Frequently Asked Questions
Who can come to BIG HOUSE?
Everyone! From age 1 to 100, there will be entertainment, arts and music, food to suit all ages.
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How do I buy tickets?
You can purchase tickets online here or over the phone on +353 (0)1 809 0003. This phone line will only be available Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm.
Some tickets will be available to purchase at the gate on the day, but this is subject to availability – book early for advance price €22.50!
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Are there discounted tickets available, I am an OAP / Student / Unwaged?
There are no ticket concessions.
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Can I buy a family ticket?
Yes. We have a number of options for families:
Family full day ticket – 2 adults and 2 children – € 45, each additional child €8.
Family full day ticket – 1 adult and 1 child – €22.50, each additional child €8.
Children under 2 are free into the festival.
Children attending the festival under a Family Ticket must be under 15 years of age.
All children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult (over 18).
Click here to purchase a ticket.
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Do all ages of children require a ticket for Big House?
If you are attending with children, please avail of the Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children) or Small Family Ticket (1 adult, 1 child) and get free entry for one child per adult on a family ticket ONLY.
Children must be aged under 15 years for the family ticket (children under 2 always go free).
Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult (over 18).
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Is there a restriction on the number of children I can bring with me on one family ticket?
There are no restrictions for the number of children entering with an adult. However, there is a limit of children on the Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children) or Small Family Ticket (1 adult, 1 child), if you are bringing more children with you, please avail of the Additional Child Ticket €8.
All Additional Child Tickets must be bought in conjunction with a Family Ticket or Small Family Ticket.
Please remember that all children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult (over 18).
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Will there be tickets available to buy on site on the days of the festival?
Only if we have any tickets left!
Tickets will cost €25 on site on the day, as opposed to just €22.50 for those booked online in advance.
We advise to book early and avoid disappointment.
Click here to purchase a ticket.
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Can I buy a weekend ticket?
No. Tickets are sold on a day-by-day basis.
Click here to purchase a ticket.
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Can I exchange my ticket for another day?
No. Once purchased tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded.
However, please contact +353 (0)1 809 0003 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm) for ticket enquiries or email info@theperformancecorporation.com or call +353 (0)1 627 2827 if you need any assistance.
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What are the Terms and Conditions on Tickets?
Once purchased, tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded.
BIG HOUSE Festival is not responsible for lost or damaged tickets.
Ticket holders are responsible for care of their ticket(s) after purchase.
Admission to Festival is only allowed on production of ticket or e-ticket.
BIG HOUSE Festival reserves the right to refuse admission.
BIG HOUSE Festival reserves the right to add, withdraw or substitute artists and to vary advertised programme as necessary.
Ticket holders assume all risk of injury and all responsibility for property loss, destruction or theft and release the promoters, performers, sponsors, ticket outlet, venue and their employees from any liability thereafter.
These terms and conditions do not affect your statutory rights.
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Weather
The performances will take place both indoors and outdoors. Please dress appropriately for the weather!
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What should I bring with me to the festival?
The festival takes place both in and out of doors, so we suggest you dress appropriately for the weather and bring a raincoat and sun cream just in case!
And dont forget to bring a blanket with you for relaxing on the lawns…
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TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT
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Where is the BIG HOUSE festival located?
Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
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How do I get to BIG HOUSE Festival?
BIG HOUSE Festival is being held at Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare,
Depending on where you are travelling from there are a number of options for getting here.
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By Bus
Dublin Bus (Dublin Bus is the transport partner for BIG HOUSE Festival)
Route 67
The Celbridge Village/Avenue entrance to Castletown House is directly at the end of the village main street. There are two bus stops on the main street for the 67 Dublin Bus Route in either direction (To Dublin City Centre, or to Maynooth Bus Terminal).
This bus leaves from Dublin city centre (Merrion Square), and the Maynooth Bus Terminal, this bus also serves Lucan (via the village). Please see Dublin Bus for timetables and fare information.
The bus will leave you on the main street of Celbridge Village, and it is just a 10-minute walk up the avenue within the parklands of Castletown House to the festival campus.
Bus Éireann
Bus Éireann operates two routes servicing Celbridge please see Bus Éireann for more information, timetables and fares.
