Electric Picnic 2025: Ireland’s Biggest Music & Arts Festival
Electric Picnic isn’t just a festival it’s Ireland’s biggest celebration of music, arts, and creativity. Set in the picturesque Stradbally Hall, it offers a carefully curated blend of world-class music, immersive art installations, cultural talks, theater performances, comedy, wellness areas, and a gourmet food scene. Since its debut in 2004, Electric Picnic has evolved into one of Europe’s most eclectic festivals, bringing together massive headliners, rising stars, and experimental acts across multiple stages and themed areas. Whether you’re there for the music, the atmosphere, or the unexpected surprises that happen between sets, this festival is built to be a complete sensory experience.
Electric picnic 2025: Where Music, Art, and Culture Collide
Some festivals are just about the music. Electric Picnic is something else. It’s where live music meets immersive art, where world-class headliners share the stage with underground gems, where a field in Ireland turns into a playground for creativity, self-expression, and unforgettable experiences.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Stradbally Hall, Electric Picnic has grown into Ireland’s biggest festival, blending huge anthems, intimate performances, and unexpected discoveries across multiple stages and curated spaces. Whether you’re here for chart-topping acts, cutting-edge electronic beats, or the next big thing in indie, the lineup never disappoints.
But this festival is more than just music. Walk through themed villages, stumble upon secret performances, get lost in art installations, or take a break in the wellness zones. There’s always something new to explore, whether it’s a sunrise yoga session, a late-night comedy act, or a food market that rivals some of the best in Europe.
Electric Picnic isn’t just a festival it’s a temporary world where anything can happen. Are you ready?
A Line-Up Built for Every Taste
There’s something magical about standing in a crowd, feeling the first bassline hit, and knowing you’re in for something special. That’s the energy Electric Picnic brings year after year, a lineup that blends global superstars, indie gems, and fresh new sounds, making every stage worth exploring.
The festival’s strength lies in its diversity. One moment, you’re in front of the main stage watching a massive headliner; the next, you’re deep in a tent, discovering a rising act that might just be your new favorite. Rock, pop, electronic, hip-hop, folk, whatever your vibe, you’ll find it here.
Beyond the music, expect surprise collaborations, secret sets, and those unplanned moments that make festivals unforgettable. Some of the most legendary performances at Electric Picnic have come from artists who weren’t even on the original schedule, so keep your ears open, because you never know what’s coming next.
At the end of the day, the lineup is just part of the experience. What makes it truly special is the crowd, the atmosphere, and the moments in between. This isn’t just another festival, it’s the soundtrack to a weekend you won’t forget.
How to Get to Electric Picnic 2025
With thousands of festival-goers making their way to Stradbally, leaving extra time for your journey is essential. If using public transport, book your tickets early, as they sell out fast. If driving, arrive early to avoid traffic and secure a parking spot.
Wherever you’re coming from, the destination is worth it. Electric Picnic is waiting.
Driving to Electric Picnic is an option, but be prepared—parking spaces are limited, and traffic builds up fast near the entrance. If you’re set on bringing your car, the best approach is to carpool with friends to save money and reduce congestion.
Official parking areas are available near the festival site, but pre-booking is recommended. Some festivalgoers opt to park in nearby towns and take a short taxi or shuttle to Stradbally Hall, avoiding the worst of the traffic.
The closest train station to the festival is Portlaoise, which is well-connected via Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail). Trains run regularly from Dublin and other major cities, making it a fast and comfortable alternative to driving.
From Portlaoise, festival shuttle buses operate throughout the weekend, providing a quick and easy transfer to Stradbally Hall. Tickets for these shuttle services tend to sell out, so booking in advance is a smart move.
For international attendees, the best option is to fly into Dublin Airport (DUB), which is around 80km from the festival site. From there, the most efficient routes are:
•Direct festival buses from Dublin—the easiest and most stress-free option.
•Train to Portlaoise, followed by a festival shuttle.
•Car rental if you plan on exploring more of Ireland before or after the festival.
Dublin Airport is well connected to public transport, taxis, and car rentals, making the final leg of your journey easy to organize.
Electric Picnic offers official coach services from major Irish cities, including Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, and Galway. These buses drop attendees directly at the festival gates, making them one of the most convenient options.
Several private companies also run festival shuttle services, so checking availability and booking early is highly advised. If you’re staying in a nearby town, many local hotels offer shuttle buses to and from the festival as well.
Where to Stay for Electric Picnic 2025
Electric Picnic is a camping-first festival, meaning most attendees stay right on-site to soak in every second of the experience. Whether you’re a hardcore camper, a glamping enthusiast, or someone who prefers a hotel bed, there’s an option that fits your style.
The key? Book early. Accommodations near the festival sell out months in advance, and if you’re camping, grabbing a good spot means arriving early and planning ahead.
