How the Journey Works

Irish Concert Travel offers expertly coordinated coach routes for Electric Picnic 2025, ensuring fans from all over Ireland can travel with ease to Stradbally Hall in Co Laois. Our return bus to Electric Picnic at Stradbally Hall departs from key towns and cities across the West, Midlands, South, and East, including Galway, Cork, Limerick, Sligo, Wexford, Kilkenny, and Dublin.

Each coach journey is direct with no interchanges or public transport connections required. Our experienced drivers are familiar with Electric Picnic’s unique entry logistics, road closures, and designated coach parking zones within Stradbally. You’ll be dropped off near the main festival entrances, and return from the same location after the show ends, with a comfortable 30-minute grace period after the final performance each night to allow you time to regroup and exit safely.

The journey is designed to be part of the festival experience — seats are comfortable, passengers are fellow music lovers, and there’s a buzz on board as the festival gets closer. With air-conditioned coaches, storage space for small bags, and onboard comfort stops on longer routes (such as from Donegal, Mayo or Kerry), you’ll arrive refreshed and ready for the party.

One of the biggest advantages of using the bus to Electric Picnic at Stradbally Hall is avoiding traffic congestion around Laois and the N80 approach roads. Our coaches use official access routes coordinated in line with festival traffic plans, which bypass much of the standard festival car traffic. No queuing for parking, no pricey shuttle transfers, and no long walks from overflow lots — you’ll get closer, faster.

Pickup locations are strategically chosen to balance coverage and convenience: West of Ireland pickups include Galway City, Tuam, Ballina, and Castlebar; Midlands stops such as Athlone, Tullamore, Mullingar, and Portlaoise offer great options for central access. In the South, you’ll find services from Cork City, Mallow, and Clonmel; and from the East, we operate buses from Dublin City, Bray, Greystones, and Arklow.

For those in more rural or hard-to-reach areas, our regional stops are often within short taxi or lift-share distance. Many passengers team up in advance using social media, planning their meetup at a central pickup. It’s a community vibe even before you reach the gates of Stradbally.

Helpful Travel Tips:

• Arrive at your pickup point 10–15 minutes before the scheduled departure time
• Bring valid ID and a screenshot or printout of your ticket for boarding
• Dress in layers — Ireland’s festival nights can be chilly post-midnight
• Label your belongings and pack essentials for a comfortable trip
• Don’t forget a portable charger — you’ll need it for the return trip!

Most importantly, traveling by coach adds an element of ease that lets you focus on the music, the friends, and the magic of Electric Picnic. No designated driver, no long nighttime drives, and no scrambling to book last-minute accommodation — just pure enjoyment from gate to gate.

About Electric Picnic

Electric Picnic is more than just a music festival — it’s Ireland’s most iconic cultural gathering, fusing global music talent, visual art, comedy, food, and immersive theatre into a one-of-a-kind weekend experience. Launched in 2004 at Stradbally Hall in County Laois, the festival has grown from a boutique affair to a sold-out national event welcoming over 70,000 attendees annually. Its unique mix of headline acts and hidden gems makes it a standout in the European festival scene.

While other festivals focus strictly on music, Electric Picnic is renowned for its multi-genre approach. Past editions have featured everyone from global icons like The Killers, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and LCD Soundsystem to Irish favourites such as Hozier and Dermot Kennedy. Its stages include everything from the colossal Main Stage to the secretive, neon-lit corners of Trailer Park, Salty Dog, and MindField.

This year’s edition — taking place 29th to 31st August 2025 — promises a lineup just as diverse and dynamic. While the full roster is traditionally revealed closer to summer, fans can expect a world-class mix of pop, indie, hip hop, dance, and experimental acts, with stages curated by Body & Soul, 3Music, and Heineken. With such diversity, it’s no surprise Electric Picnic is often called the “Irish Glastonbury.”

In addition to music, Electric Picnic’s immersive experience zones set it apart. From comedy sets in the Hazel Wood to yoga sessions and late-night raves in the woods, there’s something for every festivalgoer — whether you’re here for sunrise acoustics, poetry slams, or late-night DJs spinning in forest clearings. It’s a place where you can stumble upon a punk band one minute and join a storytelling circle the next.

Trivia You Might Not Know:

• Electric Picnic was originally a one-day event in 2004 — it expanded to a full weekend in 2006
• The festival’s organiser, Festival Republic, also runs Reading & Leeds in the UK
• In 2019, the tickets sold out in under 30 minutes, breaking all Irish festival records
• MindField and Global Green have hosted political debates, activism talks, and climate discussions on-site
• The Salty Dog stage is housed in a real-life shipwreck that’s been refurbished into a working venue
• Stradbally Hall has hosted music since the 17th century, including a private show by U2 in the early 2000s

FAQs – Bus to Electric Picnic at Stradbally Hall

What time does the bus to Electric Picnic at Stradbally Hall leave from Galway?

It usually departs around 8:00 AM to ensure early arrival. Exact times are confirmed by email 5–7 days before the event.

Will the bus to Electric Picnic at Stradbally Hall wait if the concert ends late?

Yes. Coaches wait up to 30 minutes after the final headline act ends to allow safe return boarding.

Are there bathroom stops on the bus to Electric Picnic?

Yes. Comfort stops are scheduled for longer routes such as from Donegal, Kerry, and Mayo.

Can I bring alcohol on the bus to Electric Picnic at Stradbally Hall?

No. Alcohol is not permitted onboard for safety and comfort reasons.

Is there assigned seating on the Electric Picnic coach service?

No. Seating is first-come, first-served, but all passengers are guaranteed a seat.

Do I need to print my ticket for the bus to Electric Picnic?

A digital copy on your phone is fine, but we recommend a screenshot in case of poor reception.

Where do I get dropped off at Stradbally Hall?

You’ll be dropped at the designated coach park, a short walk from the main entrance.

Is the bus accessible for wheelchair users?

Please contact us in advance to confirm availability of accessible coaches on your route.

Can I cancel or refund my ticket for the Electric Picnic coach?

Refunds are available up to 7 days before departure. After that, tickets are non-refundable.

Is it possible to travel to Electric Picnic for just one day?

Yes. We offer same-day return coach tickets for each day of the festival.

What should I pack for the bus to Electric Picnic?

Essentials include ID, festival ticket, phone charger, snacks, layered clothing, and earplugs.

Are under-18s allowed on the bus to Electric Picnic at Stradbally Hall?

Only with a parent or guardian. Electric Picnic is an 18+ event unless accompanied and supervised.

Can I leave belongings on the bus during the festival?

No. Coaches leave the site after drop-off and return in the evening. Bring only what you can carry.

How early should I arrive at my pickup point?

Please be at the stop at least 10–15 minutes before the listed departure time.

What happens if I miss the bus to Electric Picnic?

Missed departures are non-refundable. We recommend allowing plenty of time to reach your stop.

Will I receive updates about my journey to Stradbally Hall?

Yes. Final pickup times and instructions are emailed 5–7 days before the event.

Can I eat on the bus to Electric Picnic?

Light snacks and bottled drinks are allowed, but hot food and messy items are discouraged.

Is there Wi-Fi or charging on the Electric Picnic coach?

Not guaranteed. Please charge your devices fully before boarding.

What if Electric Picnic is postponed or cancelled?

In case of event cancellation, coach tickets are fully refunded or transferable to the new date.

Can I book the Electric Picnic coach for a group?

Yes. Group bookings for 5 or more should contact us in advance for reserved seats.