Introduction
Every August, Electric Picnic transforms the historic grounds of Stradbally Hall in County Laois into one of Europe’s most eclectic music and arts festivals. With line‑ups that blend global headliners, emerging Irish talent, comedy, theatre and immersive art, the three‑day event draws over 70,000 visitors from across the island and beyond.
For many festival‑goers, especially those travelling from the Midlands, the easiest, safest and most sustainable way to reach the site is by coach. This article provides a comprehensive overview of coach‑hire services operating out of County Laois, practical information on routes and bookings for Electric Picnic 2025, and useful tips for anyone looking to explore the Midlands by bus.
Why Choose Coach Hire for Electric Picnic?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost‑effective | Group rates typically range from €12‑€18 per person for a round‑trip, considerably cheaper than private car fuel and parking fees. |
| Environmental impact | A single 53‑seat coach emits roughly 1/10th the CO₂ of ten cars making the same journey, aligning with Electric Picnic’s “low‑carbon” ethos. |
| Stress‑free travel | No need to navigate the N80 traffic closures, find parking at the PUDO (Pick‑Up‑Drop‑Off) zone, or worry about designated‑driver duties. |
| Community vibe | Share the excitement with fellow fans on board – the journey becomes part of the festival experience. |
| Accessibility | Many operators provide wheelchair‑accessible vehicles and can accommodate special requests in advance. |
Key Coach Operators Serving County Laois
1. Dave’s Coach Hire – Laois, Offaly & Kildare
- Fleet: 33‑, 36‑, 53‑seat coaches; 14‑seat corporate bus; 18‑seat wheelchair‑accessible bus.
- Coverage: Dublin, Kildare, Offaly, Laois, and surrounding Midlands towns.
- Specialities: Long‑distance day trips, corporate events, and festival shuttles.
- Contact: 086 875 2944 or davescoachhire.ie.
2. Irish Concert Travel – Nationwide Festival Shuttles
- Service: Dedicated Electric Picnic coach routes from Galway, Cork, Limerick, Dublin, Kilkenny, and many Midlands hubs.
- Features: Air‑conditioned coaches, on‑board storage, scheduled comfort stops on longer journeys, and a 30‑minute post‑show wait for safe return.
- Booking: Online portal, with tickets released 5‑7 days before the festival.
- Contact: info@irishconcerttravel.ie; see the full route list on their event page.
3. KG & R Coach Hire – Newbridge, Kildare (serves Laois)
- Fleet: Modern 50‑seat coaches and minibuses with Wi‑Fi and USB charging.
- Midlands focus: Regular contracts with schools, sports clubs and community groups, making them a flexible choice for group bookings to the festival.
- Contact: +353 44 923 1234; website: kgrcoachhire.ie.
4. Local Taxi‑Coaches & Private Minibus Operators
- Many licensed minibus owners register with the festival via the Electric Picnic Coach Registration Form (linked on the festival’s travel page).
- Rates are negotiable for groups of 10‑20 passengers and can be a good option for rural towns not covered by the larger operators.
How to Book a Coach for Electric Picnic 2025
- Check the official Electric Picnic travel page – the festival provides a direct link to a coach registration form where operators must submit details (driver name, vehicle type, capacity, pick‑up and drop‑off times).
- Choose your departure town – popular Midlands pick‑up points include Portlaoise, Athlone, Tullamore, Mullingar and Kilkenny.
- Reserve early – demand spikes after the line‑up announcement (usually early June). Seats on the 53‑seat coaches sell out within days.
- Confirm the details – you’ll receive a booking confirmation with a QR code or screenshot of the ticket. Bring a printed copy or a clear phone image for boarding.
- Arrive on time – the festival advises arriving 10‑15 minutes before departure; coaches leave the designated coach park at 10:00 am on each festival day (or earlier for long‑distance routes).
Example – Portlaoise to Stradbally Hall (2025):
- Depart Portlaoise Train Station (PUDO) at 09:30 am.
- Drop‑off at the Coach Area, N80, 5 minutes before gates open.
