Just thirty minutes from the big smoke of Dublin lies a completely different world. Glendalough Estate is currently transforming into the cultural epicentre of the summer as Beyond the Pale returns for its fifth year. Running from 12-14 June, the beloved boutique festival is officially down to its final release of weekend tickets, so if you haven’t sorted your summer plans yet, consider this your absolute last warning.
This June’s BTP lineup is a masterclass in curation, built for both the crate diggers and the 3 AM ravers. They are bringing some serious heat to the Valley with headliners Caribou, Primal Scream, Soulwax, and Father John Misty. They’ve got heavy hitters like Mike D of Beastie Boys, Honey Dijon, Ben Klock, and Groove Armada ready to tear it up. Need to catch your breath? Get lost in the laid-back, atmospheric sounds of Of Monsters and Men, Σtella, and TSHA. They are also proudly championing world-class Irish acts, with a truly stacked roster featuring Kojaque, NewDad, BIIRD, and Bricknasty, alongside brand new breakthroughs Madra Salach and Curtisy. It is a wildly varied, deep-cut soundtrack for proper music lovers.
With only 2 weeks to go, Beyond the Pale has unveiled its stage timetables. Get planning here: itsbeyondthepale.ie/plan-your-visit
Whether you’re a seasoned Beyond the Pale veteran or a first-time day tripper, here is everything you need to know to navigate the madness, the craic, and the music at BTP26.
Photo Credit: Aiesha Wong
The Soundtrack: Know Your Stages
BTP isn’t just a field with a stage; it’s a sprawling musical ecosystem. Depending on your mood, you can bounce between wildly different atmospheres:
- Main Stage: Where you head for the massive, arms around your mates, sing-alongs and headline royalty.
- Selective Memory: An expertly curated mix for the music heads.
- Cirrus Garden: High energy, big moves, and heavy beats.
- Strawberry Fields: A sanctuary of queer art, colour, and undeniable charisma.
- Púc Fada: Heavy on the trad, heavy on the craic.
- Club Cúcu: The destination for your late-night boogie in the woods.
- Hi Pony!: An outdoor aerial rig serving up fierce, high-spirited spectacles.
- Outpost Stage with RTÉ 2FM Live: Premiering this year in collaboration with RTÉ 2FM, a stage for the up-and-coming artists on the Irish scene.
- Sun Stop: Our stone circle, home to the Burning Circus and festival fire.
The Arts: Beyond the Music
It’s not just about the tunes. The arts programme returns with its boldest and most exciting arts programme to date, spanning over 90 artworks and events rooted in “the silly, the sexy, and the sublime.” You can expect outrageous comedy from Shane Daniel Byrne, cabaret from the likes of HannahclimbsWalls, immersive theatre, and even a spot of morning birdwatching with Seán Roynayne. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander through the trees – unbelievable roaming performances and works of art will pop up when you least expect them. We also have what we believe to be an Irish festival first this year, with a bespoke festival flags commission from AmyRose Bryan.
The Feast: Beyond the Plate
Standard festival grub? Not a chance. Culinary excellence and BTP go hand in hand, and this year, curator Ali Dunworth is bringing us The Spice Bag Edition. Exploring the mix of culture, creativity, and rebellion that defines Irish food, it traces how global exchange and local ingenuity continue to push our food scene forward. It’s a massive lineup of talks, tastings, and culinary chaos, all fully included in your ticket. To level up your day with a proper sit-down feast, book a premium festival dining experience with Dublin heavyweights Host, Ibíle, and Reggie’s. (Pro tip: book these in advance at itsbeyondthepale.ie/restaurants, as tables are filling up fast).
The Reset: Wood-Fired Wellness
There is no better cure for a late-night forest rave than sweating it out the next morning. The Valley offers a complete sanctuary for those who need a reset. Step into Anam Kara Wellness, Glendalough Estate’s brand new premium, boutique wellness retreat hosted by Sophie Anderton, or book into Rise Nordic Spa for wood-fired saunas and hot tubs overlooking the site. If you need to get the mind and body right, Balanced Energy Therapies offers massages and Tarot readings. Alternatively, the Acushla Area is open to absolutely everyone with no booking needed – just drop in and find your centre. Anam Kara Wellness and RISE bookings available at itsbeyondthepale.ie/wellness.
Photo Credit: Anna Mello
Pillow Talk: Where to Sleep
If you’re bedding down for the weekend, General Camping offers the classic Valley experience, while Glamping is filling up incredibly fast with this year’s glampsite, including saunas, hot tubs, a private bar and a sheltered chill-out area. Glamping is available to book now at itsbeyondthepale.ie/glamping. If you’re rolling in style, Campervan passes are 85% sold out. To beat the Friday rush, we are opening the campsite early. Grab a Thursday Early Access pass to pitch your tent early. Gates are open between 4 PM and 9 PM, find your mates, and join our wee shindig. Campervan and Caravan pass holders automatically have Thursday early access included as part of their ticket, so roll on in & get the best spot.
The VIP Touch: The Round Tower Upgrade
Fancy a little sanctuary in the middle of the madness? The Round Tower upgrade is located right in the Main Arena with a perfect view of the stage. It operates as the ultimate base of operations, featuring a dedicated private bar, a covered seating and lounge area, and – crucially – proper loos.
The Little Ravers
Beyond the Pale is proudly family-friendly. Pitch up in the dedicated Family Campsite, tucked safely away from any late-night antics. From The Den to the Tailteann Tournaments, there is endless craic and workshop fun for all ages. Just keep an eye out for the asterisk (*) on the festival timetable to quickly spot the family-friendly performances. Child and Teen tickets are still available.
Getting There
Just 30 minutes from Dublin, the commute is a breeze. For drivers, parking is completely free. Alternatively, grab the direct return service from Dublin City and Bray DART with Marathon Coaches, with the bus drop-off guaranteeing the absolute shortest walk to the campsite. While the Beyond the Trail hike is totally sold out, you can still support our hikers with a donation to the Dublin Simon Community, linked here: https://www.dubsimon.ie/donate
Final Warning Weekend, Saturday, and Sunday passes are down to the wire. When they’re gone, they’re gone.
Beyond the Pale takes place at Glendalough Estate, 12-14 June 2026. Secure your tickets, dining, and wellness add-ons now at itsbeyondthepale.ie
Cover Photo Credit: Aiesha Wong
