Festival Cluain Meala – Cycling, Heritage and Music in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
1 town + 3 festivals = Something for everyone!
The town of Clonmel in South Tipperary will come alive, with not one, but three festivals being celebrated over 9 days in August
Festival Cluain Meala combines the Suir Valley 3 Day International Cycle Race, the Clonmel Busking Festival and the Clonmel Medieval Festival. From Live Wrestling to historical reenactments, all tastes are catered for!
So what’s happening…
Suir Valley 3 Day International Cycle Race
The Suir Valley 3-day International Cycle Race is one of the highlights on the Irish Competitive Cycling Calendar. This is a tough race with four difficult stages, including a town centre criterium. Attracting the cream of Irish and British talent, spectators will be awe struck at the athleticism and speed of these cyclists. Be sure to line the streets on Sunday between 6pm and 7pm when the competitors will complete 5 laps of a circuit around the town. Hopefully it will be an evening of thrills without too many spills!
The Clonmel Busking Festival
The Clonmel Busking Festival starts in earnest on Thursday with a launch night to raise funds for Crumlin Children’s Hospital. Tipperary Hurling legend John Leahy will take to the stage with other willing volunteers for a Strictly Come Dancing extravaganza. The premier of short film ‘Crotty’s Gold’ and plenty of song and dance will make for a wonderful evening.
Friday sees live music all day at The Main Guard. The Medieval Inn Trial on Friday evening is always a festival favorite. Dress up in Medieval costume and take a tour of the local inns. Mead optional!
The entire town will be buzzing for the weekend. Our pick of Fridays night’s action is The Premier Swing Band in Eldon’s Bar on Dillon St. from 10.30pm till late.
Saturday is Bulmer’s Busking Competition. With €1000 up for grabs for the winner, maybe you could belt out a few tunes and win big! (Register here before August 6th) Or just wander around the town and enjoy the talents of others…
If you fancy something a little different, Sarsfield St will have IW Wrestling on display from 2pm-5pm, with free entry. The Busking Competition concludes with a sing-off at the Main Guard starting at 5pm. Then it’s back to the pubs for lots more great music until late… Stranger Phases in Glesson’s Pub in Irish Town should be worth a look!
Festival Cluain Meala -Family Fun Day
The Family Fun Day on Sunday is the highlight of the festival for families of all sizes. Entry is free but donations to Crumlin Children’s Hospital are welcome. The venue for this action packed day is the Denis Burke Park on the banks of the River Suir. Live music from Banna Chluain Meala, The Wahey’s, Stranger Phases, Pavement Kings and Corner Boy will get the carnival vibes going. A pop up Medieval Village, free IW Wrestling, Water Balling, Purse workshops, Face painting, Archaeology Dig, Bouncy Castles, and plenty of food options will ensure that both young and old will be entertained for the day.
Finally finish off the weekend with another night of great music in various venues around the town. Visit the festival website for the full programme of gigs.