Laois Gardaí issue advice ahead of Forest Fest 2025

Laois Gardaí have issued travel advice to locals and festival goers ahead of Forest Fest this weekend. 

“As Forest Fest rolls into Emo this weekend, please take a moment to review essential traffic and access updates — whether you're attending the festival or simply travelling in the area,” Gardaí stated. 

They warned people to expect delays and diversions from Friday morning to Monday afternoon.

“Those travelling from Portlaoise to Portarlington are advised to divert via Ballybrittas, as a traffic diversion will be active at the Wheel Inn pub, restricting normal flow through Emo.

Facilities like Emo Court, shops, and local services may have limited access during peak times — plan accordingly,” gardaí said. 

They asked festival goers to follow the signage and respect the traffic plan to ensure a safe and smooth arrival.

Road closures will be in place from Friday July 25 to  Monday, July 28 on the R422 (Kennels Cross to New Inn Roundabout): One-way system in place towards the roundabout.

L3154, L31542, and L31551: Local access only — Garda checkpoints in place.

General parking for Day Ticket holders: From Portlaoise: Head east on R445 toward Ballybrittas. Turn left as directed for General Car Park.

From Dublin: Take M7 westbound, Exit 15 → Emo → R445 → turn right as signposted.

For Glamping / VIP / Caravan Parking:

Follow R445 and turn onto L31542, following festival signage.

Campervans: Two designated areas this year. Use R445 and follow “Campervan” signs. Campervan A will be filled first.

The Key Site Entry Times are: Thursday: 14:00 – Campervans, Glamping & Caravans Open

22:00 – Last ticket scanning

From Friday to Sunday:  Public Carparks open at 10am

• 12:00 (Friday) – The Campsites open on Friday, July 25 at 12 noon. The Main Arena opens at 4pm. Final scanning each night ends at 10pm. 

Local Residents and non-attendees are reminded by gardaí that if they're not attending Forest Fest, Emo Village is not closed — but it is strictly restricted. 

“Only local residents and accredited vehicles (with valid passes) will be permitted through.

Through-traffic will be diverted via signed alternative routes — do not attempt to bypass closures,” gardai said. 

Gardaí urged people not to rely on GPS but to follow the official Forest Fest signage. 

They reminded people to have tickets/passes ready for scanning or checkpoints. Show patience — especially near residential roads and access lanes. Park only in designated areas — unauthorised parking may be towed or ticketed.

“Thank you for your cooperation and consideration as we work together to ensure Forest Fest 2025 is a safe, enjoyable, and respectful event for all — both attendees and residents,” Gardaí concluded.