Kildare musician Donal Lunny to feature at Electric Picnic
Croí promises a unique blend of high-energy performances and restorative wellness practices
Musician Donal Lunny, who has strong links to Newbridge, is set to feature at Electric Picnic this month.
The festival is set to unveil its heartland, ‘Croí’, a dedicated sanctuary designed to help festival-goers pause, recharge, and reconnect throughout the upcoming weekend.
Nestled within a stunning natural amphitheatre, Croí promises a unique blend of high-energy performances and restorative wellness practices.
Lunny was born in Tullamore in 1947. While he is not a native of Kildare by birth, he grew up in Newbridge after his family moved there when he was five years old. He attended school in Newbridge and started his early musical career in the area including playing in the group "Rakes of Kildare" with his brother Frank and Christy Moore.
Music enthusiasts are in for a treat with an incredible lineup that showcases the depth of Ireland’s musical heritage. Traditional music titans Donal Lunny, Máirtín O’Connor, and Zoe Conway lead an impressive bill that also includes Eleanor McEvoy, John Francis Flynn, and Denise Chaila. Performances will take place on a distinctive green-build stage crafted from fallen trees, blending folk, traditional, and original music with late-night electronic and theatrical collaborations. For those seeking traditional sessions, the beloved Trad Tent returns with Áine O’Brien and The Kilfenora Roadshow, running interactive sessions from 6 pm until midnight. Additionally, Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland will showcase exceptional talent in the expanded Serenity Garden.
Beyond the music, Croí invites attendees to explore four distinct zones focused on well-being and personal growth. ‘Crescent Earth’ provides a space for dance, yoga, and fitness, while ‘Realign’ offers a calmer experience featuring sound baths, meditation, and cacao ceremonies. Those interested in somatic practices can visit ‘Kinship & Touch’ for workshops on connection and intimacy. Finally, ‘Intinn’ serves as a hub for reflection and personal growth, hosting talks on mental health and living with intention.
With expert practitioners like Yoga with Maura, Allan Muller, and Aligned with Amber Doyle leading sessions, Croí offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking to energize your body or simply find a moment of peace, this soulful sanctuary promises to be a highlight of the festival, providing a space to nourish the spirit amidst the excitement of the weekend.