Ireland holds Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) from 1 July until 31 December 2026. As part of the Presidency, cultural activity in every county in Ireland and wider Europe will ensure that Irish citizens can participate in the EU Presidency and reflect on Ireland's role as an EU Member State. Funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Culture Ireland, Tipperary Arts Office collaborates with several organisers in the county to produce an exciting cultural programme for residents and visitors alike to showcase the best of Irish arts and culture - both traditional and contemporary - and celebrate European connections.
The Tipperary Programme
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Deep Time, Bridget O'Gorman, photo courtesy of artist
3 July 2026 - Clonmel Art Trail: Unconformities by Bridget O'Gorman
Unconformities is a series of text-based interventions throughout Clonmel by Bridget O’Gorman. The work describes a series of sculptural objects which were never made – each piece existing as a conjured presence, invites unexpected encounter outside of the traditional exhibition space.
O’Gorman is an artist and writer working with text, live event, video and sculpture. Her career includes group and solo exhibitions and her works are held in public collections including the Butler Gallery, OPW and The Arts Council of Ireland. Over the past five years she has been supported in disability-led research by Arts Council England, A-N, and the Arts Council of Ireland.
When: from 3 July onwards.
Where: Clonmel.
For more information, click here.
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Áine Gallagher, photo by Barry Cronin
3-5 July - Clonmel Junction Arts Festival presents Guerrilla Gaeilge Activist Áine Gallagher
As Ireland’s only known Guerrilla Gaeilge Activist, Áine Gallagher will occupy a bench on Parnell Street in the centre of Clonmel with her “Cup of Focals” hoping to surprise strangers into speaking some Irish with her. While Áine dreams of giving everyone in Ireland a focal, she needs help, which is why she will invite the people of Clonmel and Tipperary to attend her rally meeting, become local Guerrilla Gaeilge Activists and join her movement to "Focal the Nation".
When: 3 July 2026 (12-4pm), 4 July 2026 (11am-4pm), 5 July 2026 (12-4pm).
Where: Parnell street and various locations around Clonmel.
For more information, click here.
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EMSOC, photo by Mary Fallon
20 August - European Medical Student's Orchestra and Choir performances in Roscrea (invitation only)
For over 30 years, the European Medical Students’ Orchestra and Choir (EMSOC) has brought together music-loving young people from medical and medical-related courses and professions, as well as young doctors from across Europe. In August 2026, the orchestra and choir will come together in Birr Cathedral and perform a free concert for the public. As part of the EU Presidency programme, selected members of the orchestra and choir will travel to Roscrea and offer mini concerts in local care homes for those who are less able to travel. Due to the nature of their setting, these performances are not open to the general public.
When: 20 August 2026.
Where: Roscrea (invitation only).
More information on the orchestra and choir, click here.
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Bard in the Quarter, image by Linda Fahy
14-16 August 2026 - Tudor Artisan Hub Collective presents The Bard in the Quarter
A new cultural initiative led by the Tudor Artisan Hub in partnership with local arts organisations in Carrick on Suir. A
multidisciplinary reimagining of William Shakespeare’s works, performed in locations within the cultural quarter of the 16th-century Ormond Castle. The "Maker" spirit of the Tudor era will be fused with the deep-rooted parallels found in Irish Folklore to create a range of participatory experiences. This blend of classical heritage and Gaelic myth aims to bring the Bard’s legacy to life for a modern, inclusive, and global audience. Events include Shakespearean Vignettes: Reimagined through a multidisciplinary lens; The "Empty Tunic" multidisciplinary artistic installation in the Long Gallery of Ormond Castle, linking Shakespeare’s personal loss (Hamnet) to the Irish legend of the Children of Lir. Citizen-Facing Engagement: Through Druid narrators, the Idiom Trail, and "Shakespeare, Decoded" workshops; Vibrant Pageantry: Live artistic performances ignite the Cultural Quarter, from theatres to the Castle walls.
When: 14-16 August 2026.
Where: multiple locations in Carrick-on-Suir
Tickets via Tudor Artisan Hub.
For more information, click here.
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Padraig Jack, photo by Galway International Arts Festival
11 September - Padraig Jack in Concert at Rock of Cashel
From the windswept Aran Islands Gaeltacht to some of the world’s leading folk stages, Padraig Jack has emerged as one of Ireland’s most compelling songwriters. Blending Irish English language songs with rich storytelling, atmospheric fold arrangements and a deep sense of place, his music Is rooted in the history, landscape and spirit of the West of Ireland.
Padraig’s performances carry a rare intimacy that suits remarkable spaces making this concert especially fitting. Against the backdrop of one of Ireland’s most iconic and historic sites, audiences can expect an unforgettable evening.
When: 11 September 2026.
Where: Rock of Cashel.
For more information and bookings, click here.
