{"id":18969,"date":"2025-08-23T20:20:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-23T20:20:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/18969\/"},"modified":"2025-08-23T20:20:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-23T20:20:13","slug":"how-to-survive-irelands-biggest-music-weekender","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/18969\/","title":{"rendered":"how to survive Ireland’s biggest music weekender\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

The usually sleepy town of Stradbally, Co Laois is getting ready to become the hub of all of Irish music, arts, and culture once again.<\/p>\n

Electric Picnic kicks off on August 29 for its 20th edition.<\/p>\n

Having initially been a one-day event, it\u2019s grown into a behemoth of a three day celebration. This year will mark my seventh appearance \u2013 and I\u2019ve done it all.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve camped, I\u2019ve glamped, I\u2019ve commuted in and out each day.<\/p>\n

This year will be my third time covering the event as a journalist.<\/p>\n

Below, I\u2019ve compiled my top tips and tricks, so whether it\u2019s your first time or your tenth, you can make the most of one of the best weekends of the summer.<\/p>\n

\"RevellersRevellers at Picnic ’24. Pic: Glen Bollard<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to go solo<\/p>\n

EP have been on a hot streak when it comes to headliners and 2025 is no different.<\/p>\n

There is never a guarantee that the performer you are interested in seeing will make a future appearance, so if there\u2019s someone you\u2019ve been enjoying on Spotify or Apple Music, check them out while you can.<\/p>\n

I have been on both sides of the coin \u2014 I am now a die-hard fan of Frank Turner having first seen him at a festival in 2018 on the suggestion of my partner.<\/p>\n

On the flip side, I\u2019ve had it the hard way too when the criminally underrated Walking on Cars split up in 2020, having appeared on the main stage at EP in 2018 (I opted to see someone else).<\/p>\n

So if all your pals\/neighbours are having one more in the campsite before heading in, grabbing some food, or heading to an act you\u2019re not gone on, don\u2019t be afraid to go your own way.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Just make sure you have the meeting point sorted (advice on that one to follow).<\/p>\n

Prioritise hydration<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t want to wake up hungover in your tent with your mouth as dry as a stale rice cake.<\/p>\n

Fill a reusable water bottle up from one of the taps or vendors in the campsites and leave it beside your sleeping bag or floor mat.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Even better, pack some electrolytes to pop into said water bottle each morning.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Cro\u00ed stage at the Electric Picnic is back.<\/p>\n

Embrace wandering<\/p>\n

Everyone knows all about the chaotic carnival that is Rave in the Woods once the sun goes down across Stradbally.<\/p>\n

Few will know of the secret underground bunker hidden among the twigs and trees on the site.<\/p>\n

There are hidden gems throughout the festival grounds \u2013 make a point to wander.<\/p>\n

On one of my first trips to the biggest festival in the calendar, I encountered an opening in the trees which, I assumed, was a light display.<\/p>\n

However, after taking a step towards the fairy lights, I heard a fiddle.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I\u2019d managed to encounter a tiny area where a ce\u00edl\u00ed was under way with an audience of around 20 or 30.<\/p>\n

It remains one of my favourite memories of EP.<\/p>\n

\"BeckyBecky Hill pictured at the 2022 Electric Picnic.<\/p>\n

Get down on Thursday<\/p>\n

Ten years ago, the 2015 edition of EP had a capacity of just over 50,000.<\/p>\n

This year, it will be the largest ever crowd, as 80,000 revellers descend on Laois \u2014 that\u2019s a full Croke Park\u2019s worth.<\/p>\n

Last year, overflow areas were opened up earlier than scheduled on Friday due to the huge crowds who had opted to make an early entrance.<\/p>\n

Want to avoid that? There are a couple of handy bits that you can plan ahead for.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Firstly, if you are going in a group, make sure at least one member has an early entrance ticket and goes in on Thursday evening, armed with your tents.<\/p>\n

They won\u2019t even have to pitch everyone\u2019s \u2014 just get their own up and hold the spots for however many others are needed, because once the gates open on Friday, it\u2019s a free-for-all.<\/p>\n

Once you have the spots, get something to distinguish your area. A flag, a gazebo, some lights or, as was seen in the Jimi Hendrix camp last year, a bra tied to a pole.<\/p>\n

Some other crucial bits to remember: don\u2019t go near a path (drunkenness and darkness don\u2019t go together) and don\u2019t pitch near a toilet (do I need to explain?)<\/p>\n

\"LeeLee Kiernan of IDLES crowdsurfing mid performance at Electric Picnic Festival 2023 at Stradbally Estate.<\/p>\n

Find your people<\/p>\n

EP have gone big on accessibility and inclusivity in the last three editions and this year sees the addition of a new campsite and reformatting of three areas.<\/p>\n

The Glitterball Camp will be supported by gender-inclusive teams who are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.<\/p>\n

The environmentally conscious Eco Camp has doubled in size, while the Poets Camp will have limited noise after 1am \u2014 with yoga and Pilates classes, meditation sessions, and more to blow off all the cobwebs the following morning.<\/p>\n

Those who are looking to use their c\u00fapla focail will be pleased to hear that the Gaeltacht campsite returns once again to the Picnic.<\/p>\n

Comfiness wins everytime<\/p>\n

Look, I get it. You\u2019ve spent a couple of hundred quid on a ticket, you\u2019re with your mates, you want to look good for the reels\/TikToks.<\/p>\n

But you\u2019re going to be doing at least 15,000 steps everyday, and while the ground is covered by pad or grates in some areas, they aren\u2019t everywhere.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Heels or low-tops won\u2019t be worth it. You\u2019re going to fall, get soaked through, or both.<\/p>\n

