Fantastic number of festivals and events putting Nenagh firmly on the tourism map

Nenagh Municipal District councillors have heaped praise on the wave of tourism initiatives and events that have recently taken place across the region.

Opening their September meeting, members highlighted the success of the Broad Majestic Shannon Festival in Kilbarron, which celebrates the life and music of Shane MacGowan.

This year’s festival also saw the launch of the official Shane MacGowan tour brochure which details the many places that were important to Shane throughout his life.

Nenagh District Administrator Rosemary Joyce said she had already heard from fans in Ireland and abroad who were planning trips based on the brochure.

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“The momentum that has come out of a small country festival, and the potential to grow tourism in the area because of it, is incredible,” she said, congratulating the festival committee on its work.

Joyce also praised the newly unveiled mural at Emmet Place in Nenagh, depicting a rowboat on Lough Derg with lyrics from The Broad Majestic Shannon. Positioned beside the existing MacGowan mural, the artwork has already become a popular photo stop for visitors.

She further commended progress on other projects, including the sod-turning for a new ‘changing places’ facility in Dromineer, the recently opened Ballina Access Promenade & Viewing Platform and the success of Taste of Nenagh.

The Taste of Nenagh food and culture day transformed the town into a bustling hive of activity for the day, with streets lined by local food producers, artisan stalls and live music. Restaurants and cafés spilled onto the pavements while visitors sampled everything from traditional fare to contemporary street food.

Councillors heard that many people had travelled to Nenagh specifically for the event, which showcased the best of the town’s hospitality and community spirit.

Cllr Pamela Quirke O’Meara described the new MacGowan brochure as “a fantastic artifact to have,” and praised both the new mural and Cllr Louise Morgan Walsh for her role in delivering Taste of Nenagh.

Cllr John Carroll said the level of tourism activity was “amazing,” while Cllr Joe Hannigan, a past organiser of the Kilbarron festival, credited this year’s committee for the event’s success.

Cllr Séamie Morris said that people had approached him asking why there wasn’t more being done in Nenagh in relation to MacGowan, and though he acknowledged Kilbarron was the right home for the festival, he agreed more could be done for the musician in Nenagh itself to celebrate his legacy.

He pointed to the reach of Nenagh’s recent tourism efforts, noting that Senator Anne Rabbitte had praised the town’s murals at a recent meeting.

Morris commended the local tourism office and again singled out Cllr Morgan Walsh for her role in Taste of Nenagh, describing the visitor numbers as “incredible.”

He concluded: “North Tipperary is fast becoming a famous place.”
Alongside these recent highlights, councillors also heard about the strong programme delivered for Heritage Week 2025. Nenagh Tourist Office coordinated 10 separate events in partnership with Nenagh Heritage Centre, the Courts Service and Nenagh Castle.

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A total of 445 people attended activities across the Historic and Cultural Quarter, with highly positive feedback on the variety and quality of events on offer for all ages, visitors and locals alike.

Looking ahead, Nenagh Tourist Office is set to host two workshops during the Dromineer Nenagh Literary Festival on Saturday, 11 October. Planning is also underway for this year’s Christmas in the Historic & Cultural Quarter, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.