The Midlands region of Ireland is rapidly emerging as a premier destination for large scale events, festivals, and gatherings. With its central locations, excellent transport links and infrastructure, the area is perfectly positioned to welcome visitors from across the country and beyond.

In the coming summer months alone, the Midlands will host almost 1 million visitors, drawn by iconic events like The Electric Picnic, The National Ploughing Championships, The Tullamore Show and many others. These gatherings have become staples of the Irish summer, attracting huge crowds from all different age groups and generating a festival buzz that rivals any corner of the country. At last year’s Electric Picnic Festival, director Melvin Benn expressed confidence that Electric Picnic will continue to thrive in Stradbally for another 20 years.

Major Events Coming to the Midlands Summer 2025:

Midlands Newest Outdoor Events & Spaces

Behind the scenes, local authorities in the Midlands Region are working hard to support this growth. One example is the Cultural Quarter of Portlaoise, at the centre of the town, which houses, not only the Laois School of Music, but more recently, the brand new Fort Outdoor & Performance Space. Designed for versatility, the Fort Outdoor & Performance Space, can potentially host a standing capacity of 2,000 or 500 seated. Because of the nature of the covered outdoor event space, it can host conferences, family events, trade shows, product launches and team building or networking events. Excitement is already building for the Old Fort Quarter Festival which takes place there on June 27th to 29th.

“The Fort Outdoor Performance Space is easily accessible in the centre of town, within 2 mins of the Portlaoise Train station and close to all hospitality and town centre amenities. Located within the Old Fort Walls of Maryborough and to the rear of the School of Music,  it allows people to get a sense of the heritage of Portlaoise whilst enjoying entertainment, recreational and music performances.”

Angela McEvoy (Director of Services, Laois County Council)

Longford Lights – It takes a village

Longford’s tourism and arts sector is alive and well after the success of what is now the largest community-based arts lights festival in Ireland. Visitors from across the country descended on Longford’s former Connolly Barracks which was transformed into a sea of light and colour. According to Longford FG Councillor, Peggy Nolan, it started from the ground up. It was as a small funding scheme from Longford County Council, which has now grown exponentionally into a fun and historic event.

“Longford County Council listened to the local people and the arts community at the time who said they wanted to showcase their county in an imaginative way. This not only brought volunteers, children and artists together, but helped repurpose the derelcit Barracks. There is now a space for fun, gatherings and parades, and it’s all because of the people on the ground who are turning the tides. Longford are leaders when it comes to artistic projects and we are delighted that thousands of people came out to a free event and thronged the streets of our county town.”

Cllr Peggy Nolan (Longford)

The Yoga Picnic – A Festival on the banks of Lough Ennell

The Yoga Picnic is a wellness experience which brings together Ireland’s leading holistic practitioners for a day of movement, therapies, discussion and music.

The mission for The Yoga Picnic is to showcase Ireland’s incredible yoga teachers and promote awareness about yogic philosophies, wellness, mental health, sustainability and the environment. The first event was in 2022 on hosted over 1000 people. Activities on Lough Ennell that are particularly memorable are the stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga and the sauna sessions that are available for the day.   

”Everyone is talking about how exciting the festival is. I feel like this is going to be Ireland’s powerhouse of a Yoga gathering for many, many years to come.“

Sinead Mooney (Moons Yoga Loft Dublin)

The Midlands: Accessible and alive with events

It’s clear that the Midlands is no longer just a stop along the way-it’s the destination. Whether you’re an event organiser, a music lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply in search of the next great experience, the Midlands is ready to welcome you. See more on our Midlands festivals and events here