Vantastival Music Festival – Ireland 2025

Background & History

Vantastival, a beloved independent, family-run music festival, returns for its 13th and final edition at Beaulieu House and Gardens, Drogheda, Co. Louth, from September 19–21, 2025. Launched in 2010 by founders Benny, Louise, Yvonne, Mark, and their crew, it celebrates Irish music, campervan culture, and community, attracting over 5,000 attendees annually.

Set on the scenic banks of the River Boyne, this family-friendly festival is renowned for its diverse lineup, quirky features like the Campervan Cook-Off, and inclusive vibe. After a three-year hiatus, 2025 marks its farewell at Beaulieu, blending favorite acts from past years with new talent, making it a must-visit for music and festival lovers.

Event Highlights

• Main Stage Performances: Featuring Irish acts like HousePlants, R.S.A.G., and Junior Brother across three stages.
• Campervan Cook-Off: A colorful cooking competition using campervan facilities, Sunday afternoon.
• Enchanted Garden Kids’ Camp: Free activities (arts, circus skills, bubbles) for kids, Friday 5:00 PM–7:00 PM, Saturday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
• Juicebox Comedy & Crow’s Nest: Stand-up comedy and late-night DJ sets in a woodland setting.
• Renegade Rascals Fire Show: Fire performances with live music by Fancy Dan.
• Trad Folkin’ Rocks Tent: Traditional and folk music with céilí dancing.
• Glamping Village: Boutique camping options with Pitched Perfect bell tents.

Categories

• Music & Arts: Live music, comedy, and fire performances.
• Cultural & Traditional: Showcases Irish music and céilí dancing.
• Family-Friendly: Kids’ camp, circus workshops, and dog-friendly policies.
• Food & Drink: Gourmet food stalls and bring-your-own-booze policy (no glass bottles).

City

• Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland: Events at Beaulieu House and Gardens, a 17th-century estate, 45 minutes from Dublin.

Main Event Address

• Beaulieu House and Gardens, Beaulieu Cross, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 PD3R, Ireland: Primary venue for all festival activities, set on the River Boyne.

Date & Duration

• Dates: September 19–21, 2025 (Friday–Sunday).
• Duration: 3 days, starting Friday at 2:00 PM GMT+1.

Venue / Location

All events occur at Beaulieu House and Gardens, with multiple areas:

• Main Arena: Hosts the main stage, Campervan Cook-Off, and food stalls.
• Woodland Stage & Crow’s Nest: Music and late-night DJ sets.
• Enchanted Garden Kids’ Camp: Family activities near the Faraway Tree.
• Glamping Village: Bell tents by Pitched Perfect.
• Campervan/Tent Camping: Dedicated areas, no extra charge for vehicles.
• Directions: Take Exit 10 off M1, follow N51 to R132, turn left onto R166, then right at Beaulieu Cross; festival signposted.

Contact Information

• Email: info@vantastival.com (general inquiries); yvonne@vantastival.com (Campervan Cook-Off waitlist).
• Website: www.vantastival.com
• Social Media: Follow @vantastival on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
• Address: Beaulieu House and Gardens, Beaulieu Cross, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 PD3R, Ireland (event site, not ticketing office).
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.vantastival.com/tickets or Eventbrite; contact info@vantastival.com for minor tickets.

