An Garda Síochána Traffic Management Plan Electric Picnic 2026

The objective of this traffic management plan is to facilitate and maximise the free flow of event traffic to and from designated parking areas and in doing so, creating a safe driving environment with minimum disruption to local and through traffic while catering for optimum access and departure for emergency vehicles should any incidents occur.

1.TRAFFIC ROUTES

1.1. From Dublin/North – M7 Motorway southbound

All motorists except buses will exit M7 motorway at Junction 16 (Ballydavis interchange).
Take the R445 towards Portlaoise and take a left turn onto the R425.
All motorists (except buses) continue straight at Bloomfield roundabout on the R425 to Sheffield, Lamberton Junction and Money Cross.
At Money Cross turn left and follow directions to carparks.
General Campervans and Caravans will exit M7 at Junction 17 (Togher Interchange) and follow Limerick Route to Sheffield Junction, Campervans will then turn left and take the R425 to Bloomfield roundabout where they will take the N80 to Stradbally and onwards to parking.
Buses will exit the M7 motorway at Junction 15, turn left onto the R445 and continue along until Treacy’s Pub where they’ll turn left over the M7 towards Heath GAA. At JK Auto’s, buses will join the Heath Rd and travel to Stradbally where they will be directed to the Pick-up Drop-off area on the N80.
Accessible route customers will take the M9 motorway to Junction 3 and join the N78 to Athy. Before getting to Athy, they’ll turn left onto the Athy Distributor Rd and follow to N78 on to other side of Athy. They’ll take the N78 to where it joins with N80, turning right and travelling towards Court Square where they’ll turn left onto Timahoe Rd. Continue on Timahoe Rd, Accessible Car Park is accessed via Gate 4a.
Family (Campervan & Car Park) customers will take the M9 to Junction 3 and join the N78 to Athy. Before getting to Athy, they’ll turn left onto the Athy Distributor Rd and follow to N78 on other side of Athy. They’ll take the N78 to where it joins with N80, turning right and travelling towards Court Square where they’ll turn left towards Oakglen estate and take a right onto the lane around the Stradbally GAA Club and into the Family Campervan campsite and Family Car Park.

Note: There will be no collection point at any carpark over the duration of the weekend. The only collection point will be at the pick-up drop-off facility located just off the N80 on the Portlaoise (North) side of Stradbally. All buses attending the event shall use this area as well as taxis and other vehicles dropping patrons off.

1.2. From Limerick - M7 Motorway northbound

All motorists except buses will exit the M7 motorway at Junction 17.
Head west towards Portlaoise on the N77.
Turn right after 500m onto the Meelick Road, continue straight.
Turn right onto the R426 and continue take a right onto the R425 at Sheffield.
Continue on the R425 to Money Cross.
At Money Cross turn left and follow directions to carparks.
General Campervans and Caravans will turn left at Sheffield Junction and take the R425 to Bloomfield Cross where it will take the N80 to Stradbally and onwards to parking.
Buses should exit the M7 motorway at Junction 15, turn left onto the R445 and continue along until Treacy’s Pub where they’ll turn left over the M7 towards Heath GAA. At JK Auto’s, buses will join the Heath Rd travel via to Stradbally where they will be directed to the Pick-up Drop-off area on the N80.
Accessible route customers will exit M7 motorway at Junction 16, exit onto R445. Left towards Rathbrennan and travel to Bloomfield roundabout and take the first exit onto the N80 and continue to Stradbally. At Court Square, they’ll turn right onto Timahoe Rd. Continue on Timahoe Rd, Accessible Car Park is accessed via Gate 4a.
Family (Campervan & Car Park) customers will exit M7 motorway at Junction 16, exit onto R445. Left towards Rathbrennan and travel to Bloomfield roundabout and take the first exit onto the N80 and continue to Stradbally. At Court Square, they will turn right onto Timahoe Rd and continue until Oakglen estate where they will turn left, taking the right turn into the Stradbally GAA club and into the Family Campervan & Car Park.

