In just over a month, Emo Village in Co. Laois will once again be abuzz with activity, performance and energy – as music and arts extravaganza Forest Fest makes its triumphant return, from July 21–23.

Since its inaugural edition in 2022, the festival has rapidly become a favourite among music fans from near and far – with Forest Fest voted the Best Festival in the Midlands last year.

This year, organisers have ensured that the festival will be bringing even more magic to Co. Laois, thanks to a line-up featuring the iconic likes of James, Bell X1, Suede, Suzanne Vega, The Proclaimers, Gabrielle, Paul Brady, Peter Hook & The Light, Ash, and many more – plus, the new Forest Fleadh, which will play host to some of the biggest names in folk and traditional Irish music. And, as if that line-up wasn't thrilling enough, the festival team continue to whet our appetites with even more additions as the countdown continues...

The Proclaimers. Credit: Murdo Macleod

You can also look forward to an extensive children's programme, a new Perfect Day showcase stage, brilliant drag artists, and much more.

So don't miss out! Caravan and campervan tickets are now sold out, but you'll find a limited number of weekend, day and glamping tickets on forestfest.ie

How to get there:

In addition to the free parking, and shuttle buses serving the local area, Forest Fest has made it easier than ever to get to the festival site – by partnering with CIE to provide special Expressway bus service.

The buses will run each day of the festival from Dublin to Forest Fest, while also stopping in Naas, Newbridge, Kildare Town and Monasterevin. On Friday, the bus will depart Custom House Quay at 2pm, while the buses on Saturday and Sunday will depart the city at 11am.

The timetable has been carefully created to ensure you can get to the festival each day just as the music and entertainment gets underway. As part of the return service, you'll depart the festival at 1am each night. There'll also be a return service on Monday, July 24, at 11am, for campers and glampers.

Pre-booking is essential, with one-way and return tickets available. See expressway.ie for more!

Read our full Forest Fest feature – including an interview with The Proclaimers – in the current issue of Hot Press...