Ablefest organisers Shay Casserly and Kevin Farrell with Jamie O'Connor (Navan), Caroline O`Reilly (Leas-Cathaoirleach/Vice-Chairperson Meath County Council), Majella Farrell (Econimic Development - Meath County Council) and Des Foley (Director of Services- Meath County Council) cut the ribbon to officially open the Ablefest Music Festival.

'It's our Electric Picnic'... Ablefest attracts 2,500 festival goers to Fairyhouse racecourse over weekend

Holly Alder

Published: Mon 28 Jul 2025, 2:51 PM

Ablefest Music and Arts Festival took place on Saturday 26th July in Fairyhouse Racecourse, with a day full of music, dancing, food and laughter.

Ablefest is Ireland’s first and largest music and arts festival catered towards people with additional needs. The non profit event aims to highlight inclusivity and accessibility during a fun and family-friendly day out.

Sachi Wallace, Ivy, Maeve, Julieanne and Simon Cox, with Michelle Montague (Trim) at Ablefest on Saturday. Photo by David Mullen

With the events kicking off after the ribbon cutting in the early afternoon, the festival featured live performances from The DC Band, Darren Brown and Brian Mullen. The day also hosted an open mic section and a live DJ with multiple arts and crafts stations.

Fireman! Declan Kelly with Jamie Corbett (Stamullen) in a Navan Fire Tender at Ablefest. Photo by David Mullen

Food trucks and pop up stalls lined the outskirts of the venue with accessible portaloos and informative stands including a Bus Eireann bus that displayed the accessibility of the vehicle to festival goers.

Bus Eireann's accessibility manager Christian Clarke said that the purpose of the bus being at the festival was the "show those with disabilities that they can use Bus Eireann's services independently".

The crowd enjoying Jake Carter at Ablefest. Photo by David Mullen

Goody bags were also handed out from different stalls to those in attendance with options to donate to different charities such as the Bumbleance Children’s Ambulance Service. Special toilets provided by AccessoLoo were also used at the festival, making the entire day completely wheelchair friendly. Sensory pods were also available on site which were staffed by helpers.

Shirley McAuley (Talbot Group) from Stamullen is presented with the Carer Of The Year Award by Joanne Cooney (Navan) and Sharon Carolan (Navan Credit Union). Photo by David Mullen

The festival saw 2,500 people descend on the venue on Saturday for the day out. The festival was co-founded in 2018 by Shay Casserley and Kevin Farrell who both have children with additional needs.

Kevin Farrell told RTE that "to people here, it’s their Electric Picnic, that’s what they call it."

Fergus Cosgrove pictured with Meath Rose of Tralee Ella Bannon at Ablefest. Photo by David Mullen

2025 is the first year the festival has taken place in Fairy House Racecourse to adhere to a larger crowd and also the first year that Meath County Council has partnered with the event.

Carer Of The Year - Shirley McAuley (Talbot Group) from Stamullen pictured with Ablefest co-founder Shay Casserley. Photo by David Mullen

Ablefest has donated thousands of euro to charities in recent years and organisers are now looking into using the proceeds from the event to sponsor respite care for families. The festival is catered towards every kind of disability and is a fantastic day out for everyone.