The Waterboys at When Next We Meet Festival (Photos)

The Waterboys Captivate Clonmel! A Night of 'Fisherman’s Blues' under the Tipperary Sky as Mike Scott and his band of brothers headline When Next We Meet!

Wrapping up its fifth-anniversary edition, Clonmel’s boutique When Next We Meet music festival truly hit its stride by expanding into a full three-day format. The jewel in the crown of this year's June Bank Holiday lineup was undoubtedly the Sunday schedule, which successfully paired high-energy alternative folk with the festival’s signature intimate, community-driven charm.

Hosted in the beautiful, leafy grounds of the Raheen House Hotel, the festival grounds provided an idyllic backdrop for a summer evening. The weather played along perfectly, allowing the boutique setup to shine. The transition between the vibrant main stage area and the cozy, discovery-focused Hidden Gems Stage felt fluid, keeping the crowds of music lovers perfectly balanced across the site.

Early arrivals were treated to captivating, atmospheric sets from local and rising talents like Ae Mak, Cáit Ní Riain, Ruairí De Leastar, and Charcoal Greys. This stage remains the beating heart of the festival's commitment to independent artistry.
On the main stage, the afternoon was kicked into gear by the rising Tipp/Cork outfit MDR, followed by a brilliant, foot-stomping performance from Jukebox Gypsy that got the crowd moving. Serving as the ultimate bridge to the night's headliners, alt-trad heavyweights MOXIE delivered a masterclass in contemporary Irish/Tunisian fusion. Their seamless blending of traditional Irish instruments with progressive, festival-ready rhythms raised the temperature perfectly for what was to come.

Marking a massive milestone as the festival's first major international headliner, The Waterboys delivered a set that encapsulated the band's immense ties to Ireland and the festival’s growth over the last five years.

Led by the indefatigable Mike Scott, the band tapped into their deep connection with Irish audiences from the very first chord. Their sprawling catalogue—effortlessly floating between blistering rock, soulful folk, and soaring Celtic traditions—sounded massive yet remarkably intimate within the walled gardens of Raheen House.