1.3. From Cork – M8 Motorway northbound

All motorists except for family/buses/campervans will exit the M8 motorway at Junction 3 (Manor Stone) and turn right onto the R433 to Abbeyleix.
In Abbeyleix, turn left onto the N77, continue through Abbeyleix and turn right onto the R425/Ballyroan Road.
Continue to follow the R425 through Ballyroan towards Cashel Cross.
From Cashel Cross traffic will follow the main road to the right onto the R427.
Continue on the R427 to Money Cross.
At Money Cross motorists will be directed straight on the R427 and from here will follow directions to carparks.
General Campervans & Caravans will continue on the M8 and merge with the M7, exiting at Junction 17 (Togher Interchange) and follow the Limerick Route to Sheffield Junction before turning left and travelling onto the R425 to Bloomfield Roundabout taking the third exit to N80 Stradbally and onwards to parking.
Buses will continue on the M8 motorway and merge with the M7 motorway. They will exit the M7 at Junction 15, turn left onto the R445 and continue along until Treacy’s Pub where they’ll turn left over the M7 towards Heath GAA. At JK Auto’s, buses will join the Heath Rd travel via to Stradbally where they will be directed to the Pick-up Drop-off area on the N80.
Accessible route continue on the M8 motorway and merge with the M7 motorway, exiting at Junction 16, exit onto R445. Left towards Rathbrennan and travel to Bloomfield roundabout and take the first exit onto the N80 and continue to Stradbally. Continue through Stradbally to Court Square and turn right onto the Timahoe Rd, continue straight until Gate 4a.
Family (Campervan & Car Park) continue on the M8 and merge with the M7, exiting at Jnc 16, exit onto R445. Left towards Rathbrennan and travel to Bloomfield roundabout and take the first exit onto the N80 and continue to Stradbally. Continue through Stradbally to Court Square and turn right onto the Timahoe Rd and continue until Oakglen estate where they will turn left, taking the right turn into the Stradbally GAA club and into the Family Campervan & Car Park.

1.4. N80 from the West

All motorists except buses from the West will travel on the N80 through Mountmellick towards Portlaoise.
At Fairgreen roundabout /N80 (53.051170, -7.321236) turn right onto the Portlaoise Ring Road.
Continue for 3 KM to the Mountrath Road/R445 and take a right.
At the next roundabout at Rockdale take a left onto the Fr Brown Avenue/Old Knockmay Road.
At Fr Brown roundabout continue straight to the Portlaoise South Circular Ring road.
At the O ‘Doran roundabout take the third exit onto the R426 to Sheffield.
At Sheffield turn right onto the R425 and continue to Money Cross.
At Money Cross turn left and follow directions to carparks.
General Campervans and Caravans on this route will continue through Mountmellick and take the R422 towards Emo. At Kennells Cross, take a right turn onto the R419 and travel towards the Wheel Inn Pub. At the Wheel Inn Pub, take a right turn onto the R445 and travel towards Junction 16. At Junction 16 take a right turn still on the R445 towards Portlaoise. At Rathbrennan, take a left turn onto the R425 and travel to Bloomfield Roundabout. Take the first exit onto the N80 and continue on towards Campervan and Caravan parking on the right hand side.
Buses on this route will continue through Mountmellick and take the R422 towards Emo. At the New Inn roundabout buses will take the third exit onto the R445 and follow until reaching Treacy’s Pub. Buses will turn left over the M7 towards The Heath GAA and continue until reaching JK Auto’s where they’ll join the Heath Road towards Stradbally, turning right onto the N80 and then turn left into the Pick Up Drop Off area.
Accessible route at O’Doran Roundabout will travel straight and continue to Bloomfield roundabout and take the second exit onto the N80 and continue to Stradbally. Turn right at Court Square and continue on the Timahoe Road to Gate 4a (Accessibility Parking)
Family (Campervan & Car Park) on this route will continue through Mountmellick and take the R422 towards Emo. At Kennells Cross, take a right turn onto the R419 and travel towards the Wheel Inn Pub. At the Wheel Inn Pub, take a right turn onto the R445 and travel towards Junction 16. At Junction 16 take a right turn still on the R445 towards Portlaoise. At Rathbrennan, take a left turn onto the R425 and travel to Bloomfield Roundabout. Take the first exit onto the N80 and continue to Stradbally. Continue through Stradbally to Court Square and turn right onto the Timahoe Rd and continue until Oakglen estate where they will turn left, taking the right turn into the Stradbally GAA club and into the Family Campervan & Car Park.

