When Next We Meet Music Festival returns for its fifth edition in 2026, marking a major milestone with its first-ever three-day programme, running from Friday 29th to Sunday 31st May. Taking place once again at the beautiful Raheen House in Clonmel, the Bank Holiday Weekend event promises three days of carefully curated music, connection and celebration.
Headlining the 2026 festival are the legendary The Waterboys, whose expansive catalogue has soundtracked generations of listeners. With a deep connection to Ireland, demand for the band’s appearance has already been exceptionally strong, and organisers anticipate a sell-out weekend. Previously announced artists Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill will take to the stage on Saturday 30th May, where they are set to deliver one of the weekend’s standout performances.
The festival has also announced two exciting new additions to the lineup. The Wran, a rising trad-fusion band from the Comeragh Mountains in County Waterford, are made up of four brothers Tommy, Danny, Sean and Stephen Dunford whose music blends deep-rooted tradition with fresh, contemporary energy. Also joining the bill are Moxie, the boundary-pushing Irish folk band known for reimagining tradition through a modern lens. Following the critical acclaim of their 2021 album The Dawn of Motion, which earned them an RTÉ Folk Award nomination and saw them represent Ireland at World Expo 2020 in Dubai, the band continue to explore new ground with their forthcoming album Atlantean, drawing together musical traditions from Ireland, France, Spain and North Africa.
Weekend passes go on sale at 10am on Friday, 6th February, priced at €110 plus booking fee via Eventbrite. A limited number of Friday-only tickets are also available for just €15, offering an accessible entry point to the festival and a special evening rooted in local community and emerging artists.
The festival runs daily from 3pm to 11pm, with After Party tickets available on Saturday and Sunday nights. These late-night gatherings have become a much-loved part of the When Next We Meet experience — relaxed, dance-led events where artists and audiences come together in an informal setting after the main programme.
2026 marks the first time the festival has expanded beyond its traditional two-day format. Festival producer Kate Twohig said:
“We’re really excited to finally open up the Friday of the weekend and use it to create something very special. It’ll be a community-focused, accessible night with a strong emphasis on local artists – and there are a few surprises still to come.”
Further artist announcements, programme updates and festival details will be revealed over the coming months. Full information is available at www.whennextwemeet.ie and via the festival’s social channels
WHEN NEXT WE MEET FESTIVAL EXPANDS
TO THREE DAYS FOR LANDMARK FIFTH EDITION
THE WATERBOYS | MICK FLANNERY & SUSAN O’NEILL | THE WRAN | MOXIE
+ more to be announced
CLONMEL, CO. TIPPERARY
May 29th – 31st, 2026
Tickets from €15 on sale nowhttps://www.whennextwemeet.ie/
Finnish symphonic metal band AMBERIAN DAWN push into their new era with an invocation to the “Moon”. The…
Ahead of the release of their new album, CRASH!, out digitally this Friday, June 26, RAT BOY share the video for their latest single,…
Acclaimed musician, songwriter, and multidisciplinary artist Chelsea Wolfe releases two captivating new songs, “The Dark”…
Albion's masters of folklore, riffs and legends return with another slab of tomb-shaking, crypt-kicking occult…
Starjunk 95 is centred around a fictional, anime-inspired crew of ragtag misfits that join forces to…
Progressive art-rockers The Pineapple Thief are pleased to announce their new single ‘Hold The Ashes’,…