It’s a long way to Tipperary - especially the Tipperary of 100 years ago.

The town of Tipperary will celebrate the centennial of the writing of “It’s A Long Way to Tipperary” with a week-long festival beginning this Thursday.

“It’s A Long Way to Tipperary” was penned by Jack Judge, an English-born man with Tipperary and Mayo roots, and gained overwhelming popularity with troops stationed overseas during the First World War.

Tipperary has “come a long way since then,” Ted O’Connor, general manager of Tipperary Co-op, the festival sponsor, said in a press release. “Just like the song is known far and wide, Tipperary Co-op is now one of the largest Irish cheese exporters - supporting the local community and the local and Irish economy.”

The festival will explore Ireland as it was a century ago with events such as milk churn races, a free street concert, and a food fair, to take place July 13.

The festival opens Thursday with the presentation of the Tipperary International Peace Award to former President of Ireland Professor Mary McAleese and Senator Martin McAleese. The weekend sees the grand finale of the Tipperary International Song of Peace Contest, with ten finalists performing their own original songs.

First World War artifacts and photographs spanning the past century will be on display for the duration of the festival.

July 14’s Tipperary Tea Party, held in the streets of the town, will bring vintage transport and locals dressed in vintage-style clothing.

“Visitors will be transported back to an Ireland of 100 years ago,” Tipperary Chamber President and festival organizer Elaine Fitzpatrick said in a press release.

Listen to the original release of “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” by Victor Records, sung by John McCormack, here: