Electric picnic: Follow clearly signposted routes to avoid traffic

With less than 24 hours to go before this year's eagerly anticipated Electric Picnic festival kicks off, gardaí are calling on festival goers to keep abreast of traffic reports and follow "clearly sign posted" routes when travelling to Stradbally, Co Laois.

Gardaí have reminded ticket holders that the weekend-long event is for “strictly over 18s” with under 12s welcome free of charge when accompanied by their parents. Proof of age may be requested for the sale of alcohol at bar and catering facilities inside the venue.

Revellers are advised to wrap up warm with lower temperatures than usual expected over the weekend. However, wellies may not be a staple this year with Met Éireann forecasting "mostly dry and bright" weather over the weekend. Temperatures are set to range from 14-16 degrees over the weekend with a chance of scattered showers on Friday.

Festival goers are reminded to respect the privacy and property of the local Stradbally community. Chinese lanterns, flares, fireworks and gas camping canisters are not permitted. Disposable BBQs will be permitted in designated areas and campervans are asked to bring diesel generators and not to use petrol generators.

All routes to leading to designated parking for the festival have been clearly sign posted with parking free for all ticket holders. Coaches and camper vans are requested to follow the specific “coach & camper van” signs. The camper van parking area will be open from 4pm on Thursday, September 3rd while all other parking areas will open on Friday, September 4th.

Gardaí are advising ticket holders to take the following routes to avoid traffic congestion.

M7 Southbound – All event traffic travelling south on the M7 will exit at Junction 16 and on to Broomfield Roundabout on the Stradbally road. Follow signage.

M7 Northbound – Exit at Junction 17 and follow signage.

Via Portlaoise – Use relief road and follow signage.

M8 Northbound – Exit at Junction 3 and follow signage through Ballacolla, Abbeyleix, Ballyroan and on to site

N80 – via Carlow – proceed straight to Stradbally

R428 – via Athy – proceed straight to Stradbally

Taxi drivers and minibuses can drop off ticket holders at the marked stop-off point on the Stradbally-Portlaoise Road (N80).