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'Top class bands and first class facilities' - Hoolie in the Hills organisers are raring to go!
The popular Tipperary music event takes place next month
Rebel Hearts performing at Hoolie in the Hills
Reporter:
Ryan Grace
21 Jul 2025 11:30 AM
Nestled in the scenic church‑landscapes of Upperchurch, Hoolie in the Hills returns this August bank holiday weekend (Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd Aug 2025), bringing music, community spirit and unforgettable moments to Kinnane’s Field.
Organized by Fergal Butler of Kinnane’s Pub, the festival is fast becoming a permanent fixture in the Irish festival calendar.
Perched in a scenic village in the Slieve Felim foothills, the festival blends melodic Irish traditions and modern beats in a fun way that gets people dancing, singing and enjoying the craic.
Uplifting views complement the live music, dance-floor energy, food trucks, and community energy that echoes Upperchurch’s legendary Ned‑of‑the‑Hill festival era (1988–2001).
“We are thrilled that the Hoolie is back this year and once again we are looking forward to a stellar line up,” says Fergal Butler who helps run the popular Kinnane's pub.
“Top class bands as well as first class facilities make this another unique event in the heart of Tipperary. The people come from all over and the local support has been immense. Steadily the event has been building and is a permanent fixture now in the calendar.”
Fergal’s vision is clear and along with Evanne and the rest of their family they are proving the heartbeat of a beautiful part of rural Ireland. Reviving the rich musical tradition, strengthening local culture, and delivering high‑energy entertainment alongside seamless production are all important to Fergal.
The festival has been a success since it started. Top bands and performers have loved playing live in Tipperary.
Each year builds on the last. 2024 featured headliners Jenny Greene and Sharon Shannon, alongside acts like Rhythm & Sticks and Rebel Hearts. The festival saw notable moments such as influencer Caroline Rushe judging "festival glam" and thousands of attendees enjoying the craic across both days while2023 kicked off with Seskin Lane, Gary Og, Fieldsy and Chasing Abbey.
This year builds on steady foundations with musicians like Riff Shop, The Fogues and the Internationally acclaimed The High Kings set to wow the crowds.
Local favourites Streams of Whiskey (featuring Upperchurch musicians), Rebel Hearts and The Dorans are all set to take to the stage once more and will look to get the crowds dancing passionately with top class tunes.
The event scale is manageable but the impact is big; top acts, local flair, and festival infrastructure merge in perfect Tipperary style harmony.
Upperchurch rocks and the crowds love the atmosphere that is created. In some ways trad meets contemporary within the festival with Irish trad stars like The High Kings and Rebel Hearts flowing naturally alongside modern electronic and folk-rock acts in the hills.
Fergal has local roots and is deeply in tune with the musical heritage of the area ensuring that the concert hits the right note. The facilities will be top notch once again with quality food vendors, family-friendly areas, bars and DJ after‑parties.
Accommodation is available locally for those who book early and visitors can be put in the right direction for local B and Bs as well as camping by contacting Kinanes Pub or local tourist websites for more details.
Overall it promises to be another unforgettable event in Upperchurch and with the stellar line up the hills will truly be alive with the sound of music, tunes and festival folk. Get along to a festival not to be missed.
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Warrior: Dáithí Lawless, 15, from Martinstown, in his uniform and holding a hurley, as he begins third year of secondary school in Coláiste Iósaef, Kilmallock I PICTURE: Adrian Butler
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