Stradbally (Laois)

Ireland

Stradbally is a market town in County Laois that's kept its rural charm despite growing beyond its farming origins. It's about 80km from Dublin via the M7 and N80, roughly two hours from Cork, and sits handily between Portlaoise and Athy on well-maintained regional roads. The town has decent electric vehicle charging nearby, particularly in Portlaoise and along the motorways. Each September, quiet Stradbally transforms completely when Electric Picnic brings over 50,000 music fans to camp at Stradbally Hall, making this sleepy midlands town temporarily one of Ireland's busiest spots.