1.5. N80 from South East/Carlow/Athy

All event traffic will travel west on the N80 into Stradbally.
All event traffic (except buses) will turn left at Court Square onto the Timahoe Road.
Cars will be directed into the car park.
Campervans will continue on the N80 through Stradbally, pass the Cork Road Junction and will be directed left into the Campervan Parking
Buses will continue on the N80 through Stradbally, pass the Cork Road Junction and will be directed left into the Pick-up Drop-off area on the N80.
Accessible route turn left at Court Square and continue on the Timahoe Road to Gate 4a (Accessibility Parking)
Family (Campervan & Car Park) will turn left into Oakglen estate and take a right onto the lane around the Stradbally GAA Club and into the Family Campervan campsite and Family car park.

1.6. Coaches, Buses, Minibuses

Bus operators will refer to the designated approach routes outlined above.

1.7. Taxis

Taxis will be directed to the pick-up drop-off area on the N80. Taxi Operators can also use the Designated Bus Route via the Heath. Taxis must only pick up and drop off at the designated pick-up and drop-off area.

The pickup drop-off facility is located just off the N80 on the Portlaoise (North) side of Stradbally. All buses attending the event shall use this area as well as taxis and other vehicles dropping patrons off.

1.8. Emergency Route

All emergency vehicles can access Electric Picnic festival site via Gate 6 on the N80 in Stradbally village.
Portlaoise and Tullamore Hospitals are accessible via the N80. Naas and Tallaght hospitals are accessible via Junction 15 onto the M7.
Local fire units can access Gate 6 via the N80.
All emergency vehicles can access gate 1,2,3,4,5 & 7 via the road closures on the Timahoe and Abbeyleix roads in Stradbally.

1.9. Train/Shuttle Buses

Portlaoise and Portarlington train stations are closest stations to Stradbally. There will be a shuttle bus service between the train stations and Electric Picnic.
Portlaoise shuttle bus route - Buses from Portlaoise town will continue on the N77/Abbeyleix Road and enter the M7 motorway northbound at Junction 17. Buses will exit the M7 motorway at Junction 16 and travel via the Heath to Stradbally where they will be directed to the Pick-up Drop-off area just off the N80 on the Portlaoise (north) side of Stradbally.
Portlaoise Plaza – pick-up and drop-Off – Patrons are encouraged to use the pick-up and drop off service at Portlaoise Plaza. Buses will run at regular intervals, with a 15-minute commute time. This is of particular importance at peak ingress and egress times.
Portarlington shuttle bus route - All train traffic from Dublin and the West will disembark at Portarlington Train Station. Whelan’s will transfer to Pick Up Drop Off Stradbally. Buses from Portarlington will take R420 towards R445, turning right towards Portlaoise. They will continue until Treacy’s Pub where they’ll take the next left and continue over the M7 to join the Heath Rd to Stradbally where they will be directed to the pick-up and drop off area.

1.10. Non-event traffic

An Garda Síochána strongly encourage non-event traffic to avoid using the road networks around Stradbally from 10am Thursday 27th August to 5pm on Monday 31st August 2026.
A variable road closure will operate on the N80 between Bloomfield roundabout and Simmonsmill from 10am and 4pm on Monday 31st August 2026. This is implemented by Laois County Council.
There is a road closure order on the R427 Cork Road, Stradbally from 10am Thursday 27th August to 4pm on Monday 31st August 2026.
There is a road closure order on the L3837 /Timahoe Road between Stradbally Village and Timogue Cross from 10am Thursday 27th August to 4pm on Monday 31st August 2026.
Access to the section of the R427 from Vicarstown to the N80 and the L3818 Rathmore Road from the Heath to the N80 will also be restricted at intervals on Thursday 27th to Monday 31st August 2026.

1.11. HGVs travelling to and from Rosslare Europort

Hauliers are encouraged not to use the N80 through Stradbally during Electric Picnic weekend. They will have no access to N80 between Portlaoise and Simmonsmill on the 31st August.
As an alternative HGVs should use the M7 motorway, exit at Junction 14 for Athy and in Athy take the R417 to Carlow. From Carlow they travel via the N80 to Rosslare.
Alternative route back from Rosslare, access to Portlaoise via the M9 Carlow and on toward Portlaoise via the M7, divert at Portlaoise for the N80. For Abbeyleix, left turn at Simmons Mills cross on the N78, right turn at Newtown cross and take the R430 to Abbeyleix.

1.12. Staff routing

Exit M7 motorway at Junction 15 – Vicarstown – right turn in Vicarstown to Garrons – left turn into carpark.
Staff will be directed right on exit. No left turn to Stradbally Village.
No access to the Staff car park from N80 / Stradbally.