- Return coach departs the main entrance at 22:30 pm, with a 30‑minute grace period after the final act.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Coach Journey
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Pack light – Only bring a small day‑bag (max 15 kg). Large suitcases must be stored in the luggage compartment. | |
| Dress in layers – Irish summer evenings can drop to 12‑15 °C, especially in the forest stages. | |
| Bring a power bank – Coaches have USB ports, but they can be busy on busy routes. | |
| Stay hydrated – Water is available at the festival, but having a reusable bottle is handy for the journey. | |
| Keep your ticket handy – Digital copy works, but a printed QR code speeds up boarding. | |
| Respect the no‑alcohol rule – Coaches are alcohol‑free for safety; you can purchase drinks on site. | |
| Plan for contingencies – If you miss the coach, the festival runs a late‑night shuttle from the coach park to the main entrance (subject to availability). | |
| Accessibility – Notify the operator at least 48 hours before travel if you need a wheelchair‑accessible coach. |
Cost Breakdown (Indicative 2025 Prices)
| Route | Coach Type | Approx. Cost per Person (Round‑Trip) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portlaoise ↔ Stradbally Hall | 33‑seat coach | €14 | Short 15‑minute journey; ideal for local Midlands residents. |
| Athlone ↔ Stradbally Hall | 53‑seat coach | €16 | Includes a brief comfort stop in Tullamore. |
| Galway ↔ Stradbally Hall | 53‑seat coach | €18 | Longer 2‑hour drive; stops for refreshments. |
| Cork ↔ Stradbally Hall | 53‑seat coach | €19 | Early departure (07:30 am) to ensure arrival before gates. |
| Dublin ↔ Stradbally Hall | 53‑seat coach | €20 | Direct service via M7/M8, drop‑off at coach park. |
Group discounts of up to 10 % apply for bookings of 20+ passengers.
The Midlands: Exploring Beyond the Festival
While the primary goal may be the festival, the Midlands offers a wealth of attractions that are easily reachable by coach:
- Lough Boora Parkland (Offaly) – 30 km south of Stradbally, ideal for a post‑festival nature walk.
- Clonmacnoise (Offaly) – Ancient monastic site, 45 km from the festival grounds.
- The Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens (Kildare) – A short detour for horse lovers.
- Rock of Dunamase (Laois) – Panoramic views and historic ruins, perfect for a sunrise trip on festival day one.
Many coach operators are happy to customise a day‑trip itinerary for groups wanting to combine the festival with a Midlands sightseeing tour. Request a bespoke quote when you book.
Sustainability – Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Electric Picnic’s sustainability pledge encourages attendees to “Travel Green.” Here’s how coach travel helps:
- Lower emissions per passenger – A 53‑seat coach emits roughly 15 kg CO₂ for a round‑trip, compared with ~150 kg for ten cars.
- Shared fuel costs – Reduces overall fuel consumption and road wear.
- Reduced parking pressure – Fewer cars mean less congestion around the N80 and PUDO zone.
If you want to go further, consider offsetting your travel through Irish carbon‑offset schemes (e.g., Carbonfund.org Ireland). Some coach companies already include a small carbon‑offset contribution in the ticket price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a ticket for the coach, or just my festival ticket?
A: You need both. The coach ticket secures your seat; the festival ticket proves entry eligibility.
Q: Can I bring a small cooler with drinks?
A: Yes, provided it contains non‑alcoholic beverages and fits under the seat. No hot foods or large containers.
Q: What if the festival is postponed due to weather?
A: Coach operators follow the festival’s cancellation policy. In most cases, tickets are refunded or transferable to the new date.
Q: Are pets allowed on the coach?
A: Only assistance dogs are permitted, and they must be registered with the operator in advance.
Q: Is there Wi‑Fi on board?
A: Most modern coaches (e.g., KGR, Irish Concert Travel) offer free Wi‑Fi, but signal quality can vary on rural routes.
Planning Checklist for Your Electric Picnic Coach Trip
- Book your coach (minimum 30 days in advance).
- Confirm pick‑up location and time (check email 5‑7 days before).
- Print or screenshot your coach ticket and festival ticket.
- Pack a small day‑bag (water, charger, raincoat, earplugs).
- Arrange travel to the pick‑up point (taxi, local bus, or walk).
- Label any valuables and keep them with you on the coach.
- Review the festival’s COVID‑19/health guidelines (if any).
Conclusion
Whether you’re a die‑hard fan travelling from Portlaoise, a Midlands explorer hoping to combine music with heritage sites, or a group organiser looking for a reliable, eco‑friendly transport solution, coach hire in County Laois offers the perfect blend of convenience, cost‑effectiveness and sustainability for Electric Picnic 2025.
By planning ahead, selecting a reputable operator such as Dave’s Coach Hire, Irish Concert Travel, or KG & R, and following the practical tips above, you’ll arrive at Stradbally Hall relaxed, ready to enjoy three unforgettable days of music, art and community – all while keeping the Midlands’ scenic roads free from congestion.
Book early, travel smart, and let the journey become part of the festival magic!