling Christmas Craft Market, featuring the arts and crafts of the local Tudor Artisan Hub collective of artists and other local businesses.

Among the market’s vendors was Danny Nugent, a Comeragh College student from "The Journey of an Idea - Student Entrepreneurial Programme run by Explore Carrick-on-Suir.

Danny, who specialises in hurley repairs, delighted attendees by showcasing his skills, meeting the public and promoting his growing business.

In the afternoon, visitors got to see sculptor Philip Quinn working on a Cyprus wood sculpture of Ormond Castle’s most famous resident – Black Tom – in Castle Park,

Visitors had the opportunity to meet the Killenaule artist at work on the sculpture and hear about the design process for the piece, which will be permanently installed in the park in early 2025.

Carrick-on-Suir Lions member Pat Murphy with Dr Evan Bourke who gave a talk on the MacMorris Project

Dr Evan Bourke, meanwhile, delivered a compelling talk on the MacMorris Project, a scholarly exploration of Ireland’s Tudor history.

This engaging and fully booked out presentation highlighted the importance of Ormond Castle and the Butler family’s legacy, underscoring their significant role in culture and the arts in early modern Ireland.

"Echoes from the Great Hall", held in the Long Gallery of Ormond Castle, was a special performance celebrating literature, song, and music.

The event featured captivating performances Heather Comerford, Killian Browne, Kevin Power, Dr Emma O’Keeffe and Barry Comerford and Dr. Evan Bourke. Walter Dunphy was the Master of Ceremonies The magnificent Tudor Castle backdrop added an extra layer of charm to the event.

Elsewhere in the town, Kickham Street buzzed with energy as more than 200 motorbikers from the South East Bikers Charity Run stopped off there in the afternoon.

This addition to the festival drew large crowds who admired the bikes and supported the charity in aid of University Hospital Waterford’s Paediatric Ward.

Santa meets a young tractor driver on Kickham Street after completing the Kids' Christmas Tractor Run 

Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre off Main Street was the start point for the Kids’ Christmas Tractor Run.

More than 30 children travelled on their lit up pedal tractors to Kickham Street’s Beat 102 103 presenter-led street party, where the excitement was palpable.

The festival’s grand finale was the Christmas Tractors of Carrick parade of 50 tractors covered in fairy lights that was watched by thousands of people who lined the streets to view the spectacle.

The festival concluded with the official launch of the Explore Carrick-on-Suir Quest Map at the Beat FM party, by Stuart Downie, founder of the Christmas Tractors of Carrick on Suir, and Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald.

The Quest Map is an interactive online tool designed to guide locals and visitors through the heritage and cultural attractions in the town and its wide hinterland spanning three counties.

Stuart Downie of the Crop Cruisers tractor drivers and the visionary behind Ireland’s first ever Christmas tractor run, was delighted with the festival’s success.

“The Christmas Tractors of Carrick-on-Suir is all about bringing joy to people and celebrating community spirit.

“The success of this event is a testament to teamwork. It was organised efficiently, and it’s been a pleasure to be part of such a well-executed fun event showcasing Carrick-on-Suir.”

Presentation Sisters Veronica Casey and Esther Halvey enjoying the Tudors & Tractors Festival events around Ormond Castle

Carrick-on-Suir’s Commercial and Tourism Manager  Sarah-Jane Cleary, said they were thrilled with the turnout for the festival.

“The Explore Carrick-on-Suir brand, launched just four months ago is dedicated to showcasing the best of Carrick-on-Suir and its hinterland.

“In that short time, we’ve delivered two major festivals, a Student Entrepreneurial Programme, and the Explore Carrick-on-Suir Quest Map.

“We’re committed to engaging the community in fun and meaningful ways and have exciting plans for even bigger events in 2025,” she added. Carrick Municipal District Administrator Marie Cox, paid tribute to all involved in the festival and commended the willingness of groups, businesses and organisations in the town to work together to host this amazing showcase of all Carrick-on-Suir has to offer.

“The feedback has been so positive about the festival and it shows how much Carrick-on-Suir has to offer. Everyone worked together on the day to ensure the whole event was a success”.

Check out more photos from Carrick-on-Suir's Tudors & Tractors Christmas Festival in this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops.