How the Journey Works

Each year, tens of thousands of festivalgoers descend on County Laois for Ireland’s largest outdoor music and arts event — Electric Picnic. Stradbally Hall may be nestled in lush countryside, but getting there doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s why Irish Concert Travel offers reliable coach transport to the heart of the festival from regional hubs across the country.

Our return coaches to Electric Picnic at Stradbally Hall depart on Friday and return on Monday. Our festival buses are designed specifically for large-capacity events, with enough space for you, your bags, and your good vibes.

Departures run from regional points across the West, North West and  Midland of Ireland. Coaches are scheduled to arrive at the official festival coach park before key opening times, with priority entry lanes just steps from the gates. 

• This is a weekend return coach service (Friday – Monday)
• Buses depart the coach park at 10:00am on Monday morning

Helpful travel tips:

• Arrive at your chosen pickup location at least 10–15 minutes before the scheduled time
• Bring a copy or screenshot of your booking confirmation to show the driver
• Alcohol is not permitted onboard our services
• Hot Food and Hot Drinks are not permitted onboard our services
• To locate the Coach after the concert ends we recommend passengers send themselves their current whatsapp location when exiting the bus and to take the drivers number

Our services operate along the most direct routes to the concerts, and we have limited the number of collection/drop off points, with the aim of reducing the travel times to and from your favourite events.

Irish Concert Travel reserves the right to adjust travel routes as necessary to optimise efficiency and scheduling.

Coaches are often part of the Electric Picnic vibe — expect music, chats, and excitement all the way to Stradbally. Many riders make new friends before they even arrive, and it’s one less thing to worry about on the way home. No GPS, no parking queues, no petrol stops — just get on and enjoy the ride.

All pickup times and coach return instructions will be provided in your confirmation email. Please check your ticket for your exact pickup point and return day.

FAQs – Bus to Electric Picnic – Stradbally Hall – 28th–30th August 2026

When will I receive my bus ticket from Irish Concert Travel?

You will receive a booking confirmation within a few minutes of making your booking. This confirmation will be emailed to the address you provided at checkout. (Please check your spam or junk folders if it does not appear in your inbox.)

Should I print the booking confirmation?

Printing is not required, but we recommend keeping a screenshot of your booking confirmation on your phone to show the Irish Concert Travel driver if requested.

Can I purchase a one-way ticket?

We only sell return bus tickets unless otherwise stated on the booking page. However, you can still use a return ticket for one-way travel — simply write “one-way travel” beside the passenger’s name during booking if that is your preference.

Can I get a refund on my ticket?

All bus tickets are non-refundable. Full details are available on our website’s Terms and Conditions page.

What time should I be at my pickup location?

Passengers should arrive at their pickup point 15 minutes before the departure time listed on the booking confirmation. This ensures the bus can depart on schedule and avoid delays.

Can backpacks or luggage be brought on the bus?

Small backpacks can be brought on board with driver approval. Larger bags or hand luggage may need to be stored in the luggage compartment. The driver may request that all bags be stored for safety reasons.

Can small bags or backpacks be left on the coach during the concert?

Yes, you may leave your bags on the coach during the concert at Aviva Stadium, but we advise against leaving valuables. Irish Concert Travel is not responsible for lost or damaged items.

How do I find the coach after the concert has finished?

Your return coach will be parked in the same area where you were dropped off before the concert. If you have difficulty locating the bus, contact the driver directly using the phone number provided on your booking confirmation.

Will the coach leave without me after the event?

Our coaches depart according to the scheduled time after the concert. If you are not back ten minutes before departure, the driver will attempt to contact you via the number you provided. If you cannot be reached or appear to be making no effort to return, the coach may depart on schedule.

What time frame do I have to return to the bus after the event?

For outdoor venues such as Aviva Stadium, buses depart approximately 40 minutes after the concert ends. Please make your way to the bus promptly once the final song finishes.

Is there a toilet on board the coach, or will there be a comfort break?

Some of our vehicles include onboard toilets, but this is not guaranteed. If your coach does not have a toilet, a 15-minute comfort break will be scheduled at motorway services along the route.

Am I allowed to drink alcohol while travelling on the bus?

No. Alcohol consumption is not permitted onboard. Sealed containers can be stored in the underfloor luggage area and collected upon arrival at the Aviva Stadium. Intoxicated passengers may be refused entry to the coach.

About Electric Picnic

Electric Picnic is more than just a music festival — it’s Ireland’s ultimate celebration of culture, creativity, and connection. Held annually in the scenic grounds of Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois, this multi-day event blends live music, immersive art, spoken word, comedy, theatre, food, and wellness experiences into one unforgettable weekend. Often described as “Ireland’s answer to Glastonbury,” Electric Picnic has built a reputation for delivering both massive headliners and intimate, unexpected moments since its inception in 2004.

The festival’s layout transforms the quiet countryside into a temporary city of sound and colour. From the legendary Main Stage to hidden corners like The Hazel Wood, Salty Dog, MindField, and Trailer Park, every area is designed to feel like its own unique world. Festivalgoers can catch everything from global chart-toppers to underground DJs, slam poetry to circus performances, sunrise yoga to gourmet street food — all within a single weekend.

Electric Picnic is known for balancing crowd-pleasing headline acts with a strong platform for Irish talent. Previous years have seen artists like Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, The Cure, Florence + The Machine, Dermot Kennedy, Arctic Monkeys, and Dua Lipa share stages with breakthrough Irish bands, theatre groups, and experimental acts. Its ethos is rooted in discovery, expression, and sustainability — and that’s part of what keeps fans coming back.

With a capacity of over 70,000, it’s Ireland’s largest music and arts gathering. Yet, thanks to its unique site and programming, it still manages to feel personal, magical, and deeply immersive. Whether you’re dancing beneath lasers in Body & Soul, catching a political debate at MindField, or discovering your new favourite act on a small forest stage — no two journeys through the Picnic are ever the same.

Festival Facts You Might Not Know:

• Electric Picnic began in 2004 as a one-day event with Groove Armada headlining. It has since grown into a full weekend with over 10 main areas and 200+ performances.
• Stradbally Hall has hosted every single edition — its tree-lined avenues, gardens, and fields create the festival’s iconic layout.
• MindField is one of Europe’s only dedicated “festival of ideas” areas within a mainstream music festival — hosting everything from Irish politics panels to sustainability workshops.
• In 2010, the festival received the “Best Medium-Sized Festival” award at the European Festival Awards.
• Electric Picnic is powered by a large percentage of renewable energy, with a strong focus on green travel and waste reduction.
• The “Salty Dog” stage is an actual pirate ship hidden in the woods — hosting surprise performances and DJ sets late into the night.