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24 Sept 2025
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24 Sept 2025
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The village of Emo in Laois all set for Forest Fest 2025. Photo: Leinster Express
Laois County Council has closed the main road from Mountmellick to the M7 motorway, through Emo village for Forest Fest.
The road closure is effective from Friday, July 25 at 8am, until Monday, July 28 at 6pm.
It is closed from the junction with the R419 Kennels Cross, on the Mountmellick side of the village, as far as the New Inn roundabout at Finline Furniture. Traffic diversions are in place, but three local roads are also closed to prevent traffic taking local short cuts. Full details on road closures and diversions here.
Laois Gardai warned people to expect delays and diversions from Friday morning to Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile the Forest Fest organisers have relaxed their ban of gazebos and awnings in campsites within hours, following a almost 100 negative comments on social media by campers already on the way and on site.
They will now permit awnings up to the size of 3 metres by 3 metres, but with no walls allowed. No cooking is allowed under awnings.
Promoter Philip Meagher responded to say "our primary focus remains the safety and welfare and enjoyment of all our attendees. Having consulted with all necessary agencies and our own safety consultants there can be no further relaxation of the above conditions. Have a wonderful weekend".
The village shop has been reopened by Forest Fest for the weekend, while the festival could be bigger in the future see interview with Philip Meagher here.
Forest Fest 2025 is headlined by Travis, Manic Street Preachers, Franz Ferdinand, Orbital, Tony Hadley, Kula Shaker, Nick Lowe, the Dandy Warhols and Tom Meighan. Other well known acts include Ryan Sheridan, Heritage Green, Billy Bragg, The Riptide Movement, Pillow Queens, Kerbdog and a Bingo Loco along with lots of tribute acts.
The Forest Fleadh is headlined by Stocktons Wing, Sharon Shannon, Mary Coughlan, Freddie White and De Danaan while back again for the die hard ravers is the Ibiza Rewind / Bora Bora tent.
The general campsites open at 1pm on Friday, and the festival gates at Emo GAA club open at 4pm. Tickets are still on sale to Forest Fest which has an increased capacity of 12,000 customers this year. The festival's camping area is designed for a maximum of 7,500 people, with parking and camping available from July 24 to 28.
Singer Lisa Lambe and legendary Irish guitarist Steven Begley bringing Mamó: Songs my Grandmother Gave To Me to Laois.
Picture Credit: Paul Dargan
Portlaoise District Court
Emma Dunne, Mark Brophy and Amy Byrne at Friday evening's Finals Launch. Picture: Paul Dargan
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