The Main Guard

16/10/2026

CLONMEL HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Lecture: "Le Pilly, on the 112th anniversary."

Venue: Main Guard, Clonmel

Date: 19th October 2026

Doors open: 7.30pm

Lecture commences: 8.15pm

Join us on Monday, 19th October 2026 for a lecture on "Le Pilly, on the 112th anniversary.” by Michael Desmond.

For the 112th anniversary in October 2026, Le Pilly therefore provides a particularly poignant reminder of the Irish contribution to the First World War—and of the enormous human cost of the opening months of the conflict. Among those killed were men from Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary and Kilkenny, reflecting the strongly Irish character of the regiment.

Michael Desmond is a member of Clonmel Historical and Archaeological society and the person responsible for raising awareness of this battle among not just locals but also worldwide.

This talk will focus on the First World War battle that broke the Royal Irish Regiment.

Membership: Renewals and new memberships: €10

Admission: Members: €5. Non-members: €7

Enquiries:

Donal Ryan (President and Acting Secretary)

Telephone: 087 641 4979

Email: [email protected]

22/09/2026

🍎 CLONMEL APPLEFEST 2026 AT THE MAIN GUARD! 🍎

Get ready for a fantastic weekend of arts, culture, entertainment and community spirit as Clonmel Applefest takes over the town from 24–27 September 2026!

The Main Guard, Clonmel will be the setting for a special screening of The Forest Midwife, followed by Catherine Cleary in conversation with Roz Purcell.

🎬 The Forest Midwife – Film Screening
📅 Friday 25 September
⏰ 7.30pm
📍 The Main Guard
🎟️ €12

The Applefest programme also includes a spectacular Street Arts Fest on Saturday, with music, juggling and aerial acrobatics taking over Clonmel town centre. 🎪✨

📅 Saturday 26th September, 1-4pm
Free.
⏰ Music & juggling: 1-2pm and 2.30-
3.30pm.
⏰ Aerial shows: 2pm and 3.30pm,
📍Under the Arches at The Main Guard and Friary Car Park, Clonmel

🍏 Culture, film and fun – there's something for everyone at Clonmel Applefest!

🎟️ Book now: clonmelapplefest.ie

19/09/2026

A big thank you to Finding A Voice and Banshee Brass for organising such a fantastic evening at The Main Guard as part of Culture Night!

The Main Guard was filled with wonderful music and atmosphere, and it was a pleasure to welcome everyone through our doors for such a lovely celebration of culture and creativity.

Thank you to all involved – performers, organisers, volunteers and, of course, our wonderful audience. Your support helps us continue to bring heritage, history and the arts together in this remarkable historic building.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir! 🎶💙🏛

Finding A Voice - Music Festival

16/09/2026

11/09/2026

🚣‍♀️🌊 DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF THE SUIR BLUEWAY BY KAYAK! 🌊🚣‍♂️

Looking for a fun and different way to experience Tipperary’s beautiful River Suir? Why not take to the water with Fluid Flow and explore the Suir Blueway by kayak?

Enjoy a unique adventure through the Clonmel landscape, combining outdoor activity, stunning scenery and a little local history along the way. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or trying kayaking for the first time, this is a fantastic way to see the area from a whole new perspective!

📅 Dates:
• 6th & 13th September
• 20th September
• 11th, 18th & 25th October 2026

🕐 1pm start
📍 Sandybanks, Clonmel
💶 €50 per person
👥 Minimum group of 6 | Maximum 12
👧 Minimum age: 8
🛶 All equipment provided except footwear

Fluid Flow is Canoeing Ireland qualified and certified and Garda vetted.

✨ Make a day of it! Why not combine your kayaking adventure with a visit to The Main Guard (open until the 23rd Sept.) in the heart of Clonmel? Discover one of the town’s most remarkable historic buildings, explore its fascinating history and enjoy the exhibitions and events taking place. It’s the perfect combination of adventure on the Suir and heritage on dry land! 🏛️🌊

🎟️ Book your kayaking adventure using the QR code on the poster!

08/09/2026

Culture Night 2026 ️ at The Main Guard

📆 18th September 2026

Join Finding a Voice this Culture Night for a vibrant celebration of music by women composers in the beautiful Upstairs Gallery of the Main Guard, Clonmel.

Performed by the acclaimed Banshee Brass Ensemble, led by Tipperary musician Adam Buttimer, this free programme showcases one of Ireland’s most exciting young chamber ensembles in an intimate historic setting.

The evening features the world premiere of a new commission by Canadian composer Aliayta Foon-Dancoes for brass quintet and dancer, alongside music that reflects Finding a Voice’s mission to programme the work of women composers.

⏰️ Presented as three short performances throughout the evening, at
5:15pm,
6:15pm
7:15pm

The programme invites audiences to drop in, experience exceptional live performance, and continue exploring the Clonmel Culture Night Trail.

Step above the historic arches of the Main Guard and discover bold new music, dynamic performance and a unique cultural experience at the heart of Culture Night in Clonmel.

📍Main Guard gallery, Sarsfield St. Clonmel, E91 P7Y8

25/08/2026

Thank You for a Golden Heritage Week!

A huge thank you to the wonderfully talented Agnieszka Krym for sharing her expertise and passion with us at The Main Guard during Heritage Week with her fascinating workshop, “The Hidden Layers of Gold: Discovering the Traditional Art of Gilding.”

It was a wonderful opportunity to discover the intricate and beautiful traditional craft of gilding, learn about its history and techniques, and see first-hand the skill and patience involved in this remarkable art form.

A very special thank you also to everyone who attended and took part. Your enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to have a go helped make the workshop an enjoyable occasion.

We hope you enjoyed uncovering the hidden layers of gold as much as we did!

Missed out this time, keep an eye on the What's On page on the Heritage Ireland website for upcoming OPW run workshops and events. https://heritageireland.ie/whats-on/

21/08/2026

A huge thank you to the wonderful ladies from Limerick Lace Makers for a truly special evening at The Main Guard during Heritage Week!

Their “Discover the Art of Limerick Lace: A Beginners Workshop” was a fantastic opportunity to step into the elegant world of this beautiful Irish craft. From learning about the fascinating history and tradition of Limerick Lace to having a go at creating those all-important first stitches, it was an evening filled with creativity, skill and inspiration.

We are incredibly grateful to the ladies for sharing their knowledge, passion and expertise with everyone who took part. It was wonderful to see a traditional craft being passed on to a new generation of enthusiasts.

A very special thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the workshop such a success.



Limerick Lace

20/08/2026

Heritage Week Colouring Competition featuring Barryscourt Castle, Co. Cork💚

To enter, please take a photograph of your entry and email it to [email protected].
➡️Closing date for entries is 26 August 2026 and the winner will be announced 31st August 2026.
🔗Terms and Conditions apply, please visit heritageireland.ie for more details.
🔗Download your copy at https://heritageireland.ie/heritage-week-2026/

14/08/2026

🎉 FULLY BOOKED! 🎉
We’re delighted to announce that our Discover the Art of Limerick Lace: A Beginners Workshop is now fully booked!

Thank you to everyone who has registered for this special National Heritage Week 2026 event. We’re looking forward to welcoming our participants to an evening of creativity, craftsmanship and heritage as we explore the fascinating story of Limerick Lace and learn the first steps of this beautiful Irish tradition.

📅 Thursday 20th August 2026
🕕 6.00pm–9.00pm
📍 The Main Guard, Clonmel

We’re thrilled by the fantastic response and interest in keeping this wonderful craft tradition alive.

There are still some spaces left on our Gilding Workshop but if you missed out this time, keep an eye on our page for future workshops and heritage events.