Ireland’s first and largest music and arts festival for people with additional needs is under way in Co Meath.
Ablefest 2025 in Fairyhouse and will see acts like Jake Carter, Johnny Brady, Brian Mullen, and lots more take to the stage in front of a packed crowd.
Around 2,500 people descended on the racecourse for the event which caters for those with additional needs.
Festival-goers will also be able to enjoy a “myriad of creative fun” at an array of art and activity stations.
Special toilets will be provided by AccessoLoo on the day for wheelchair users needing hoists while there will also be staffed sensory pods on site.
John Egan from Celbridge, Co Kildare with Woody at Ablefest 2025
The non-profit was co-founded by Shay Casserley and Kevin Farrell in 2018.
Mr Farrell said it’s “brilliant” to see everybody out enjoying themselves.
“For us it’s very emotional, we both have kids with disabilities, that’s why we set this festival up,” he said.
“To people here it’s their Electric Picnic, that’s what they call it.
“Some of the people we know here, they say to their siblings ‘you’re going to your Electric Picnic and I’m going to mine.’
“It’s tailored to suit every sort of disability, but everybody is welcome.”
Along with their own event, the group also has collaborations with other big festivals like Dublin’s TradFest and St Patrick’s Day in Killarney.
Mr Farrell said they are planning even more events in the future.