Forest Fest Music and Arts Festival

Forest Fest is a unique award-winning Irish music festival, showcasing the best of Irish trad and folk. Based in the picturesque Laois village of Emo taking place every July. Forest Fest were voted Best Festival at the Midlands Hospitality Awards 2023.

Forest Fest features an eclectic mix of over 80 artists across four stages on the weekend of July. The summertime party atmosphere will bring dancing to the crossroads of Emo where the fans are to be at the heart of the event. You provide the rhythm; Forest Fest will provide the beat. The venue for Forest Fest is at the crossroads in Emo Village and at the crossroads of Ireland, only a short drive from our very own Midlands Park Hotel.

2024 Line Up – TBC

The exciting day-by-day line-up for July 2023 are Paul Brady, Sharon Shannon, Daoirí Farrell Trio, the olllam, Stockton’s Wing, Kíla & Brass, Greenshine, Goitse, Emer Dunne, Eric De Buitléir, Two Time Polka, Blackie O’Conneil and Cyril O’Donoghue, Carlos Sweeney McCartin, Buíoch, Trad Hits, Bog Bodies, Caoivín, Eva Coyle Band, The Grange Ceilí Band and set dancing with Maureen Culleton, Darren Roche and Cillian Doheny, Splendid Isolation,  Roo Elizabeth and Band, Tommy Fitzharris, Siobhán Buckley and Aoife Buckley, Alfi, The Cardinal Sins, Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra, The Offbeats Bodhrán Club, Miadhachughain O’Donnell and Joe Campbell McArdle.

Other headline acts include James, BellX1, Suede, The Proclaimers, Suzanne Vega, Peter Hook and the Light, Alabama 3, Big Country, Ash, Nik Kershaw, Gabrielle, The Undertones and Jack Lukeman.

Join us here at Midlands Park Hotel for a fun-filled weekend. Celebrate during your time at Forest Fest and return to one of our comfortable and luxurious guestrooms where all details are tailored towards your needs. Keep the festivities going and enjoy a wonderful dining experience at Kelly’s Steakhouse where you can savour a combination of French bistro cuisine. Then join us at the Charter Bar and Eatery, the perfect place to sit back, relax and reminisce about your exceptional day.

Parking at Forest Fest is free of charge and there will be a comprehensive shuttle bus service in operation from Midlands Park Hotel.

Flexible day tickets for Forest Fest are €85; children 12 and under attend free of charge. There are also weekend camping and glamping options.

Please Note – Tickets for Forest Fest are not included in your booking and must be purchased through www.forestfest.ie.