Plein Air
Paint-outs in Clonmel, Carrick, Cashel and Cahir; workshops and competition
Clonmel Junction Arts Festival is hosting our inaugural Plein Air as part of the exciting programme of music, visual arts, theatre, dance, street spectacle, talks, film and workshops.
The Plein Air will be held on Saturday, 4th and Sunday, 5th July 2026 and includes:
Workshops for well-seasoned as well as beginner Plein Air participants (additional fee applies)
Paint-outs in Clonmel, as well as Carrick, Cashel and Cahir
An opportunity to paint with other artists in Clonmel and other locations, including stunning OPW sites, within a 30-minute drive
Pizza party with complimentary food in Gleeson’s, Irishtown (Clonmel) on Saturday 4th July with live music
Competition with prizes for Gold, Silver, Bronze and People’s Choice awarded on Sunday, 5th July (all entries to be received by 5 pm)
The Gold Prize winner will be offered an editioned print run of their painting and a framed copy of their work (up to a value of €500) sponsored by Artisan Frames
People’s Choice Prize is kindly sponsored by The Narrow Space
Exhibition at linn gallery, 1st Floor, The Narrow Space, Mitchell St, Clonmel, E91 RW24 from Tuesday 7th July to Saturday 5th September
Access to the hospitality and cultural programme for the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival
Suitability: Ages 18+
Ticketing Info: General: €30
Tickets available from junctionfestival.com
What to expect on the day
Each morning of the Plein Air (generally between 9–10 am) you will arrive at the Abbey Street Car Park in Clonmel to register for the paint-out. The Clonmel Junction Arts Festival staff and volunteers will stamp your canvas or your watercolour paper for that day’s painting. On the first morning of the Plein Air (Saturday 4th July) you will also collect your welcome pack.
After getting your board/paper stamped you can then travel to your chosen location for the morning, stopping for lunch to discuss your morning with your fellow artists.
If you have signed up to do one of the workshops on the morning of 4th July when registering, you will also be given a bib and further information. You will then travel to the location of your workshop and meet the workshop tutor and fellow artists.
After lunch you can either continue with your painting from the morning or begin a new one.
Late in the afternoon at around 5pm you gather with your fellow artists to display your unframed work on your easel at the Abbey Street Car Park (weather permitting – with an alternative location communicated by WhatsApp if required).
On Sunday 5th July there will be a competition (all entries to be submitted by 5pm to Abbey Street Car Park) with prize-giving at 6.30pm.
Work that is registered for the exhibition will be taken at 6.30pm on Sunday 5th July to the linn gallery, with the exhibition opening at 6pm on Tuesday 7th July.
With the Plein Air taking place during Clonmel Junction Arts Festival there are plenty of opportunities during the weekend for social gatherings, live music and entertainment and a chance for artists to get together and chat.
