It’s been rough for a while now and we’ve got some catching up to do. We all have a million things we need to do when the country opens up again. From meeting college friends, to getting the shift, to testing how low your drinking tolerance has fallen, we’re all looking for an experience to share with offline.
If any events are going to take place this summer, it will be outdoor events. And FESTIVALS are the best outdoor events. There is no better time to be had than chilling in a field on a warm sunny day with your wildest mates and a cool cider while your favourite artists tear up the stage and make you thank god the lockdowns ended in time for summer.
So, if you’ve your head screwed on your probably thinking; “of course I’m going to a festival this summer ya gobshite. But which one should I pick? I’m not made of money”. That’s were I can actually help you. You’re going to want to go all out this summer and for festivals that means CAMPING.
I’ve got the 5 best camping festivals taking place in Ireland this year. I’ve got a festival for everyone; from pop princesses to rave queens and techno heads. Festival season is May right through to September this year, and if you plan to hit more than one this year, you’re going to need my festival camping advice (see final paragraph). So here we go…
Life festival 28-30th May
Life festival: kicks off the festival season with the best offering for techno-heads, dance music divas, and all round headcases. Based in Belvedere House, Mullingar again this year, the festival is sticking to its tradition and going beyond music, the festival will be packed with street performers of all disciplines, fire breathers and healing area for all the aspiring Yogis and those looking to nurse the mornings hangover.
The full line-up isn’t yet released yet but MK, BICEP, and Denis Sulta confirmed and with 3 days and 6 stages there’s a good chance you’ll discover new artists to add to your prinks playlist. Camping and non-camping tickets are available at your usual Ticketmaster ticket centres and online (and with an instalment plan) at: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/life-festival-tickets/artist/1548973.
Sea Sessions 18-20Th June
Sea Sessions: the Bundoran surf and music festival might be the pinnacle of Irish summer events. The festival and campsite are set-up right next to the sandy beach and when the weekend is blessed with the right weather there’s not much more you can ask for.
This year the first know headliner is Kodaline and many prominent indie and local artists have also committed to perform. Camping and non-camping tickets are available at your usual Ticketmaster ticket centres and online at https://www.ticketmaster.ie/sea-sessions-tickets/artist/2065356.
Kaleidoscope 25-27th June
Kaleidscope: this family friendly music & Arts festival is back at Russborough House with music, carnival and kids bouncehouse arenas. Make no mistake however, while this is a family event you won’t be sitting through The wiggle’s Big Red Car here, no line-up is confirmed yet, but, if 2019’s artists are to go by, you’ll be throughly entranced by some of Ireland’s biggest names like Imelda May, Riptide Movement and Ryan Sheridan (of Mrs. Brown’s Boys D’Movie fame).
Camping and non-camping tickets are available at your usual Ticketmaster ticket centres and online at https://kaleidoscopefestival.ie/ and https://www.ticketmaster.ie/kaleidoscope-festival-tickets/artist/5297927.
All together Now 30th July - 1st August
All Together Now (ATN): is making Curraghmore, Wicklow the place to be on the August Bank Holiday this year. With a similar vibe as Life Festival, ATN is making the festival more than a musical event. Their food, cocktails, and comedy are as likely to bring you back in 2022 as their music. Those you who take my advice and choose to camp for the weekend, will get the experience of a two week holiday in three days.
Underworld has been released as the headliner for this festival and, camping and non-camping tickets are available at your usual Ticketmaster ticket centres and online at https://www.alltogethernow.ie/ and https://www.ticketmaster.ie/search?tm_link=tm_header_search&user_input=&q=all+together+now.
Electric Picnic (EP) 3-5th September
Electric Picnic: perhaps Ireland’s best know festival is back, after its first year off since its inception in 2004. As usual, the festival is taking place in Laois in early September. This might be the best way to say farewell to the summer of 2021. Despite its 70,000-person capacity this is likely to be the fastest of the list to sell-out.
The full line-up is to be announced on Paddy’s Day (17th March… for those that forgot) , camping and non-camping tickets are available at your usual Ticketmaster ticket centres and online at https://www.ticketmaster.ie/search?aid=30690&user_input=electric%20p&q=Electric+Picnic and https://www.electricpicnic.ie/
Bonus!!!
Festival Camping Guide
Once you’ve committed to enjoying your summer, there are a few universal tips to follow to maximise the camping part of your experience.
What to bring:
Portable charger – (the biggest you can find)
Waterproof everything: tent, sleeping bag, makeup, etc. (its still Ireland afterall)
Bin Bag – (extra strong HEAVY DUTY)
Baby wipes – (not just for makeup, inside your tent will get dirty)
Toothbrush and Mouthwash - (too often forgotten)
Toilet roll- (don’t rely on the portaloo, its 1 ply, if its there)
Fanny Pack – (not just a retro style, the safest place to keep your cash, wallet, + phone)
Cosy hoodie – (its your best shot at getting to sleep)
Hand sanitiser – (let’s not start a Coivd situation again)