Where and when is The Playing Fields?
The festival is taking place on the grounds of Clane GAA in Co. Kildare on Friday August 25th and Saturday August 26th 2023.
What are the opening times?
On Friday, gates will open at 3.30pm with the event finishing at 11.15pm. On Saturday, gates will open at 3.30pm with the event finishing at 11.15pm.
Where can I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available online from our official ticketing partner EventBrite. For up-to-date information please visit the link below to purchase one-day and weekend tickets. Tickets are refundable up to 30 days before the event.
What is the age policy?
You must be 18-years-old or over to attend The Playing Fields Festival. At all times throughout the weekend, attendees aged 17 and under must be accompanied on site by an adult ticket holding parent or legal guardian.
Do I need to bring ID?
Please have valid photo ID. Accepted forms of ID are passport, drivers licence or a Garda age card. ID checks will be in place entering the festival and at all bars. Management reserve the right to refuse admission without a refund, if you cannot prove your age at the festival, as part of the Equal Status Act 2000. Please note our bars will operate a Challenge 21 policy.
Is the festival suitable for young children?
Yes, this is a family-friendly event. Children aged between 0-2 years of age can attend the festival with a ticket holding parent or legal guardian free of charge. Buggies are permitted, and baby-changing facilities will be available on site. However, due to the high levels of sound, it is recommended to bring protective headphones for young children if they will be close to the stage. At all times throughout the weekend, children must be accompanied on site by a parent or legal guardian.
What happens if I lose my wristband?
The festival will not tolerate lost or tampered wristbands. People found on site without a wristband will be removed from the festival. Please do not share wristbands if you can’t attend the full duration.
Can I volunteer to work at the festival?
Of course! Volunteers will play a very important part in the festival. If you would like to volunteer, please email us at info@theplayingfields.ie with your contact details. Please include any relevant experience also. We are looking for volunteers to help out in areas such as stewarding, wristbanding, bars, catering, car parking and production. Volunteers are more than welcome to enjoy the festival before and after their shifts. A refundable deposit will be taken in advance, which will be refunded after the festival once shifts are completed satisfactorily.
Can my band play at the festival?
We wish we could facilitate every applicant, but our line-up for this year has been fully confirmed since early 2023. Please check our social media accounts after the festival for your chance to play next year. Who knows, you could be playing alongside some Irish legends at The Playing Fields in 2024!
How can I get to the festival?
Clane is less than 30 minutes from Dublin city centre, and is easily accessible to both the N4 and N7 motorways. It is served by Bus Eireann routes 120, 121, 123 and 126. The nearest train stations are Sallins and Maynooth – both only a few kilometres away. JJ Kavanagh also operate route 139 through Clane, which links Blanchardstown and Naas. The grounds of Clane GAA are located on the Prosperous Road, just 400m (5 minute walk) from the main street. Park-and-ride facilities will be announced closer to the event, however, it is highly recommended to use public transport where possible.
Is there a public car park?
Yes, free designated public parking is available at the festival. The main public car parks are located on the Prosperous Road. All routes will be clearly sign posted. Please note that alcohol consumption or barbeques will not be permitted in the car parks.
Can I bring my campervan or pitch a tent?
Campervans, gazebos or tents will not be permitted in the car parks or on-site. Please use public transport, taxis, local hotels and B&B’s while attending the festival.
Can you recommend a nearby hotel?
The Westgrove Hotel in Clane is within walking distance of The Playing Fields. The hotel also boasts a leisure centre, spa and a choice of bars and restaurants. Please visit Westgrove Hotel or call 045-989900 to book your room in advance of the festival.
There are also many other options in Naas, Celbridge and Maynooth such as Barberstown Castle (7km), Celbridge Manor Hotel (11km), The Osprey Hotel (12km) and The Glenroyal Hotel (14km).
Can I bring my own food or drink to the festival?
No, there will be a wide range of food and drink available to purchase.
Will there be cash facilities on site?
It is advised that you use nearby ATM facilities located at Centra, Londis, Supervalu and AIB, prior to entering the festival.
Are there disabled access facilities?
Once you have purchased a ticket for the festival, please email us at info@theplayingfields.ie before August 1st with your access requirements. You can apply for access to a wheelchair accessible viewing platform, accessible car parking and/or accessible toilet facilities. Supporting documentation may be necessary. Any late requests will be accommodated where possible.
As a local resident and business owner, I’m concerned that the festival will have an impact on the community. What measures are in place to avoid this happening?
A number of meetings with local residents and traders have taken place to address any concerns. The festival committee will provide professional services and teams to eliminate issues in the following areas: residential access, public car parking, traffic management, noise pollution, alcohol consumption in public areas, anti-social behaviour, loitering, property damage, waste management and sanitary provision. In addition, An Garda Siochana will be present throughout the weekend. Our aim is to promote the community of Clane, and attract business within the locality.
What can’t I bring on site?
As standard, no large bags will be permitted. Please note that all permitted bags will be searched upon entry, which may cause delays at our security checks. There will be no cloakroom or storage facilities on site. Any bags left unattended or at entrances will be removed and disposed of accordingly.
Items that must be surrendered (and not returned) before entering the festival are: Aerosols, Air horns, Animals (other than registered guide or hearing dogs), Alcohol, Any item which may reasonably be considered for use as a weapon, Audio recorders, Backpacks, Large bags, Waist packs, Banners with poles or poles of any kind, Bottles, Cans, Cameras with detachable lens or recording equipment, Camping equipment, Chinese or sky lanterns, Cooler boxes or large containers, Crash helmets or protective headwear, Body-Armour or protective clothing, Deckchairs, Drumsticks, Excessive amounts of batteries, wire, cables or electronical component, Fireworks and Flares, Flagpoles, Garden furniture, Fold up chairs or shooting sticks, Glass, Glow sticks, Go Pros, Illegal substances or illegal merchandise of any description, iPads, Large umbrellas, Large chains, spiked bracelets or wallet chains, Large flags, placards or posters (incl sticks), Light-Sabres, Lasers/Laser pens or torches, LED Headbands, wristbands, Glow sticks or light emitting objects of any kind (except mobile/cell phones), Liquids – No liquids are permitted other than sealed water less than 500ml is allowed (caps will be removed), Nitrous Oxide, Portable laser equipment and pens, Selfie sticks, Smoke canisters, Sound systems, Spray cans, Tridents, Un-Authorized professional film or video equipment, Unofficial tabards or reflective jackets.