Make sure to check the weather forecast in advance, but as with any Irish festival, prepare for all eventualities.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bring both wellies and trainers, suncream and fleeces etc.<\/p>\n

\"AnAn aerial view of the Electric Picnic festival site at Stradbally in County Laois, 2023.<\/p>\n

Advance planning<\/p>\n

This one is more aimed at first-time Picnicers \u2014 the festival site is absolutely enormous. Phone signals and batteries aren\u2019t always the strongest.<\/p>\n

So, if you\u2019re with a group and you\u2019re worried about getting divided at any stage, then make sure you have a designated meeting spot.<\/p>\n

That way, if someone is out of juice and you haven\u2019t seen them in 20 minutes, you can check the spot.<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t make it the giant ferris wheel: That\u2019s where everyone goes.<\/p>\n

For extra security? Before you leave your tent, type the name and number of the friends you\u2019re festivaling with into your notes app.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Screenshot it and make it your lockscreen. If you lose the phone, this will increase your chances \u2013 at least slightly \u2013 of getting it back.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Also, have a friend\u2019s number written down somewhere on your person so if you lose said phone\/it runs out of battery, you can use someone else\u2019s to track them down<\/p>\n

Sober Sunday<\/p>\n

This one, admittedly, does take a little bit of a sacrifice. The EP organisers have been largely on top of things when it comes to the car parks on the way in to the festival, collaborating with the local garda\u00ed for traffic plans.<\/p>\n

But there are still issues on Monday morning and afternoon, with a logjam adding hours on to a journey home.<\/p>\n

Throw in the heat and frustrated hangovers that show no sign of ending? It\u2019s not what anyone wants.<\/p>\n

For the last two years, I\u2019ve brought my car and stayed sober on the Sunday evening. This has allowed me to enjoy the last night of the festival \u2014 and then hit the road at 3am, all packed up.<\/p>\n

And judging by the amount of cars stopped at the 24\/7 McDonalds drive-thru in Naas at 3.30am, I haven\u2019t been the only one.<\/p>\n

What that means is that I\u2019ve been in my own bed, watching the carnage of the car parks at midday on Monday unfold on social media with a smug, smug look on my face.<\/p>\n

Like I said, it\u2019s a sacrifice, but if there\u2019s someone in your group that\u2019s teetotal, it\u2019ll be half the battle. Throw \u20ac20 in petrol money their way each and you can be on your merry way.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe MindField stage at Electric Picnic.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not all about the music<\/p>\n

Electric Picnic is the crown jewel in the Irish festival calendar.<\/p>\n

While the music will be what draws most of the 80,000 attendees across the three days, don\u2019t limit yourself to just that.<\/p>\n

In total, there are six other stages to have a gander at \u2014 Leviathan: Political Cabaret, Manifesto, Ah, Hear Podcast, The Theatre, The Word and An Puball Gaeilge \u2014 and that\u2019s on top of the Comedy Arena.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Across the weekend, you\u2019ll have the likes of Blindboy, I\u2019m Grand Mam, Dara \u00d3 Briain, The History of Witchcraft, Rosie O\u2019Donnell, Chris Kent…<\/p>\n

Then you\u2019ve the Caravan Park, where you can get squirted by nuns, take on a karaoke quiz, or discover the best food trucks. Speaking of, the Theatre of Food is a must-visit over the three days. You might even get some free food and drink.<\/p>\n

FESTIVAL MUST-HAVES<\/p>\n

\n David Kent, Nicole Glennon, and Eoghan O\u2019Sullivan often cover festivals for the Irish Examiner. Here are their essential items for getting through a full weekend.\n <\/p>\n

\"MyhaloMyhalo 100% Blackout Sleeping Mask, \u20ac12.99<\/p>\n

Blackout mask\n <\/p>\n

Hopefully, your tent has some form of blackout technology. If not, a comfortable and effective blackout mask is your best friend. I\u2019ll be bringing the Myhalo 100% Blackout Sleeping Mask, \u20ac12.99 on Amazon. Nicole\n <\/p>\n

\"CalifiaCalifia Farms Mocha Cold Brew <\/p>\n

\n Cold-brew coffee\n <\/p>\n

I\u2019m a big proponent of cold brew coffee for the cooler. I don\u2019t want to spend 45 minutes in a queue the morning after. I like Califa Farms, \u20ac2.50 in Dunnes Stores. Eoghan\n <\/p>\n

\"RegattaRegatta Birchdale II waterproof jacket, \u20ac140<\/p>\n

Rain jacket\n <\/p>\n

I\u2019ve seen, legitimately, hundreds of people destroyed by conditions wearing cheap ponchos. Bring a good-quality rain jacket. Regatta are reliable and you\u2019ll get one for less than \u20ac50 on sale. David\n <\/p>\n

\"BelkinBelkin 20,000mAh Boost Charge Power Bank<\/p>\n

Power bank\u00a0\n <\/p>\n

Nothing kills the buzz faster than your phone dying by 6pm and getting stuck in a charging queue. Bring a decent power bank. Belkin\u2019s 20000 mAh will provide an extra 140 hours charge, \u20ac39.99, Currys. Eoghan\n <\/p>\n

\"CarabinerCarabiner from Regatta, \u20ac4<\/p>\n

\n Carabiner\n <\/p>\n

To secure a reusable bottle to my bumbag and\/or shorts. Regatta do a variety, \u20ac4. Nicole\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The usually sleepy town of Stradbally, Co Laois is getting ready to become the hub of all of…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":18970,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[75],"tags":[18,11985,117,19,17],"class_list":{"0":"post-18969","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-entertainment","8":"tag-eire","9":"tag-electric-picnic","10":"tag-entertainment","11":"tag-ie","12":"tag-ireland"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18969","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18969"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18969\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18970"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18969"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18969"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18969"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}