How To Survive Festival Season In Ireland
Whether it’s camping or a one day festival, there are always tips and tricks on how to make the best of your festival time and how to deal with some of the more challenging parts of festival season in Ireland.
Here’s some tried and tested advice on how to survive festival season in Ireland so you only have to worry about having a good time…
The Non-Camping Festival
A day festival like Longitude or Forbidden Fruit seems much easier because you get to go home to a warm bed afterwards, but there are still some things you should watch ahead for. Here are some of the things I’ve learned along the way;
Plan your day
Look at the list of acts and decide amongst you and your friends who you would most like to go see. Find out when they are on and where. This limits the amount of time spent stressing or arguing over where the hell you are meant to be going. Remember there are crowds, you can’t just stroll along to the next act. Give yourself moving time.
Easy on the pre-drinks
It’s a long day and you may be able to handle yourself perfectly well with drink on a night out, but you will probably be starting a lot earlier and will be drinking for a lot longer without as much food. So, don’t down all the drink at once and make sure to eat in the morning. And don’t forget to drink actual water as well to stay hydrated.
Outfit importance
We live in Ireland. So be prepared for hail, snow, rain and sunshine all in the same day. Go for pretty and practical. If you’re looking for some inspo check out our favourite looks from Coachella!
Have cash on you
This one is simple; The ATM lines are a mess. Just have your ATM card for absolute emergencies. Make sure that you have enough cash to make it through the festival to avoid the inconvenience.
Know your taxi buddy and stick with them
Figure how how you’re going to get home before you set foot on the camp-site. Pick a time and place to meet just incase you get separated. Don’t get caught trying to ring someone in the middle of the night with a taxi waiting and your phone about to die. It’s not fun.
Camping Festival
Camping festivals are a whole other ball game, so let’s discuss the best ways to make these work well for you…
The tent
It’s where you’ll sleep, eat, get ready and store all your stuff so don’t be tempted by the super cheap options; if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is!
- Invest in a decent tent and make sure it says that it will hold up against the rain and wind.
- Make sure you’ve practiced putting it up.
- Get double the size up from however many people are staying with you. So if you are two people get a four man tent. (This is so you have enough room for your stuff and each other)
- Bring a lock and lock your tent.
The transportation
Best way to get to festivals is an organizied bus. Hop on one that may be going from around your area or organise your own. Other alternatives are lifts but sometimes just not the same buzz.
- Get to the bus stop or lift house early.
- Make sure everyone is there and write a list.
- Go to the toilet before you go. (It’ll be the last nice toilet for a while)
The alcohol.
Most camping festivals will allow for your own drink, but there will be limits. Make sure you know them and don’t go above because if you are searched and they find more chances could be they will confiscate all of it.
- Don’t bring glass.Put spirits into a plastic bottle.
- Bring a mixer (I know it’s heavy just trust me)
- Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up when you are there. You will need it!
- Bring a sippy cup to mix your drink in.
We know how easy it is to get swept up in the fun, but pace yourself with the ol’ alcohol. Festival days can be super long. Don’t forget to read our tips on how to stay safe on a night out before you go.
The rest are just small tips and things I’ve learnt along to way…
- Have your own first aid kit, with pads and tampons…you never know. This one from Amazon is small enough to fit in your bag. but also check out Dealz.
- Bring tissues or toilet roll and keep it in your fanny pack. (There will be little to none in the portaloos)
- Baby wipes, deodorant, perfume and dry shampoo will be your best friend. It costs an arm and a leg to shower and the ques are huge
- Have more than one portable charger
- Make a check list, tick things off as you put them in your bag.
- Bring a good sleeping bag! It gets cold!
- Rain (and I cannot stress this enough) Coat.
- Waterproof shoes, wellies or Docs are essential!
- Bring I.D.
- Bring warm clothes. Seriously, it will get so cold! A cheap and cheerful hoodie from Penneys is the way to go!
- Pick a designated area to meet with friends if one of you gets lost along the way – it will save so much time and stress!
Bottom line, festivals can be the best time ever, if they are planned right. Just remember to have fun and to be safe.
Have you any tips on how to survive festival season in Ireland?