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy online at www.vantastival.com/tickets or Eventbrite. For minor tickets (13–17), parents must purchase an adult ticket first, then email info@vantastival.com with the order number, child’s name, and age. Tickets swapped for wristbands at the box office; campervan/tent parking is free. No refunds; transfers allowed (see Eventbrite guide). Book early for Christmas Special/Early Bird discounts (available until February 28, 2025, or earlier).
• 2025 Pricing (in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.12 USD):
  • 3-Day Camping Pass:
    • Christmas Special: €155 (~$173.60 USD)
    • Early Bird: €167.50 (~$187.60 USD)
    • Full Price: €180 (~$201.60 USD)
    • Includes Friday–Sunday access, camping.
  • 2-Day Camping Pass:
    • Christmas Special: €125 (~$140 USD)
    • Early Bird: €135 (~$151.20 USD)
    • Full Price: €145 (~$162.40 USD)
    • Saturday–Sunday only, camping included.
  • Saturday Single-Day Ticket:
    • Christmas Special: €60 (~$67.20 USD)
    • Full Price: €70 (~$78.40 USD)
    • No camping.
  • Sunday Single-Day Ticket:
    • Christmas Special: €60 (~$67.20 USD)
    • Full Price: €70 (~$78.40 USD)
    • No camping.
  • Sunday + Camping:
    • Christmas Special: €70 (~$78.40 USD)
    • Full Price: €80 (~$89.60 USD)
  • Family Saturday (2 adults + up to 3 kids, 3–12):
    • Christmas Special: €135 (~$151.20 USD)
    • Full Price: €150 (~$168 USD)
    • No camping.
  • Family Sunday (2 adults + up to 3 kids, 3–12):
    • Christmas Special: €135 (~$151.20 USD)
    • Full Price: €150 (~$168 USD)
    • No camping.
  • Child (3–12) Weekend Camping: €12.50 (~$14 USD)
  • Child (3–12) Saturday: €8 (~$8.96 USD)
  • Child (3–12) Sunday: €8 (~$8.96 USD)
  • Minor (13–17) Weekend Camping: €80 (~$89.60 USD)
    • Requires a parent with a 3-day or 2-day camping ticket; max 3 minors per parent; purchase via email.
• Additional Notes:
  • Free Entry: Children under 3 (no ticket needed).
  • Friday Access: Only 3-day camping tickets allow Friday entry; no single-day Friday tickets.
  • Campervans/Caravans: No separate ticket; included with personal tickets.
  • Terms: Non-transferable for resale above face value; non-refundable; revocable for misconduct (e.g., drugs, weapons). Searches may occur; no glass bottles allowed.

Cultural Significance

Vantastival is a cornerstone of Ireland’s independent festival scene, celebrating Irish music and campervan culture since 2010. Its final 2025 edition at Beaulieu House honors 13 years of community-building, showcasing acts like The Bonny Men and Jinx Lennon. Family-friendly features like the Enchanted Garden and Campervan Cook-Off foster inclusivity, while the dog-friendly, bring-your-own-booze policy enhances affordability. The festival’s relaxed vibe and historic setting draw a diverse crowd, boosting Drogheda’s cultural and economic profile.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Stalls: Gourmet food stalls (e.g., burgers, vegan options, ~$8–$15 USD); bar with cans (~$3–$6 USD).
• Campervan Cook-Off: Sunday competition showcasing campervan-cooked meals, free to watch.
• Bring Your Own Booze: Allowed (cans or reusable non-glass containers only); no glass bottles.
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Cross Garden Café: Beaulieu House (sandwiches, coffee, $5–$10 USD, on-site).
  • Eastern Seaboard Bar & Grill: Bryanstown, Drogheda (modern Irish, $12–$25 USD, 5-minute drive).
  • The Pheasant: Dunleer Road, Drogheda (pub fare, $10–$20 USD, 10-minute drive).

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Enchanted Garden Kids’ Camp: Free activities (circus skills, bubbles, yoga, comedy) for ages 3–12, Friday 5:00 PM–7:00 PM, Saturday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; parental supervision required.
  • Free entry for under 3s; child tickets (~$8.96–$14 USD); minor tickets (~$89.60 USD) for 13–17 with a parent.
  • RTÉ Lifestyle guide available for family tips.
• Accessibility:
  • Field-based site; accessibility is weather-dependent (rain may affect mobility).
  • Contact info@vantastival.com for wheelchair accommodations or specific needs.
  • Free kids’ camp and BYOB policy enhance financial accessibility.
  • Dogs allowed on leads with responsible cleanup.

Getting There

• By Air: Dublin Airport (DUB, 40 km, 40-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Bus Éireann Route 100X to Drogheda (MacBride Station, 10-minute drive to Beaulieu).
  • Train: Irish Rail to Drogheda MacBride Station (10-minute drive).
• By Car: From M1 Exit 10, take N51 to R132, left onto R166, right at Beaulieu Cross; parking is free with a ticket.
• Rideshare: FreeNow or local taxis from DUB (~$40–$60 USD).

