Students Initatives
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Student Initiatives
Explore Carrick-on-Suir, in partnership with LEO Tipperary’s Student Enterprise Programme, is proud to introduce The Journey of an Idea—a five-year initiative for all secondary school students in Carrick-on-Suir. Launched on 7th October with an empowering Ideas Seminar, this programme will inspire students to transform their ideas into real-life actions. Whether it’s a business, a community initiative, or a project to enhance local vibrancy, this programme guides students through every stage, from concept creation to taking the first steps in making their ideas a reality.
Our mission is to inspire youth to think creatively and act boldly for the betterment of Carrick-on-Suir and beyond. This initiative is not only about entrepreneurship but about fostering the drive to make meaningful contributions to the community. Students will learn how to spark ideas, transform them into action, and see the potential of their contributions in shaping a thriving and vibrant town.
STUDENT INFORMATION PACK
Welcome to
The Journey of an Idea
Ready to turn your ideas into reality?
Where creativity begins, community thrives.
1. What’s This All About?
We’re on a mission to inspire you to think big, get creative, and showcase your entrepreneurial spirit! You’ll get guidance from business and social entrepreneurs, creatives, and marketing experts to help shape your ideas.
2. Who’s it for?
Every secondary school student in Carrick-on-Suir is invited to get involved—whether you’re in the junior, intermediate, or senior cycle!
3. What’s in it for you?
- Explore your creativity
- Learn real-world entrepreneurial skills
- Win cash prizes and spot prizes 💰
- Build a business that can make a difference in your community!
5. Sample Ideas to Get You Started 🚀
Stuck on what to do? Here are some creative ideas you can work on (no capital needed!):
- Freelance Social Media Management: Help local businesses boost their online presence.
- Digital Tour Guides: Use the Explore Carrick-on-Suir Quest Map to create fun, interactive tours for tourists.
- Community Storytelling Podcast: Share the unique history and stories of Carrick-on-Suir.
- Pop-Up Events: Plan local festivals, student open-mic nights, or themed tours!
- Content Creation: Manage social media or create blogs for local businesses or events.
6. What to Expect at the Launching Seminar 📅
We’re kicking off the programme with an exciting Launching Seminar on 7th October 2024!
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Inspiring talks from top business minds and creatives, including economist Jim Power.
- Interactive Q&A sessions that are fun, dynamic, and engaging with the audience!
- A chance to start shaping your business idea with real-time feedback!
- Breaks for networking and brainstorming with other students.
The seminar will be live-streamed and recorded, so everyone can be inspired by the event. Each school will send 10 Junior Cycle representatives, 10 Intermediate Cycle representatives, and 10 Senior Cycle representatives to participate live.
Seminar hosted by Kirsten Mate Maher: Explore Carrick-on-Suir Social Media and Marketing Executive, Beat 102103 Presenter, 2018 Crowned Rose of Tralee, Entrepreneur
7. How to Get Involved
We’re inviting all secondary school students in Carrick-on-Suir to get involved! Each school will have a dedicated liaison tutor to guide and support you throughout the programme.
8. Prizes 🎉
The programme offers cash prizes, spot prizes, and certificates for each school! 💸. You’ll also work with community leaders to bring your ideas to life.
- Junior Cycle Prize: €300 per year
- Intermediate Cycle Prize: €400 per year
- Senior Cycle Prize: €1000 per year
Gain valuable real-world experience, earn recognition for your innovative ideas, win awards, and make a lasting impact in your community and beyond!
9. Programme Schedule
Here’s the timeline of the events you’ll be involved in:
- October 2024 – Launching Seminar in partnership with LEO Tipperary Student Enterprise Programme 2024-2025
- November 2024 – Networking Events (beginning in November and running for the duration of the programme)
These networking events will provide opportunities for student-to-student, student-to-business, and student-to-organisation connections. You’ll also get to engage with town stakeholders, adding extra value to your experience!