On-Site Camping – The Full Festival Experience
For the true festival atmosphere, camping is the way to go. Electric Picnic offers multiple camping areas, each catering to different needs:
•General Camping: The heart of the festival, filled with energy and excitement.
•Family Camping: A quieter, more relaxed space for those attending with kids.
•Accessible Camping: Designed for attendees with additional needs, offering adapted facilities.
Arriving early on Friday is key to securing a prime camping spot, as it’s first-come, first-served.
Glamping – Comfort Without Missing the Action
If you love the festival but prefer a more comfortable stay, glamping is the perfect balance. Boutique camping options include pre-set luxury tents, proper bedding, private showers, and exclusive chill-out areas. Some of the most popular glamping providers at Electric Picnic include:
- Under The Stars: Located just minutes from the main stage, with deluxe tents and a private lounge.
- Moonlight Meadows: A mix of bell tents and Festihuts, featuring premium amenities and a relaxed vibe.
- Cosmic Avenue: A vibrant glamping area with colorful tents, beauty stations, and a café.
These options sell out extremely fast, so booking months in advance is highly recommended.
Campervan & Caravan Sites – Your Own Mobile Festival Home
For those who want a home-on-wheels experience, Electric Picnic offers designated campervan and caravan areas. These spaces come with electrical hookup options and are perfect for festival-goers who want comfort, privacy, and flexibility.
Keep in mind: A campervan pass is required in addition to your festival ticket, and these passes are limited, so booking early is essential.
Hotels & Airbnb – Staying Off-Site
If camping isn’t your thing, there are hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb options in nearby towns. The closest city, Portlaoise, is just 15km away, offering several hotels, B&Bs, and hostels.
For those looking for more variety, Dublin (about an hour away) has a wider range of hotels and accommodations, with many travel packages including daily shuttle services to the festival.
The biggest downside? Hotels and rentals get booked out months in advance, so reserving early is the only way to secure a good spot.
Facilities & Essential Information at Electric Picnic 2025
Beyond the Festival: Explore County Laois & Beyond
Turn Your Festival Trip into a Full Irish Adventure
Electric Picnic is already a world of its own, but if you’re making the journey to Stradbally, why not take the time to explore what’s beyond the festival gates? County Laois and the surrounding areas offer a mix of stunning landscapes, historic sites, local pubs, and hidden gems that make for the perfect pre- or post-festival adventure.
Whether you’re in the mood for a nature escape, a cultural deep dive, or just a damn good meal, there’s plenty to discover.
The Beauty of County Laois – Escape Into Nature
Stradbally might be famous for Electric Picnic, but the surrounding areas offer some of Ireland’s most underrated outdoor spots. If you’re looking to clear your head after three days of non-stop music, these are worth a visit:
- The Rock of Dunamase: A dramatic ancient castle ruin perched on a hill, offering some of the best panoramic views in Ireland. A perfect spot for a sunset moment or a breather from the festival madness.
- The Slieve Bloom Mountains: If you’re up for a scenic drive or a light hike, this range is full of forests, waterfalls, and hidden trails. Perfect for those who need to recharge in nature.
- Emo Court & Gardens: A stunning 18th-century mansion surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and walking trails. If you’re into history or just need a peaceful stroll, this is the spot.
Historic & Cultural Spots Worth Visiting
If you have extra time, diving into Ireland’s history can make your trip even more memorable.
- Kilkenny City: Just an hour from Stradbally, this medieval town is packed with cobblestone streets, historic castles, and cool artsy spots.
- The Irish National Stud & Gardens: A unique mix of horse breeding history and stunning Japanese gardens, about 40 minutes from the festival.
- Abbeyleix Heritage Town: A charming small town with beautiful architecture, boutique shops, and traditional tea rooms.
electric Picnic 2025: a world you won´t want to leave
There’s a moment at Electric Picnic when everything just clicks. Maybe it’s when the lights hit just right, when the crowd sways as one, when the music builds, and suddenly, you’re lost in it fully, completely. It’s the kind of feeling that doesn’t happen every day, the kind that makes time stand still.
It’s a place where reality bends. One minute, you’re watching a band that’s soundtracked your entire life; the next, you’re lying in the grass watching fire dancers, getting lost in an art installation, or finding yourself in the middle of a spoken-word performance that hits deeper than you ever expected. You don’t just watch Electric Picnic you become part of it.
And then, just as quickly as it arrived, it’s over. The music fades, the lights dim, and the fields of Stradbally return to silence. But you don’t go home empty. You take it with you, the songs, the memories, the feeling that for a few days, you were somewhere that truly meant something.
That’s the thing about Electric Picnic. You don’t just remember it. You feel it. And once you’ve felt it, you know one thing for sure: you’ll be back.
