Electric Picnic – Ireland 2025

Background & History

Electric Picnic, Ireland’s largest music and arts festival, returns for its 21st edition from August 29–31, 2025, at Stradbally Hall Estate in County Laois, Ireland. Launched in 2004, the festival has grown from a one-day event to a three-day celebration, attracting 80,000 attendees in 2024. Organized by Festival Republic and Live Nation, it’s renowned for its eclectic mix of music, comedy, theatre, holistic health, and immersive art installations.

With headliners like Hozier, Chappell Roan, and Kings of Leon, Electric Picnic blends global stars with Irish talent, fostering a vibrant cultural experience. Its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement—through initiatives like the Eco Camp and Gaeltachta campsite—has solidified its status as a cornerstone of Ireland’s cultural calendar.

Event Highlights

• Music Lineup: Headliners include Hozier, Chappell Roan, Sam Fender, Kings of Leon, and Fatboy Slim, alongside acts like The Kooks, Becky Hill, and KNEECAP.
• Stages: Main Stage, Electric Arena, Trenchtown, Fishtown, and the Salty Dog for secret gigs.
• Cultural Activities: Comedy at Mindfield stages, Nanos and Gegants Exhibition, Cant d’Estil parade, and sustainability workshops.
• Camping Options: Eco Camp (expanded for 2025), Gaeltachta, Poets Camp (quiet zone), and luxury Pink Moon accommodations.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible campsites and viewing platforms; contact website@livenation.com for accommodations.
• Family-Friendly: Family Camping for one adult and two children (12 and under), with free admission for kids.
• Food & Arts: Trailer park with themed mobile homes, global cuisines, and holistic health zones.

Categories

• Music & Arts: Features diverse genres (indie, pop, electronic, hip-hop) and immersive art installations.
• Cultural & Traditional: Showcases Irish heritage through Gaeltachta campsite and Cant d’Estil parade.
• Comedy & Theatre: Mindfield stages host podcasting, debates, and comedy with performers like Rosie O’Donnell.

City

• Stradbally, County Laois, Ireland: A picturesque rural estate, 80 km southwest of Dublin, known for its historic Stradbally Hall and festival grounds.

Date & Duration

• Dates: August 29–31, 2025 (Friday–Sunday). Early entry pass holders can access campsites from 4:00 PM on Thursday, August 28.
• Duration: 3 days (main festival); 4 days with early entry.

Venue / Location

• Stradbally Hall Estate: Stradbally, Co. Laois, Ireland (no specific street address; follow festival signage).
• Key Areas:
  • Main Stage: Central hub for headliners (Hozier, Kings of Leon).
  • Electric Arena: Hosts acts like KNEECAP and Conan Gray.
  • Mindfield Stages: Six stages (Leviathan, Manifesto, Ah Hear Podcast, etc.) for comedy, debates, and podcasts.
  • Trenchtown & Fishtown: Reggae, dance, and alternative music zones.
  • Campsites: Jimi Hendrix, Samuel Beckett, Eco Camp, Gaeltachta, and Pink Moon luxury sites.
• Note: The estate spans 600 acres; use festival maps on electricpicnic.ie for navigation.

Contact Information

• Email: enquiries@festivalrepublic.com
• Website: www.electricpicnic.ie
• Social Media: Follow @epfestival on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for updates.
• Office Address: Festival Republic, 2nd Floor, Regent Arcade House, 19–25 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TS, UK (organizer’s office).
• Accessibility Contact: website@livenation.com for digital and event accessibility inquiries.

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Tickets are sold via Ticketmaster.ie (official agent) or Ticketmaster Fan-to-Fan Exchange for safe resale. Avoid unofficial sellers to prevent scams.
• 2025 Pricing (Estimated in USD):
  • Loyalty Weekend Camping: ~€225 EUR (~$263.25 USD).
  • General Weekend Camping: Up to €290 EUR (~$339.30 USD).
  • Campervan/Caravan Pass: ~€95 EUR (~$111.15 USD).
  • Family Weekend Camping: ~€225 EUR (~$263.25 USD) for one adult and two children (12 and under).
  • Installment Plans: Available with payments split (e.g., €75–€96 EUR per installment, due February 1 and April 1, 2025).
  • Early Entry Pass: ~€50 (~$58.50 USD, requires Weekend Camping ticket).
• Status: General admission, loyalty, and camping tickets sold out within hours in August 2024. Limited “Last Chance” tickets may be released via the Three+ app in spring 2025.
• Notes:
  • Prices are estimates based on 2024 data (€225 loyalty, €290 general); confirm on ticketmaster.ie by spring 2025.
  • Free admission for children 12 and under (max two per adult, with ID).
  • Avoid scams; only use Ticketmaster Fan-to-Fan Exchange for resale.