- January 2025 – Presentation of Business Ideas
- April 2025 – Final Event and Awards Ceremony
Each step of the journey will help you refine your ideas, connect with mentors and stakeholders, and prepare for the final pitch!
10. Ready to Get Started?
Download the Students Entrepreneurial Handbook now for all the tips, ideas, and guidance you’ll need to create something amazing. Your Resource Pack is designed to help you build ideas and concepts throughout the programme. Use it to track your progress, jot down inspiration, and refine your business plan.
Aug 10
In light of the recent fire devastation across Tipperary, Waterford and many parts of the country, it really hits home just how valuable the pockets of nature on our doorstep really are.
In Carrick-on-Suir, the Carrickbeg Biodiversity Trail around the Bog Fields and St. Molleran’s Church is perfect for an easy, peaceful stroll. As you wander, keep an eye out for the ancient churchyard yew tree, herons and swifts skimming the wetland edges, and wild meadowsweet humming with native pollinators. You should also come across our fantastic mural from @fintan_magee in collaboration with @tidesoftimevisitorcentre 🎨
Check out our Quest Map for more nature-friendly recommendations - it’s freely available online and can be picked up from the Tides of Time Visitor Centre as well as many local retailers in Carrick-on-Suir and more.
📍 Carrickbeg, Carrick-on-Suir
#CarrickOnSuir #Carrickbeg #Tipperary #Waterford #BiodiversityTrail
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Aug 7
🚲 O’K Cycles @okcycles
📍 New St, Townparks, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary
Originally founded in 1907, there is so much important Carrick-on-Suir heritage under one roof at O’K Cycles. Shane is the third generation of O’Keeffes to run this local gem, having been a regular fixture on the shop floor since age twelve.
The family tradition continues with his nephew Sam, who works in the shop and plays with fantastic local band, Charcoal Greys. We also met Keith Barry, an incredible mechanic who first started with the crew in 1989 when he was eighteen. @charcoalgreysband 🎸
It’s fantastic to see such community spirit and cycling passion solidly centred in the heart of town.
#explorecarrickonsuir #carrickonsuir #okcycles #visittipperary #irishcycling
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Aug 5
Carrick-on-Suir really is the home of Irish cycling! @okcycles
On our way to visit O’K Cycles for a shop tour (more on that later 👀), we met some longtime friends and patrons of this fantastic family-owned gem. Pascal Lonergan from Dove Hill generously chatted to us and let us take pictures of his amazing Raleigh vintage bike, previously owned by his father and bought from Shane’s father John in 1985.
#okcycles #carrickonsuir #explorecarrickonsuir #irishcycling #charcoalgreys
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Aug 4
We want to give a big thanks to everyone who recently joined us for our first ever Quest Map Art Trail! We will be sure to put on an another Art Trail in the Autumn.
Artist Caoilfhionn Hanton lead a group of lovely crayon-yielding attendees on a short tour of Carrick-on-Suir. Starting at Tides of Time Visitor Centre and finishing opposite the brilliant Tides of Time mural in Carrickbeg by @fintan_magee the group observed and drew sites of past and present significance around town. Trying out timed activities and artistic exercises, the tour took geometric inspiration from the likes of O’K Cycles’ iconic shopfront as well as leaning into the folklore of Kenny’s Rock and the long-gone Castle Cinema. As the late and great Michael Coady spent a lifetime showing us, Carrick - his ‘personal cosmos’ - is packed with cultural and historical inspiration, if you just stop to look around.
All of these sites of creative inspiration are in our Quest Map - freely available online through the link in our bio (Explore Carrick-on-Suir’s website) and can be physically picked up from the Tides of Time Visitor Centre and many other shops/establishments in the Carrick-on-Suir and Hinterlands areas.
What spots would you recommend any drawing enthusiasts check out?