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Pitch'D Productions, photo by Light Sensitive Photography
26 September - Street Spectacle at Clonmel Applefest
In addition to the arts and crafts activities and performances usually featured at the Harvest Fair, the festival will amplify the street party atmosphere at the Abbey Street / Friary car park between 2 and 5 pm with International food stands and a street performance showcase to animate the public realm, framed by local community performances, including choir, ceili and youth dance.
When: 26 September 2026.
Where: Abbey Street car park, Clonmel (E91 F744).
For more information, click here.
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Led Silouette, photo by Irantzu Pastor
8 October - Tipperary Dance Festival presents Los Perros in The Source Arts Centre in Thurles
Los Perros (The Dogs) is a passionate dance that finds its purest meaning in repetition and catharsis: dancing until exhaustion, barking until the last breath, living until you drop.
Contemporary life afflicts the most vulnerable, marginalises the misfits who are torn between rebellion and docility. Los Perros proposes a state of resistance; like dogs that meet, that share joy and pain, that fall and get up, that dance and rebel through love, to find meaning in their lives. Directed by acclaimed Spanish choreographer Marcos Morau.
The event will highlight the festival's distinctive role as an Irish regional festival within the European cultural landscape, emphasising its long commitment to promoting European values of cooperation, integration and territorial equity.
When: 8 October 2026 at 8pm.
Where: The Source Arts Centre, Thurles (E41 A4E8).
For more information, click here.
Bookings via [email protected]
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Brendan Begley, photo by Ciuin Tracey
11 October - Bilingual interview with Brendan Begley at Dromineer Nenagh Literary Festival
In what promises to be a very special bilingual event Brendan Begley will bring his extraordinary music and stories to Nenagh Arts Centre. Renowned musician, Begley, will be in conversation with Nenagh musician/composer Brian Morrisey as well as performing his own music and sharing stories from his recent memoir.
Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich / Brendan Begley’s book Clann an tSeanamhuintire / Of My People is a rich, personal account of a life devoted to music, culture, and the Irish language. In this bilingual autobiography Breanndán traces his journey as a musician, artist, activist, festival organiser and tv presenter, reflecting on the people, places, and traditions that shaped him. This mix of memoir and stories from the North Kerry Gaelteacht is a celebration of a vibrant cultural heritage and a testament to the enduring spirit of a unique musical family.
When: 11 October 2026 at 7:30pm.
Where: Nenagh Arts Centre (E45 CD52).
For more information, click here.
Bookings via www.nenagharts.com
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A Scare in Cahir, photo by Patricia O'Donnell
24-25 October - A Scare in Cahir - Into the Wild!
A Scare in Cahir – Into the Wild, a thrilling annual Halloween festival, will take place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026. The main event on the Sunday evening features a darn and eerie woodland walk beside Cahir Castle, immersing visitors in a spine-tingling trail of live theatrical encounters, inspired by Irish folklore.
The excitement continues at the Caste Carpark with free performances by Lumen Street Theatre, Wobbly Circus, and talented local musicians and dancers. Expect sound, lighting, storytelling, face painting, and street entertainment to light up the night. This year’s event promises an unforgettable mix of fright and fun for all ages.
When: 25 October 2026.
Where: Cahir Castle Carpark.
For more information, click here.
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Rogu Fire Show, photo by Matthew Morrissey
27-31 October - Spleodar Halloween Children's Arts Festival in Nenagh
Enhancing the long-running Spleodar festival, European folktales will be explored through parade and spectacle – central to European cultural expression, with artist ROGU acting out his story in the elementary ‘language’ of fire. A workshop programme for children and young people, including storytelling sessions and puppet making, will complement the parades with hands-on participation and creative expression.
When: 27-31 October 2026.
Where: Nenagh Arts Centre (E45 CD52).
For more information, click here.
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Samhain Fest 2025, photo by Luke and Caleb Barrett
31 October - Samhain Fest in Tipperary Town
This family event initiated by Tipperary County Council, Tipperary Town Revitalisation and Tipperary Town Business Alliance celebrates the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, with music, activities, food stalls and a firework display. The EU Presidency culture programme enhances the visual aspect of the newly established event with a large professionally crafted street theatre spectacle float and creative community workshops in mask and lantern-making.
When: 31 October 2026.
Where: Abbey Street Car park, Tipperary Town.
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Roscrea Castle, photo by E. Griffin
4 December - The Taste of Music in Roscrea
The addition of The Taste of Music as an additional Friday night event to The Taste of Roscrea festival will add a strong European cultural dimension to an already successful local festival. Music and live performances by local artists from different backgrounds will play an important role in bringing people together and creating a shared cultural experience that appeals to all ages.
When: 4 December 2026.
Where: Castle Grounds, Roscrea.
More information TBC.
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This programme was funded as part of the Culture Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026. Tipperary County Council and the Tipperary Arts Office would like to thank all the above organisers, artists, creative practitioners, volunteers and audiences that make the EU Presidency Cultural programme in Tipperary a success. We also thank the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport as well as Culture Ireland for their (financial) support.