Cultural Significance

Electric Picnic is Ireland’s premier music and arts festival, blending global and Irish talent to create a vibrant cultural celebration. Its diverse lineup—spanning indie, electronic, hip-hop, and folk—reflects Ireland’s modern musical identity while honoring traditions through events like the Gaeltachta campsite and Cant d’Estil parade. The festival’s Eco Camp promotes sustainability, and its Mindfield stages foster intellectual and comedic discourse, featuring figures like Miriam O’Callaghan and Blindboy. With 80,000 attendees, it transforms Stradbally into a cultural hub, fostering community, inclusivity, and creativity. Its economic impact, generating ~€18 million in ticket revenue, underscores its role in boosting local tourism.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Offerings: Over 100 food stalls offer global cuisines (Irish stews, fish and chips, vegan bowls, Asian street food). Cashless payments only.
• Local Specialties: Try Guinness, Irish whiskey, or Baileys at bars; food stalls serve boxty and colcannon near the Main Stage.
• Eco Camp: Sustainable dining options with plant-based menus and local produce.
• Nearby: Stradbally’s The Gala (Main Street, Stradbally) for traditional Irish pub fare; Portlaoise (15 km away) has Dunne’s Bar (Church Street) for craft beers.
• Alcohol Policy: 48 cans per person allowed in campsites; no glass over 100ml permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Family Camping for one adult and two children (12 and under); free admission for kids with ID (passport or birth certificate).
  • Activities include children’s workshops and storytelling at Mindfield stages.
  • Age restriction: Strictly 18+ event, except for children 12 and under with a parent/guardian. Teens 13–17 not permitted, even with adults.
• Accessibility:
  • Wheelchair-accessible campsites and viewing platforms at Main Stage and Electric Arena.
  • Disabled campervan area within accessible campsite; contact website@livenation.com for details.
  • Digital accessibility aligns with WCAG 2.1 A&AA guidelines via the Level Access partnership.
  • Sign language and audio descriptions available for select Mindfield events; email website@livenation.com for requests.

Getting There

• By Air: Dublin Airport (DUB, 80 km, 1-hour drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Services from Dublin, Cork, Galway, and other cities to Stradbally Hall; check electricpicnic.ie for schedules.
  • Train: Portlaoise Station (15 km away, 20-minute taxi), serviced by Irish Rail from Dublin Heuston.
• By Car: Follow event signage, not sat-nav, from the M7 motorway. Limited parking; book via Ticketmaster.ie (~€20 EUR/$23.40 USD).
• Rideshare: BlaBlaCar connects Dublin, Cork, and Galway to Stradbally (~$10–$20 USD).
• Note: Early entry pass holders arrive Thursday, August 28, from 4:00 PM; general entry from 9:00 AM Friday.

Lineup Information

Confirmed 2025 Headliners (August 29–31, Stradbally Hall):

• Friday: Hozier, Chappell Roan, Gorgon City, TSHA.
• Saturday: Sam Fender, Fatboy Slim, Jungle.
• Sunday: Kings of Leon, Becky Hill, Effy, Shee.
• Additional Acts: Amble, Barry Can’t Swim, Conan Gray, Confidence Man, Kingfishr, KNEECAP, Lord Huron, Marc Rebillet, Maribou State, Montell Fish, Self Esteem, Suki Waterhouse, The Kooks, Viagra Boys, Alessi Rose, Arthur Hill, Bell X1, Black Country, New Road, Hilltop Hoods, Joost, Just Mustard, Maverick Sabre, Mundy, Orla Gartland, The Academic, Tommy Cash, Azyr, DJ Heartstring, Ewan McVicar, Girls Don’t Sync, Holy Priest, Horsegiirl, Juicy Romance, Mark Blair, Pretty Girl, Aaron Rowe, Blair Davie, Esmeralda Road, Luvcat, NOFUN!, Sunday (1994), Biig Piig.
• Mindfield Stage: Miriam O’Callaghan (RTÉ), Blindboy (podcaster), Rosie O’Donnell (comedy).
• Sample Setlists (based on recent performances):
  • Hozier: De Selby (Part 1 & 2), Jackie and Wilson, Too Sweet, Work Song.
  • Chappell Roan: HOT TO GO!, Pink Pony Club, Good Luck, Babe!.
  • Kings of Leon: Sex on Fire, Use Somebody, Closer.