@tidesoftimevisitorcentre @ormondcastleopw @fintan_magee @explorecarrickonsuir @caoilfhionnhanton @visittipperary @tipperarycoco @carrickonsuircosba @okcycles
#explorecarrickonsuir #questmap #carrickonsuir #ormondcastle #fintanmagee
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Jul 30
We’re wishing everyone attending the All Together Now festival a fabulous time! If you’re going, what acts are you hoping to catch? 🎶
Curraghmore House is in the Hinterlands area and features on our Quest Map 🧭
#alltogethernow #ATN2026 #Waterford #curraghmorehouse #explorecarrickonsuir
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Jul 29
We want to give a heartfelt thank you to the lovely Coady family for joining us at last week`s official Tides of Time Visitor Centre opening, and to Lucy Coady for her wonderful speech and for reading her own poem.
It was an honour for us to meet more of Mr. Coady`s family, and to share with them his meticulously preserved study. Mr. Coady`s study is dedicated to keeping his incredible story and literary legacy alive. It`s available to visit with admission to our exhibition, right here at the heart of the town he was so passionate about - Carrick-on-Suir.
We`re also sharing more images of our esteemed guests in this post. We thank everyone for their attendance and hope the event was enjoyed by all!
📍 Main Street, Carrick-on-Suir
🌐 www.tidesoftime.ie
@visittipperary @tipperarycoco @failte_ireland @irelandsancienteast @coadylucy @wlrfm @tidesoftimevisitorcentre @sarahjanecleary
#TidesOfTime #MichaelCoady #ExploreCarrickOnSuir #CarrickOnSuir #Tipperary #IrelandsAncientEast
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Jul 22
We’re on site in Carrick-on-Suir chatting on film to some of our friends today, like the lovely and legendary Walter ‘Wattie’ Dunphy.
If you’ve any questions or topics you’d like Wattie to cover, feel free to drop them in the comments below! 🎤
@dunphywalter @explorecarrickonsuir @carrick_ms @carrickonsuircosba @carrick_davins_gaa_club @brewerylanetheatre @brewery_corner
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Jul 21
Looking for a fun and free family-friendly activity this Thursday? There`s a link in our bio to register for our first `Quest Map Art Trail` 🎨
Join us for this relaxed, creative art trail with artist Caoilfhionn Hanton, pausing at some stops from our official Quest Map to observe and sketch sites of local history. @caoilfhionnhanton ✨
Bring your sketchbook and a curious eye - no art skills needed! Caoilfhionn will be sharing some timed challenges and creative prompts with the group, inspired by local voices like Michael Coady and Dorothea Herbert.
When: 23rd July, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Where: Meeting and finishing up at Tides of Time Visitor Centre, Main Street, Carrick-on-Suir 📍 Tides of Time Visitor Centre
Cost: Free (All ages welcome)
Bring: Sketchbook and some drawing tools (some materials provided)
We’ll loop back to Tides of Time and finish with a highly recommended coffee at Three Bridges Cafe after ☕️ @threebridgesdrivethru
#carrickonsuir #explorecarrickonsuir #tidesoftimevisitorcentre @tidesoftimevisitorcentre @explorecarrickonsuir @random.artists.tipperary.south @tipperarycoco @visittipperary @tipperarycocolibraryservice @southtipparts
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Jul 14
Carrick-on-Suir is so beautiful in the sun, and we want to hear your favourite spot to enjoy the sun from. ☀️
Are you a work-from-home sun lounger, a park bench appreciator or a river swimmer? Comment below 💬
#carrickonsuir #visittipperary #explorecarrickonsuir #visitcarrickonsuir
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Jul 10
We recently caught up with two Carrick-on-Suir locals and school-friends outside the ‘Tides of Time’ mural, painted by international artist Fintan Magee @fintan_magee ✨
Tony from Carrickbeg (the Waterford side) and Gerry from Carrickmore (the Tipperary side) told us about summers spent playing in the Suir and the playful rivalry between both sides of the town. It’s a shared Carrick memory to have swam at Friar’s Rock - did you spend your childhood summers taking a dip there too?
