The veteran's guide to Electric Picnic: How to survive Ireland's biggest music festival
Chappell Roan will make her Stradbally debut this September.
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.
Electric Picnic kicks off on August 29 for its 20th edition.
Having initially been a one-day event, it’s grown into a behemoth of a three day celebration. This year will mark my seventh appearance – and I’ve done it all.
I’ve camped, I’ve glamped, I’ve commuted in and out each day.
This year will be my third time covering the event as a journalist.
Below, I’ve compiled my top tips and tricks, so whether it’s your first time or your tenth, you can make the most of one of the best weekends of the summer.
EP have been on a hot streak when it comes to headliners and 2025 is no different.
There is never a guarantee that the performer you are interested in seeing will make a future appearance, so if there’s someone you’ve been enjoying on Spotify or Apple Music, check them out while you can.
I have been on both sides of the coin — 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.
On the flip side, I’ve 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).
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’re not gone on, don’t be afraid to go your own way.
Just make sure you have the meeting point sorted (advice on that one to follow).
You don’t want to wake up hungover in your tent with your mouth as dry as a stale rice cake.
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.
Even better, pack some electrolytes to pop into said water bottle each morning.
Everyone knows all about the chaotic carnival that is Rave in the Woods once the sun goes down across Stradbally.
Few will know of the secret underground bunker hidden among the twigs and trees on the site.
There are hidden gems throughout the festival grounds – make a point to wander.
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.
However, after taking a step towards the fairy lights, I heard a fiddle.
I’d managed to encounter a tiny area where a ceílí was under way with an audience of around 20 or 30.
It remains one of my favourite memories of EP.
Ten years ago, the 2015 edition of EP had a capacity of just over 50,000.
This year, it will be the largest ever crowd, as 80,000 revellers descend on Laois — that’s a full Croke Park’s worth.
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.
Want to avoid that? There are a couple of handy bits that you can plan ahead for.
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.
They won’t even have to pitch everyone’s — just get their own up and hold the spots for however many others are needed, because once the gates open on Friday, it’s a free-for-all.
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.
Some other crucial bits to remember: don’t go near a path (drunkenness and darkness don’t go together) and don’t pitch near a toilet (do I need to explain?)
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.
The Glitterball Camp will be supported by gender-inclusive teams who are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.
The environmentally conscious Eco Camp has doubled in size, while the Poets Camp will have limited noise after 1am — with yoga and Pilates classes, meditation sessions, and more to blow off all the cobwebs the following morning.
Those who are looking to use their cúpla focail will be pleased to hear that the Gaeltacht campsite returns once again to the Picnic.
Look, I get it. You’ve spent a couple of hundred quid on a ticket, you’re with your mates, you want to look good for the reels/TikToks.
But you’re 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’t everywhere.
Heels or low-tops won’t be worth it. You’re going to fall, get soaked through, or both.
Make sure to check the weather forecast in advance, but as with any Irish festival, prepare for all eventualities.
Bring both wellies and trainers, suncream and fleeces etc.
This one is more aimed at first-time Picnicers — the festival site is absolutely enormous. Phone signals and batteries aren’t always the strongest.
So, if you’re with a group and you’re worried about getting divided at any stage, then make sure you have a designated meeting spot.
That way, if someone is out of juice and you haven’t seen them in 20 minutes, you can check the spot.
And don’t make it the giant ferris wheel: That’s where everyone goes.
For extra security? Before you leave your tent, type the name and number of the friends you’re festivaling with into your notes app.
Screenshot it and make it your lockscreen. If you lose the phone, this will increase your chances – at least slightly – of getting it back.
Also, have a friend’s number written down somewhere on your person so if you lose said phone/it runs out of battery, you can use someone else’s to track them down
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 gardaí for traffic plans.
But there are still issues on Monday morning and afternoon, with a logjam adding hours on to a journey home.
Throw in the heat and frustrated hangovers that show no sign of ending? It’s not what anyone wants.
For the last two years, I’ve brought my car and stayed sober on the Sunday evening. This has allowed me to enjoy the last night of the festival — and then hit the road at 3am, all packed up.
And judging by the amount of cars stopped at the 24/7 McDonalds drive-thru in Naas at 3.30am, I haven’t been the only one.
What that means is that I’ve 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.
Like I said, it’s a sacrifice, but if there’s someone in your group that’s teetotal, it’ll be half the battle. Throw €20 in petrol money their way each and you can be on your merry way.
Electric Picnic is the crown jewel in the Irish festival calendar.
While the music will be what draws most of the 80,000 attendees across the three days, don’t limit yourself to just that.
In total, there are six other stages to have a gander at — Leviathan: Political Cabaret, Manifesto, Ah, Hear Podcast, The Theatre, The Word and An Puball Gaeilge — and that’s on top of the Comedy Arena.
Across the weekend, you’ll have the likes of Blindboy, I’m Grand Mam, Dara Ó Briain, The History of Witchcraft, Rosie O’Donnell, Chris Kent...
Then you’ve 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.
David Kent, Nicole Glennon, and Eoghan O’Sullivan often cover festivals for the Irish Examiner. Here are their essential items for getting through a full weekend.
Blackout mask
Hopefully, your tent has some form of blackout technology. If not, a comfortable and effective blackout mask is your best friend. I’ll be bringing the Myhalo 100% Blackout Sleeping Mask, €12.99 on Amazon.
Cold-brew coffee
I’m a big proponent of cold brew coffee for the cooler. I don’t want to spend 45 minutes in a queue the morning after. I like Califa Farms, €2.50 in Dunnes Stores.
Rain jacket
I’ve seen, legitimately, hundreds of people destroyed by conditions wearing cheap ponchos. Bring a good-quality rain jacket. Regatta are reliable and you’ll get one for less than €50 on sale.
Power bank
Nothing kills the buzz faster than your phone dying by 6pm and getting stuck in a charging queue. Bring a decent power bank. Belkin’s 20000 mAh will provide an extra 140 hours charge, €39.99, Currys.
Carabiner
To secure a reusable bottle to my bumbag and/or shorts. Regatta do a variety, €4.