Program Details (Based on 2024, Expected 2025 Similarities)

• Confirmed 2025 Events:
  • Main Stage: September 19–21, featuring HousePlants, R.S.A.G., Junior Brother, The Bonny Men, Jinx Lennon, and more (lineup ongoing).
  • Campervan Cook-Off: Sunday, 2:00 PM, main arena, fully booked (waitlist: yvonne@vantastival.com).
  • Enchanted Garden Kids’ Camp: Friday 5:00 PM–7:00 PM, Saturday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, with Bubble Trouble, Cirque du Spraoi, Happy Soul Yoga, and Mad Dog.
  • Juicebox Comedy & Crow’s Nest: Comedy early evening, DJs at night, woodland stage.
  • Renegade Rascals Fire Show: Saturday night, with Fancy Dan music.
• Expected Events:
  • Trad Folkin’ Rocks Tent: Céilí dancing, folk bands, midnight mass, daily.
  • Culture Vultures Panel: Hosted by Tony Clayton-Lea, Sunday, venue TBD.
• Note: Full lineup and schedule announced August 2025; check vantastival.com.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024/2022 Highlights: The Stunning, Mundy, and Susan O’Neill (main stage); Trad Folkin’ Rocks tent with folk bands (2022).
• 2025 First Wave: HousePlants, R.S.A.G., Junior Brother, The Bonny Men, Jinx Lennon, and more, reflecting a mix of returning and new acts.
  These showcase Vantastival’s focus on Irish talent.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Bring Your Own Booze: Reduces waste (cans/reusable containers only).
• Glamping Village: Reusable bell tents by Pitched Perfect.
• Waste Management: Staffed bins for sorting; no glass bottles allowed.
• Green Transport: Encourages carpooling; bus access via Route 100X.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check vantastival.com.

Educational Impact

• Kids’ Workshops: Free circus skills, music, and comedy sessions in Enchanted Garden.
• Culture Vultures Panel: Free or low-cost talk on Irish music, hosted by Tony Clayton-Lea.
• Community Engagement: Volunteer-driven, fostering local involvement.

Cultural Activities

• Campervan Cook-Off: Free to watch, Sunday afternoon, main arena.
• Juicebox Comedy: Evening stand-up, Crow’s Nest, included with ticket.
• Renegade Rascals Fire Show: Saturday night, free with a ticket.
• Trad Folkin’ Rocks: Free or ticketed céilí and folk sessions, daily.
• Kids’ Camp: Free arts, circus, and yoga, Friday–Sunday.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Christmas Special/Early Bird tickets (until February 28, 2025) save ~$10–$28 USD; book via vantastival.com.
• Weather Prep: September in Drogheda (50–60°F) is mild but rainy; pack waterproofs and boots.
• Explore Locally: Visit Newgrange (15-minute drive, $8 USD) or Drogheda Museum (10-minute drive, $5 USD).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card (~$10 USD) for Bus Éireann/rail.
• Festival Info: Check vantastival.com for digital schedules (no app).

Local Attractions

• Newgrange: Brú na Bóinne, 10 km (15-minute drive, $8 USD).
• Drogheda Museum Millmount: Millmount, Drogheda (10-minute drive, $5 USD).
• St. Peter’s Church: West Street, Drogheda (10-minute drive, free).
• Boyne Valley: Scenic trails, 5-minute drive (free).
• Monasterboice: 10 km, 15-minute drive (free, historic ruins).

Accommodation Options

• Camping: Included with 3-day ($173.60–$201.60 USD) or 2-day ($140–$162.40 USD) tickets; glamping via Pitched Perfect (~$100–$200 USD).
• Hotels:
  • D Hotel: Scotch Hall, Drogheda ($90–$160 USD/night).
  • Scholars Townhouse Hotel: King Street, Drogheda ($80–$140 USD/night).
• Hostels: Drogheda Hostel (Wellington Quay, $20–$50 USD/night).
• Airbnb: Drogheda apartments ($60–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the September peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at main arena; nearest hospital is Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda (10-minute drive).
• Security: Searches for drugs/weapons; Garda presence; ticket revocation for violations.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for crowded areas.
• Weather Preparedness: Tents for stages; bring rain gear for fields.
• Warnings: Strobe lighting and loud noise risks; ear protection advised.