This stunning piece of art behind Tony and Gerry was created to celebrate the Tides of Time Visitor Centre project and the Carrick people’s longlasting connection to the River Suir. The work features native and introduced wildflowers - such as Marsh Marigold, Water forget-me-not, Purple Loosestrife, and fleabane - that symbolise the community spirit and the town’s history of trade and cultural exchange.
You can find this mural featured on our Quest Map, which is linked in our bio 🧭
#voicesofthesuir #Carrickonsuir #fintanmagee #RiverSuir #ExploreCarrickOnSuir
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Jul 7
Wanting to recharge this July? There is so much happening across the South East to help you feel your best. We’re already big fans of Pilates sessions at Athrú Studio in Piltown @athrustudio 🤍
Here are some events coming up, starting with a massive day on July 11th:
‘Comeragh Crossing and Challenge Walks’ kicking off the morning at 7am at Kilgobinet Sports Centre, Waterford.
The ‘Summer Wellness Retreat’ is hosted at the Cashel Palace Hotel, starting at 10am.
Comeraghs Wild Festival has ‘Yoga in the Mountains’.
Rás na Rinne beach run is happening in An Rinn, Co.Waterford July 24th at 7:30pm, and
Yoga Fest Ireland promises a full weekend of movement at Ballinacourty House in Co.Tipperary on July 25th and 26th, starting at 10am.
Closer to home, ‘Twin Hearts Meditation’ sessions take place July 15th 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Nano Nagle Resource Centre, Carrick-on-Suir.
If there’s anything we’ve failed to mention here, please let us know in the comments 🧘🏅🚴♂️
#Carrickonsuir #SouthEastWellness #MoveMore #AthruStudio SupportLocal YogaIreland
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Jul 7
Looking to eat your way through the South East this July?
Carrick-on-Suir is surrounded by incredible local food inside Tipp, Waterford and neighbouring counties, and we absolutely love catching the Farmers Market outside the @tidesoftimevisitorcentre every Friday. Pictured here is Market resident and veg legend Paddy Stokes, and some goods from Collette’s Homebaking 🥕
There’s lots of fab food events to explore this month:
Tipperary Food and Farming Day is at Abbey Street Car Park in Clonmel on July 11th.
The Artisan Food & Craft Market is at Dunhill Community Hall on July 12th.
‘Taste of the Orchard’ is at The Apple Farm in Cahir, open all July.
Are you a regular at these markets, or is there a local foodie spot we’ve missed? Let us know below! 💅
#Carrickonsuir #SupportLocal #SouthEastFoodie #VisitTipperary #EatLocal
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Jul 4
On the visual art front - check out these creative events happening all along the South East!
If you aren’t already booked in for the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival Plein Air Paint-out - happening today and tomorrow - we recommend checking the event out as an onlooker! 🎨
We’re buzzing to check out ‘The Memory Keep’ exhibition in Carrick-on-Suir’s Tudor Artisan Hub, the hands-on Wet Feltmaking Workshop in Clonea Power, and the unique Cyanotype Workshop in Crough Wood with @culchie_spice as part of @comeraghswildfestival ☀️
We’ll have more on this very soon but we’re hosting our first ever Explore Carrick-on-Suir Quest Map Art Trail this month, led by artist Caoilfhionn Hanton @caoilfhionnhanton 🧭
We also have an exciting collab with Ardfinnan Woollen Mills happening at the Tides of Time Visitor Centre later this month! @ardfinnan.ie @tidesoftimevisitorcentre Lots more to be revealed🎉
Are you planning to visit any of these? Do let us know if there something brilliant we’ve missed.
#Carrickonsuir #explorecarrickonsuir #visittipperary #visitwaterford #visitkilkenny
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Jul 4
Do you recommend we check out any live music events over July in the South East that we’ve missed here?
