PICTURES: Something remarkable is happening inside this former Tipperary pub

A significant new chapter for the arts in Tipperary Town began on Saturday, July 18, as Tipperary Arts (TARTS) officially opened the doors of its new community arts hub at the former Kickham House pub on Main Street.

The open day marked the culmination of months of hard work by members of the volunteer-led collective, who transformed the long-vacant premises at 50 Main Street into a vibrant creative space on a modest budget.

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Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to explore the new venue, meet local artists and learn about the group's plans for exhibitions, workshops, performances and community events.

The opening represents a major milestone for TARTS, which was established just one year ago in July 2025. In that short time, the organisation has grown from a small network of local artists into a thriving creative collective bringing together painters, musicians, poets, writers, sculptors, digital artists and graphic designers.

TARTS member Rob Carney said the opening was an important moment not only for the Tipperary Arts but for the wider community in Tipperary town and the surrounding area.

Group leader Marion Stern speaking to the Tipperary Star back in May said: " It is a place for the community to connect with their own creativity,” she says. “It also allows us to showcase our work and share our knowledge and skills with the wider community.”

The idea for the arts hub grew from the success of the Tipperary Arts Windows initiative, which saw local artists displaying work in vacant shopfronts around the town.

That project helped bring colour and creativity to empty buildings while giving emerging artists valuable opportunities to exhibit their work publicly.

The next step came when the owners of the former Kickham House, Nina and Travis Frisby offered the vacant premises to the group rent free, allowing members to establish a permanent home for the arts in the heart of Tipperary Town.

Travis and Nina took over the famous pub in November 2021.

Speaking during the opening, Marion expressed her appreciation for the generosity shown by Travis and Nina.

The new arts hub is intended to become a permanent venue for exhibitions, creative workshops, open mic nights and cultural events, while also providing opportunities for local artists to develop their skills and showcase their work.

Marion believes the project can also play a role in strengthening Tipperary Town's appeal as a destination for visitors.

“We are at the foothills of the Galtees in one of the most beautiful picturesque locations in Ireland and it is not being utilised,” she says.

“We could have a fantastic infrastructure here for painting holidays, and creative courses to encourage creative tourism.” She says the wider aim of the project is to shift how people see and experience the town, both for locals and visitors.

“It is really about getting people to look at the potential of the town and brightening up the place, and stopping it from being a thoroughfare,” she explains.

Sustainability has also been built into the project from the outset, with much of the refurbishment completed using donated and repurposed materials.

Rob Carney speaking at the opening day said: “This has been an immense undertaking for everybody involved, its art for arts sake. It is not supported by anybody except us and thanks to Travis and Nina for this magnificent place. This is art for the people, by the people. It is thanks to John Renwick and Mairéad Butler who started the Art Bank in Bunclody and told us we could do this.”

Stay tuned for the upcoming video report coming soon.

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