Live Report: Highway To Clonmel

Founded in 2022 by musicians Kate Twohig and Eoin Hally, When Next We Meet is a boutique arts festival set in the stunning gardens of Clonmel’s Raheen House Hotel. Situated at the northern foothills of the Comeragh Mountains, just off the banks of the River Suir, the site is sheltered by dry stone walls overhung by mature sycamore trees. It’s a truly gorgeous setting.

For good measure, a 10-minute walk brings you into the heart of Clonmel, where there’s a beguiling mix of historical architecture, pubs, restaurants and more. When Hot Press arrives at the festival itself, the sun is shining and there’s a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

As well as the musical attractions, another highlight on-site – delightfully decorated with scattered hay-bales – is the Makers’ Market. Among the fantastic goods on offer are handmade artefacts and paintings from local artists, while there are also two bars for revellers to unwind.

It all provided the perfect backdrop for a weekend of brilliantly memorable music…

SATURDAY

Kicking off proceedings on the Main Stage on Saturday afternoon is Eve Whelan, a local alternative-folk singer who produces a terrific set. She’s quickly followed by Palestinian-Irish artist Róisin El Cherif, whose performance proves similarly powerful.

Roisin El Cherif at When Next We Meet Festival on May 30th, 2026. Copyright Trevor McGrath/www.hotpress.com

Composed of the Dunford brothers from Waterford, trad-punk renegades The Wran open their set with a ferocious battle-cry, underpinned by soaring uileann pipes. At times, the band skilfully incorporate psychedelic elements, no more so than on their rendition of The Wolfe Tones’ ‘Some Say The Devil Is Dead’, a single from their upcoming album The Stone Man, set for release in October.

The Wran at When Next We Meet Festival on May 30th, 2026. Copyright Trevor McGrath/www.hotpress.com

It proves in a real standout in an excellent performance. There’s an expectant buzz in the crowd ahead of headliners Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill, who open with the atmospheric ‘Baby Talk’. The song peaks on the final chorus, as

Flannery’s bellowing ruggedness, and Susan's sweet and powerful voice, blend beautifully.

The majority of the set comprises tunes from the duo’s 2021 album In The Game, the songs' emotional themes nicely complemented by the setting sun. Another highlight arrives with ‘In The Gutter’, where the combination of wailing sax and O’Neill’s virtuoso harmonica playing proves electric.

Mick Flannery and Susan O'Neill at When Next We Meet Festival on May 30th, 2026. Copyright Trevor McGrath/www.hotpress.com

Flannery and O’Neill close out the performance with a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Silver Springs’, the song hitting its emotional zenith on the haunting line, “You'll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you”. It makes for a suitably stirring finale and the ideal way to conclude day one.

SUNDAY

Early in the afternoon, the Emerging Acts tent hosts rising alternative-folk artist AE Mak, who performs tunes from her superb LP Folk Songs For Mama & Papa. The Joan Baez-style ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ is an early highlight, with Mak going to deliver a hypnotic set of pop and soulful folk.

Ae Mak at When Next We Meet Festival on May 31th, 2026. Copyright Trevor McGrath/www.hotpress.com

Next, we check out alternative-folk merchants Moxie, comprised of Tunisian-born singer Julia Spanu and a group of lads from the west of Ireland. The blend of Arab and traditional Irish music, with Spanu’s vocals floating over the top, proves fresh and original.

By the time the band reach ‘Feathers And Flames’, a tune from their upcoming album, a sizeable crowd has funnelled in from other parts of the festival. Over a stylish mix of piano and acoustic guitar, Spanu some haunting vocals, making for an epic finale to a hugely well-received performance.

MOXIE at When Next We Meet Festival on May 31th, 2026. Copyright Trevor McGrath/www.hotpress.com

Rounding out the weekend in style are the evergreen Mike Scott and The Waterboys, a group who've always enjoyed a special relationship with Ireland, with their celebrated 1988 album Fisherman's Blues being recorded in Galway and Dublin. They've also regularly referenced Irish music and culture in their work, even tipping the cap to one of our most renowned author's with the title of 2011's An Appointment With Mr Yeats.

It all makes for a hugely expectant atmosphere by the time the group hit the stage.

Early on, they really get the crowd going with a rocked-up take on ‘How Long Will I Love You’. Ever the compelling frontman, Scott even indulges in some theatrical dance moves.

The Waterboys at When Next We Meet Festival on May 31th, 2026. Copyright Trevor McGrath/www.hotpress.com

In a demonstration of their range, the group later shift gears with a stripped back version of ‘This Is The Sea’, their timeless ballad about moving from personal stagnation to spiritual growth. Predictably, Scott and co bring the house down with a rip-roaring version of ‘Fisherman’s Blues’, the crowd enthusiastically engaging in a mass singalong.

Of course, there’s only place to finish, with the group delivering barnstorming encore rendition of ‘The Whole Of The Moon’. It’s been a phenomenal outing for When Next We Meet – here’s to more good times in 2027.