When Next We Meet 2026: Full Line-Up and Details for Tipperary’s Boutique Music Festival

The When Next We Meet music festival is returning to Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, for its fifth edition. Scheduled for May 29th to 31st, 2026, the artist-led event continues its mission of celebrating alternative and independent Irish artists in an intimate, curated setting. Held over the June Bank Holiday weekend, the festival has expanded to a three-day experience although maintaining its commitment to a small-scale, connection-focused atmosphere.

Venue and Atmosphere

The festival takes place across 3.5 acres at the Georgian grounds of Raheen House in Clonmel, situated along the banks of the River Suir. With a capacity of 800, the event is designed for audiences who prefer a laid-back environment over large-scale commercial festivals. According to Co-Director Kate Twohig, this fifth anniversary marks a significant milestone, introducing an international dimension to the event while remaining rooted in the support of the local community.

The 2026 Line-Up

Main Stage Highlights

The festival features a blend of established voices and emerging talent across its primary stages:

• Saturday: The main stage will feature Mick Flannery, Susan O’Neill, and the new trad act The Wran. They are joined by local favorite Eve Whelan and Palestinian-Irish artist Róisín El Cherif.
• Sunday: The closing day is headlined by The Waterboys and Moxie, with performances from Jukebox Gypsy and the Cork/Tipperary indie group MDR.

Hidden Gems Stage

Located in the estate’s secluded walled garden and supported by the Tipperary Arts Office and Tipperary Museum of Hidden Histories, the Hidden Gems stage focuses on local and rising artists:

• Saturday: Features In Lieu of Flowers, Noah Hayes, The Last Party, and the winners of the Tipperary Battle of the Bands.
• Sunday: Performances include Ae Mak (who releases a new album on May 29th), Ruairí De Leastar, Cáit Ní Riain, and Charcoal Greys.

Additional Entertainment

To maintain the atmosphere between sets, DJ Lorcan Ryan will play throughout the gardens across the weekend.

Event Schedule and Ticketing

The festival offers various entry points to accommodate both locals and visitors:

Soft-Launch Evening

The event begins with a €15 “soft-launch” evening on the Raheen House grounds. This accessible entry point is designed for early arrivals and locals, featuring performances from Babyrat, Sun Merchant, Jo Blonde, and the Clonmel Community Choir.

Ticket Pricing

Tickets went on sale Friday, February 6th. Current pricing options include:

• Saturday Pass: €55 (plus booking fee)
• Sunday Pass: €65 (plus booking fee)

Key Takeaways

• Dates: May 29th – 31st, 2026
• Location: Raheen House, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
• Capacity: 800 people
• Headliners: The Waterboys, Mick Flannery, and Susan O’Neill
• Focus: Alternative and independent Irish music

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the festival located?

The festival is held at Raheen House in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, on 3.5 acres of land across from the banks of the River Suir.

Is the festival open to the public?

Yes, tickets are available for purchase via the official When Next We Meet website, including specific daily passes and a low-cost soft-launch evening.

What makes this festival different from others?

It is an artist-led, boutique experience that intentionally remains small-scale to foster connection and discovery of alternative Irish music rather than focusing on mass-market commercialism.