Carrick-on-Suir really is at the heart of it all and thankfully, there is no lack of live music to be found nearby. We thoroughly enjoyed the Clancy Brothers Music and Arts Festival last month @clancybrosfest 🎶
There are many performances billed in the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, as is the Summer Session in the Comeraghs and the Kilkenny Country Music Festival, so definitely check out their full lineups! @comeraghswildfestival @clonmeljunctionfestival @kilkennycountrymusicfestival
We’re also looking forward to the Bob Dylan tribute act Chrome Horse at The Seantí, and the Heat Wave 2026 events in Waterford with @_moncrieff @sx2_music 🎉
There are so many acts to see - Are you heading to any of these gigs, or do you recommend any we’ve missed here?
#Carrickonsuir #explorecarrickonsuir #visittipperary #visitkilkenny #visitwaterford
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Jul 3
Do you have memories of Carrick-on-Suir over the years and are a creative person? Whether you’re an artist or not, we guarantee your memory will be jogged and spirit will be raised after an inspiring visit to the @tidesoftimevisitorcentre 🕰️
If you were interested in sharing your thoughts on this historic town, The Creative Tides Open Call is still open. We are interested in expressions of all mediums and are loving the submissions coming in so far.
We’re excited to pick our artists and start collaborating on these project briefs after the application deadline passes. Check out the link in our bio for full details on the brief, the artist fee and Showcase event! 🌊
#carrickonsuir #carrick #hinterlands #creativetides #opencall @tidesoftimevisitorcentre @random.artists.tipperary.south @carrick_ms @lecheilecos @strandtheatrecarrick @lingaunvalley @visittipperary @tipp_fm @tipperarycoco @southtippdevco @tipperaryartsoffice @kilkennyartsoffice @waterfordarts @artsdeise
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Jul 3
With all these featured events located within an hour’s drive of Carrick-on-Suir, you can easily enjoy the best of the region’s summer fun without any super long journeys!
The amazing act featured here are SX2, who are playing Heat Wave 2026 in Bank Lane (Waterford City)24 July 🎉 @heatwavemusicfestival @sx2_music
The Clonmel Junction Arts Festival kicks off today, running from July 3rd to 12th, offering 10 days of theatre, music, and dance @clonmeljunctionfestival 🎭
The Comeraghs Wild Festival follows from July 9th to 12th, celebrating the mountains with workshops and outdoor displays @comeraghswildfestival ⛰️
Kilkenny Pride takes over the city from July 23rd to 26th with a parade and gallery festivities @kilkennypride 🌈
Liberty Music Festival is Ireland’s premier tribute band experience packed with live music, gourmet food, and festival camping 🎸 @liberty.musicfestival
Cahir Wellness Festival is a holistic three-day immersion of yoga, breathwork, and connection set along the beautiful banks of the River Suir @cahirwellnessfestival 🦋
Yoga Fest Ireland is a weekend retreat not worth missing! @yogafestireland
Finish the month at All Together Now in Curraghmore Estate, or at Spraoi International Street Arts Festival in Waterford - both events running from July 31st to August 2nd 💅
#explorecarrickonsuir #visitcarrickonsuir #visittipperary
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Jul 1
📣 Creative Tides - New Date Announced!
To support the fantastic The Bard in the Quarter programme taking place across Carrick-on-Suir from 14-16 August, we’ve moved Creative Tides to Friday, 21 August, ensuring Heritage Week offers even more opportunities to celebrate arts and culture in Carrick-on-Suir.
Open Call - Artists wanted 🎨
Explore Carrick-on-Suir is inviting three artists to create an original response inspired by the stories, spaces and collections of Tides of Time Visitor Centre.
Whether you work in visual art, music, spoken word, performance or another creative medium, we’d love to hear how the exhibition inspires you.
Application deadline: 16th July. Apply through the link in our bio!