1.13. Family Campervan routing

Dublin – M7 – M9 – Junction 3 for Athy – N78 (use ring road around Athy) – N78 to Simmons Mill Cross – right at Simmons Mill Cross onto N80 – continue to Stradbally – turn left at Court Square – left into GAA grounds.
Southern – M8 merge with M7 – exit M7 at Junction 17 – Meelick – Sheffield – Bloomfield – N80 – Court Square turn right onto Timahoe Road – left into GAA grounds
South East – N80 – left at Court Square
Western – continue through Mountmellick and take the R422 towards Emo. At Kennells Cross, take a right turn onto the R419 and travel towards the Wheel Inn Pub. At the Wheel Inn Pub, take a right turn onto the R445 and travel towards Junction 16. At Junction 16 take a right turn still on the R445 towards Portlaoise. At Rathbrennan, take a left turn onto the R425 and travel to Bloomfield Roundabout. Take the first exit onto the N80 and continue to Stradbally. Continue through Stradbally to Court Square and turn right onto the Timahoe Rd and continue until Oakglen estate where they will turn left, taking the right turn into the Stradbally GAA club and into the Family Campervan & Car Park.

1.14. Artists routing

Exit M7 at Junction 15 – Vicarstown – Gate 6. Accreditation dependent.

1.15. Performers routing (accreditation dependent)

Performers Carpark and Camping is located on N80 between Campervans and PUDO
Dublin / South / South West – Exit M7 at Junction 16, take the second exit towards Ballycarroll L7830. Turn right and continue along Kilteale L7830 until you reach the N80. Turn left onto the N80 to Stradbally. The Performer Car Park is on the right before Stradbally Village.
West – Follow the N80 through Mountmellick, taking the R422 towards Emo. At the New Inn roundabout take the first exit (left) onto the R445. Turn right towards M7 Junction 15 and join M7 SB to Junction 16. Exit M7 at Junction 16, take the second exit towards Ballycarroll L7830. Turn right and continue along Kilteale L7830 until you reach the N80. Turn left onto the N80 to Stradbally. The Performer Car Park is on the right before Stradbally Village.
South East – N80 from Carlow, left at Simmonsmill. Continue straight through Stradbally Village and enter on left hand side off N80 after PUDO area.

1.16 Monday Egress

A variable road closure will operate on the N80 between Bloomfield roundabout and Simmonsmill from 7am and 4pm on Monday 31st August 2026.
Junction 16 off the M7 Motorway will be closed to traffic exiting the motorway during this road closure, between 7am and 4pm Monday 31st August 2026. Traffic exiting the Electric Picnic site will be able to join the M7 at Junction 16.
Junction 17 off the M7 motorway will be closed to traffic exiting the motorway during this road closure, between 10am and 2pm Monday 31st August 2026. All traffic looking to access Portlaoise should use Junction 18.
Residents in the vicinity of the road closure are strongly advised not to plan any journeys during these hours. However, in the event of emergency or urgent matters, local access will be accommodated by An Garda Siochana.

2. PARKING

2.1. General Parking

The general campervan campsite will open at 12:00 hours on Wednesday 26th August 2025.
Car parks will open for general parking from 14:00 hours Thursday 27th August 2026.
The family campervan campsite will open from 14:00 hours Thursday 27th August 2026.
It is essential that maximum usage is made of the designated car parking area and that vehicles enter and park without delay as delays will lead to traffic congestion on approach routes.
Roadside parking will not be permitted in any area; tow trucks will be utilised to remove any roadside parking.

2.2 Family Car Parking

Parking for family ticket holders is located in the GAA Grounds, Stradbally/N80 and will open from 09:00 hours on Friday 28th August 2026.

2.3. Accessible Parking P.W.D

Accessible parking is located inside Gate 4(a) on the L3837/Timahoe Road, Stradbally. (Must be requested on your Electric Picnic Accessible Facilities Application form).
The Accessible Car Park is open from 14:00 hours Thursday 27th August 2026.

An Garda Siochana endeavours to accommodate patrons coming to and from this event to do so as safely and efficiently as possible.
To assist An Garda Siochana in this, we strongly encourage motorists to follow the directions of Garda Members and signage on key junctions and routes.
Adherence to Electronic Navigation Devices may result in delays and issues entering the festival site.