Wicklow’s beloved Kaleidoscope Festival, presented by Glenveagh, is set to mark its fifth anniversary from 4-6 July 2025, transforming the picturesque grounds of Russborough House into a kaleidoscopic carnival of colour, music, and family-friendly entertainment. As the nation’s premier family festival, Kaleidoscope promises an unforgettable weekend packed with global music stars, homegrown talent, and a dazzling array of activities for all ages. With tickets already on sale via Ticketmaster, festival-goers are gearing up for a summer escape 30 minutes from Dublin.
Launched in 2019, Kaleidoscope Festival was conceived as Ireland’s first truly family-centric music and arts camping event, addressing the often-elusive balance of entertainment for both children and adults. The festival was born from an idea by its director, Richard Seabrooke, who sought to create an experience where families could share in the joy of live music, creative workshops, and outdoor adventures without compromise. “Having been to family-friendly festivals, it always feels like a compromise for someone, be that the kids or the parents,” Seabrooke noted at a 2022 preview event. His vision was to craft a festival where every attendee, regardless of age, could find something magical.
Organised by Festival Republic, the team behind Electric Picnic, Kaleidoscope has grown from its sold-out inaugural event in 2019 into a cornerstone of Ireland’s festival calendar. Despite a postponement in 2021 due to pandemic restrictions, the festival made a triumphant return in 2022, cementing its reputation as a must-visit summer event.
Kaleidoscope 2025, dubbed the “Carnival of Colour,” will feature a vibrant line-up of music and activities across three days. Headliners Texas, the Scottish rock-pop band formed in 1986, and The Coronas, an Irish favourite, are confirmed to take the main stage, with more acts to be announced, including Friday’s headliner. Past festivals have welcomed artists like The Waterboys, The Kooks, Lyra, James Morrison, and Camille O’Sullivan, setting high expectations for this year’s roster.
Beyond music, the festival offers hundreds of activities tailored for families. Expect jaw-dropping circus performances, hands-on science experiments with Mark the Science Guy, and creative writing workshops with Fighting Words, founded by Roddy Doyle. Children can dive into arts and crafts, dance and theatre workshops, baby raves, and toddler playtime, while the National Reptile Zoo will bring turtles and other creatures to spark young imaginations. For older festival-goers, culinary delights await, with chef JP McMahon hosting a West Coast Seafood Masterclass, alongside cupcake decorating with Graham Herterich and food workshops led by Jolene and Lils Cox and Michelle Darmody. The Scrumdiddlyumptious tent will even offer adult grape juice tastings for a playful twist.
The festival’s commitment to inclusivity shines through with sensory areas, toddler play spaces, and family-friendly camping options, including campervan and caravan passes. General camping opens at 9am on Friday, 4 July, with caravans and campervans permitted from Thursday, 3 July. Organisers emphasise a “leave no trace” ethos to preserve Russborough House’s stunning parklands.
Set against the backdrop of Russborough House, a Palladian mansion in Blessington, Kaleidoscope offers a unique blend of music, adventure, and relaxation. Families can zipline, walk with alpacas, or enjoy funfair rides, while parents might unwind at a craft cocktail bar or explore the festival’s food village. The AIB Tappy wristband system allows cashless transactions, with a special focus on teaching children budgeting skills in a fun, safe environment.
For those not camping, the nearby Glenview Hotel & Leisure Club offers comfortable family accommodations, making it an ideal base for festival-goers seeking a more luxurious stay. Visitors are advised to plan their journey using the TFI Journey Planner, with the festival site easily accessible from Dublin.
As Kaleidoscope celebrates its fifth birthday, organisers are pulling out all the stops to make 2025 the biggest yet. “Gather your festival crew, give the kids the best music memories, and join Ireland’s biggest birthday bash,” the festival’s website declares. With a history of delivering joy, connection, and unforgettable experiences, Kaleidoscope 2025 is poised to be the ultimate family staycation. Tickets, including weekend camping passes starting at €226 for a family of four, are available at www.ticketmaster.ie. For the latest updates, visit www.kaleidoscopefestival.ie.