Past Notable Performers

• Music: Billie Eilish, Florence + The Machine, Kendrick Lamar, Dua Lipa, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, The 1975, Megan Thee Stallion, Dermot Kennedy, Tame Impala, Noah Kahan.
• Comedy/Podcasts: David O’Doherty, Tommy Tiernan, Joanne McNally.
• Cultural: Wolfe Tones (record-breaking Electric Arena set, 2023).
  These artists highlight Electric Picnic’s global and Irish cultural draw.

Educational Impact

• Sustainability Workshops: Eco Camp hosts sessions on environmental practices, engaging attendees in waste reduction and green living.
• Mindfield Stages: Foster intellectual discourse through Leviathan (political cabaret), Manifesto (debates), and Ah Hear Podcast, with speakers like Miriam O’Callaghan.
• Cultural Preservation: Gaeltachta campsite, supported by Conradh na Gaeilge, promotes Irish language use, offering immersive experiences.
• Community Outreach: Free kids’ workshops and storytelling sessions encourage youth engagement with arts and heritage.

Cultural Activities

• Nanos and Gegants Exhibition: Valencian-style folklore parade near Main Stage, August 30, showcasing giant figures and music.
• Cant d’Estil Parade: Traditional Irish and guest performances, August 29, from the Main Stage to Eco Camp.
• Trailer Park: Themed mobile homes (e.g., Daniel O’Donnell shrine) offer quirky art installations.
• Salty Dog Stage: Secret gigs in a shipwreck-themed setting, rumored to feature surprise acts.
• Eco Camp Workshops: Sustainability talks and hands-on activities, August 29–31.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets sell out fast; monitor the Three+ app for “Last Chance” resale.
• Weather Prep: August in Laois (55–65°F) can be rainy; pack waterproofs, wellies, and camping gear.
• Explore Locally: Visit Stradbally Steam Museum (Main Street, Stradbally) or Emo Court (20 km away).
• Public Transport: Book buses via electricpicnic.ie, Dublin Airport shuttle recommended.
• Festival App: Download the Electric Picnic app (iOS/Android) for schedules, maps, and alerts.

Local Attractions

• Stradbally Steam Museum: Main Street, Stradbally, 5-minute walk from festival gates.
• Emo Court: Emo, Co. Laois (20 km, 25-minute drive), Georgian estate with gardens.
• Rock of Dunamase: Portlaoise (15 km), historic castle ruins.
• River Barrow: Scenic walks near Stradbally Hall, ideal for festival downtime.

Accommodation Options

• On-Site Camping: General, Family, Eco, Gaeltachta, and Poets campsites (included with Weekend tickets).
• Luxury Camping: Pink Moon offers bell tents, yurts, and Lotus Belles with hot showers and breakfast (~€300–€1,000 EUR/$351–$1,170 USD).
• Off-Site:
  • Hotels: Maldron Hotel Portlaoise (Midway, Portlaoise, $80–$150 USD/night, 15 km).
  • Hostels: Portlaoise Backpackers (Kellyville, Portlaoise, $25–$50 USD/night).
  • Airbnb: Houses in Stradbally or Portlaoise ($100–$200 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve via booking.com or airbnb.com 6–12 months in advance for peak season.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid stations across festival grounds; nearest hospital is Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise (Dublin Road, 15 km).
• Security: Bag checks, ID verification (Passport, Garda Age Card, or Driver’s License required); strict anti-tout measures.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor stages.
• Weather Preparedness: Tents and covered areas for rain; bring sturdy camping gear.