The Electric Picnic Festival, set for 29 to 31 August at Stradbally Hall Estate in Co. Laois, will offer a three-day programme of music, arts, comedy, theatre, and wellness activities, attracting an estimated 80,000 attendees. Visitors can expect performances across over 25 stages, with confirmed headliners including Hozier, Sam Fender, Chappell Roan, Kings of Leon, and Fatboy Slim, alongside acts like Becky Hill, Lord Huron, Confidence Man, Maribou State, Self Esteem, Conan Gray, and Irish artists such as Bell X1, For Those I Love, Orla Gartland, and The Academic.
- Hozier will headline on Friday night from 10.30pm to midnight with a poignant performance.
- Sam Fender is set to deliver indie rock anthems on the Main Stage on Saturday.
- Kneecap is presenting a politically charged set with a vow by the organisers not to shut the microphone off.
- Crumlin’s Jazzy returns to the Electric Arena on Sunday following chart success. The Academic, favourites from Westmeath, open their Electric Arena slot on Friday night, with new material expected alongside their best-known tracks.
- To finish the stage iwl be taken by Inhaler from Dublin and Self Esteem (aka Rebecca Lucy Taylor), Confidence Man, and Suki Waterhouse.
- The Body & Soul arena offers wellness sessions alongside art installations throughout the festival.
- Elsewhere, Bell X1 are back as one of Ireland’s most established live acts, and Limerick trio Kingfishr add to the indie presence with their soaring, folk-inspired sound. Other Irish names to watch include Amble, Mundy, Aaron Rowe and Khakikid.
- All on-site payments are cashless. Charge your phone and ensure your card or wristband is linked and topped up before entering.
- The Comedy Tent returns with a packed line-up of stand-up, while the Theatre of Food showcases chefs, producers and food innovators throughout the weekend.
The festival features diverse areas like the Comedy & Spoken Word stage, the Arcadia area, Fosset’s Circus, the Art Trail, Body & Soul, Global Green & Greencrafts, and the Eco Picnic, which includes sustainability workshops and an expanded environmentally conscious campsite. Family-friendly options are available, with children aged 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult, though the event is primarily for those over 18, with no entry for 13- to 17-year-olds.
Camping options include general, family, and luxury sites like Pink Moon and Harvest Moon, offering bell tents, yurts, hot showers, and pamper parlours, with campervan passes available. All bars and food traders operate cashless, and shuttle buses from Portlaoise train station, along with Bus Éireann services from Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Belfast, facilitate access. Visitors can explore nearby attractions like the Rock of Dunamase or Portlaoise’s amenities, with accommodation at hotels such as the Abbeyleix Manor, a 20-minute drive away. The festival’s 600-acre setting, with its rolling lawns and wooded areas, provides a scenic backdrop for creative installations and performances.
Initiated in 2004 as a one-day event for 10,000 people, Electric Picnic was founded by Pod Concerts, with John Reynolds playing a key role in its establishment, aiming to create a diverse, inclusive festival with a laid-back atmosphere. Festival Republic acquired a majority share in 2009, and the event has since grown into Ireland’s largest music and arts festival, earning accolades such as Best Medium-Sized European Festival in 2010 and Festival of the Year at the 2023 Ticketmaster Awards.
Now in its 22nd year, it has hosted artists like Björk, Arctic Monkeys, and Kylie Minogue, with its eclectic mix distinguishing it from other Irish festivals. Melvin Benn, the current festival director, has overseen its expansion, including a proposed capacity increase to 80,000 for 2025, and has emphasised Stradbally Hall as the festival’s permanent home, citing strong local relationships. His leadership has introduced sustainability initiatives and enhanced transport plans, addressing past challenges like early arrivals and campsite space issues, as seen in 2024.
The 2025 festival, fully sold out since tickets went on sale on 21 August 2024. The festival will build on its reputation for diversity and community engagement, with over 70 acts confirmed and more expected. Visitors are advised to use public transport or car-share to reduce environmental impact, with free parking and Garda-directed routes ensuring smooth access. Further details, including the full lineup, are available at www.electricpicnic.ie, where attendees can also find information on camping upgrades and shuttle services.
