Gardaí Release Essential Safety Guide for Summer Festivals in Ireland

As the summer festival season approaches in Ireland, Gardaí, the national police force, have issued a comprehensive safety guide to ensure that attendees of major music events like Electric Picnic, Longitude, and All Together Now can enjoy their experiences while remaining safe. This initiative aims to address the unique challenges and risks associated with large gatherings, particularly in light of previous incidents at similar events.

In a statement released on June 30, 2025, a Garda spokesperson emphasized the importance of planning ahead: "Festivals and concerts are a lot of fun but they can be intense and tiring too. With a number of big name concerts and festivals in the coming weeks, we’ve put together some tips for ensuring you have a fun, safe, and stress-free festival experience." The guidance is timely, given the tens of thousands of attendees expected at these events.

One of the critical pieces of advice provided by Gardaí is to arrange transportation well in advance. This includes planning how to get to and from the event, whether utilizing public transport, carpooling, or taxis. The Gardaí recommend allowing extra time for travel, especially for large-scale events, to avoid the stress of last-minute rushes.

Furthermore, festival-goers are encouraged to stick together with friends. The Gardaí state, "There is strength in numbers." They advise attendees to consider using a buddy system and to agree on a predefined meeting place in case of separation. This precaution is particularly relevant in crowded environments where it is easy to lose sight of companions.

Staying hydrated is another essential tip highlighted by the Gardaí. They recommend bringing personal water bottles or locating water stations on-site, with a reminder to "sip early and often so you don’t get dehydrated," particularly in warm weather. Additionally, attendees are urged to pack portable phone chargers to ensure they can remain in contact with friends and have access to important information throughout the festival.

The Gardaí also stress the importance of sun protection. They recommend applying sunscreen daily and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Another significant piece of advice relates to post-event plans; attendees should ensure they have a safe way to return home and avoid leaving with intoxicated individuals or new acquaintances.

Alcohol consumption is a particular focus of the Garda's warnings. They note that overindulgence can lead to dehydration and impaired judgment. As stated by Garda spokesperson, "Drinking too much alcohol at a concert is dangerous as it can cause dehydration. This is a real problem at music festivals as people often hydrate less, overexert themselves, and then become overheated." They also highlighted the risks associated with drink spiking, advising festival-goers to keep their drinks within sight and to be cautious of accepting drinks from strangers.

Gardaí reiterated their zero-tolerance policy towards anti-social behavior, which includes public intoxication and illegal drug use. They emphasized the importance of respecting local communities, stating, "You should respect the property and privacy of local residents." This reminder reflects the ongoing efforts by event organizers and law enforcement to maintain a positive relationship with local residents during large festivals.

With these guidelines, Gardaí aim to foster a safer environment for everyone attending summer festivals across Ireland. As the season kicks off, the expectation is that a little preparation can significantly enhance the enjoyment and safety of these much-anticipated events.

For more information, attendees should not hesitate to approach Gardaí or event staff for assistance should any issues arise during the festivals. The advice from Gardaí serves as a timely reminder that with proper planning and vigilance, festival-goers can fully immerse themselves in the joyous atmosphere of summer music events while prioritizing their safety and well-being.