Selected artists will each receive a €250 commission, with the new showcase taking place during Heritage Week on:
📅 Friday, 21 August 2026
🕖 6.30–7.30pm
📍 Tides of Time Visitor Centre, Carrick-on-Suir
We look forward to celebrating a wonderful fortnight of creativity across Carrick-on-Suir and supporting the incredible programme of arts events taking place throughout August.
#Explorecarrickonsuir #CreativeTides #HeritageWeek #CarrickOnSuir #OpenCall #Arts #TidesOfTime
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Jun 30
Whether you’re on a bike, on foot, on the water, or taking to the skies like our local wildlife - how are you getting around Carrick-on-Suir? 🚲🏃♂️⛵️🦅
Last week’s sunshine brought out everyone, and it’s the perfect time to explore. We’ve mapped out the best routes for you in our recommended Quests. Check out our website and link in bio to learn more 🧭
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Jun 27
Just minutes from Carrick-on-Suir, in the beautiful Lingaun Valley, you’ll find one of Ireland’s oldest and finest High Crosses. @lingaunvalley
Dating back to the 8th or 9th century, the Ahenny High Crosses have stood watch over this landscape for more than 1,200 years, making them one of the true treasures of our Hinterlands!
Embracing the beauty of nature we’re lucky to have on our doorstep, we want to again wish a huge congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s Lingaun Valley Solstice Festival. It was a fantastic celebration of heritage, community and place.
With ancient monuments, spectacular scenery and stories around every corner, the Lingaun Valley is a destination well worth exploring… We’re proud to champion it as part of the Explore Carrick-on-Suir Quest Map. Check out the link in in our bio or find the Quest Map on our website ⚡️
#explorecarrickonsuir #carrickonsuir #lingaunvalley #ahennyhighcrosses
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Jun 16
A massive congratulations to our friends at the Lingaun Valley Solstice Festival for such a successful run of events so far! The ‘5,000 Years of Carving Monuments’ talk with Elizabeth Shee Twohig just wrapped up here at Knockroe Passage Tomb this afternoon.
This site, excavated in 1990, features a prehistoric monument that predates both the Pyramids and Stonehenge. Nestled in the Hinterlands just 10km north of Carrick-on-Suir, it features 30 highly decorated stones and uniquely aligns with both the rising and setting sun. ☀️
If you’re looking to catch the rest of the action, please check out the full festival lineup at https://solsticefestival.lingaunvalley.ie/ 🌅
Here is a selection of the upcoming events, sorted by location:
📍 Ahenny High Cross
(Starting shortly!) Tuesday 16 June (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM): 5,000 Years of Carving Monuments in the Lingaun Valley with Elizabeth Shee Twohig.
📍 Tullahought / Ahenny High Crosses
Wednesday 17 June (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Stories from the Valley with Jimmy Walsh and Pat O’Gorman.
📍 Ormond Slate Quarries
Thursday 18 June (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Walls and Waylines.- Dry Stone Walling Workshop with Alan Counihan and Declan McNamara.
Friday 19 June (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Heritage Talk: Ormond Slate Quarries with Pat O’Gorman and Jimmy Walsh.
Saturday 20 June (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM): Lighting the Lingaun - Community Lantern Making with Selene Murphy and Paul Bokslag.
📍 Kilkieran Barn
Friday 19 June (8:00 PM - 10:30 PM): Community Storytelling & Live Music with Martin Matthews, Ade Walsh, and local musicians.
📍 Ormond Castle, Carrick-on-Suir
Sunday 21 June (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Public viewing of the community festival relief slate carvings, displayed across both the ground floor and upper levels of the castle.
Sunday 21 June (6:00 PM - 10:30 PM): The Solstice Festival’s Finale. A spectacular ticketed evening celebration featuring community light lanterns to close out the solstice!
Also, please do keep an eye on our socials to see what Explore Carrick-on-Suir ‘Quest Map’ routes we recommend for this Summer. We love the Lingaun Valley 🚲🥾🚗
#knockroepassagetomb #lingaunvalleysolsticefestival #lingaunvalleytourism
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