Route 120:
Dublin (Busáras and Connolly LUAS stop), Lucan (Spa Hotel), Celbridge, Straffan, Clane, Prosperous, Coill Dubh, Allenwood, Derrinturn, Edenderry, Rhode, Croghan, Daingean, Ballinagar and Tullamore.
Route 123:
Dublin (Busáras and Connolly LUAS stop), Celbridge, Straffan, Clane (Esso Station), Prosperous, Sallins (Bambury’s), Naas (Spar), Robertstown, Kilmeague, Allen, Milltown and Newbridge.
By Train
Hazelhatch is the closest train station for Celbridge. From Dublin city centre, all trains depart from Heuston station. Some commuter service trains also serve Hazelhatch from Park West and Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin Fonthill and Adamstown, Kildare Town, Newbridge and Sallins.
The station is a little out of the town but a private feeder bus service operates to the village for some trains (be sure to check this before you travel). Please see Irish Rail for train times and feeder bus information.
Alternatively a taxi from the station to the village entrance should cost around €5 depending on car size and occupancy. It is just a 10-minute walk up the avenue within the parklands of Castletown House to the festival campus.
You may also get the train to Leixlip (Louisa Bridge) which is serviced by Dublin Pearse to Maynooth / Longford routes. There is no Dublin Bus route in operation between Leixlip and Celbridge. Please see Irish Rail for train times.
Or to Maynooth which is serviced by the Maynooth to Dublin Pearse and Dublin to Sligo Routes. Maynooth is also served by the 67 route, Please see Dublin Bus for timetable and fare information. Please see Irish Rail for train times.
By Bike
If you are planning on cycling to the festival please be aware that bike parking on the festival site is limited.
By Foot
It is just a 10-minute walk from the village entrance along the avenue to the festival campus.
By Car
From Dublin: Celbridge is just 20km from Dublin City Centre (approx. 20 min drive).
Driving on the N4, take Exit 6 off the N4/M4 Sligo Road (R449 Celbridge West/Leixlip West Exit), stay in the left hand lane and turn onto the slip road where after approximately 100 metres you will see the entrance to Castletown House.
BIG HOUSE Festival is approximately 10 minutes from Leixlip, 10 minutes from Maynooth, 2 hours from Galway and Belfast and 2 and half hours from Cork. Exit 6 on M4 / N4.
GPS/SAT NAV Location: Latitude 53.355 and Longitude 6.53
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Will there be onsite parking?
Yes, there is festival parking available on site.
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Will there be a charge for parking?
No. Parking for the festival is free.
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FOOD
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Will there be food available to purchase at the festival?
If you are feeling a little peckish during the day, then why not head to the food village in the east courtyard for a bite to eat. The food village promises to offer a selection of culinary delights with something for all tastes and dietary requirements. Children’s options will also be available with tasty healthy options.
Alternatively, why not have lunch on the lawn while soaking up the festival atmosphere. You are welcome to bring your own picnic with you to the festival.
There are also a number of cafes and restaurants in the locality, for more information about Celbridge please click here.
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Will there be suitable food for families?
Children’s options will be available from the food village, including healthy options.
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Can I bring a picnic?
You are welcome to bring your own picnic with you to the festival. Please do not bring glass bottles on site.
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Can I bring a BBQ with me to the festival?
No. BBQs, meth stoves or gas stoves are not allowed on site.
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ACCOMODATION
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Is there accommodation near festival?
We recommend our accomidations partner The Courtyard Hotel in Leixlip, they have a special BIG HOUSE deal.
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PROGRAMME
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What will I see at Big House?
What you will see at the festival is entirely up to you. There will be a timetable of events, but you are invited to “follow your instincts not the schedule.”
Please click here to see the festival programme.
To stay up to date with the latest festival news and announcements please sign up to our newsletter here or like us on facebook or tweet us @BigHouse_fest
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Will I see everything that is in the programme in one day?
Probably not! We suggest taking a look at the festival programme and schedule to ensure you don’t miss anything you really want to see.
To stay up to date with the latest festival news and announcements please sign up to our newsletter here or like us on facebook or tweet us @BigHouse_fest
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Will there be child-friendly activities?
Yes most definitely, the festival has something to offer for all ages. More details about whats on for childen can be found on our kids page. There is also a kids trial with some ideas for getting invloved on the day. Find out more about the festival programme and schedule here.
To stay up to date with the latest festival news and announcements please sign up to our newsletter here or like us on facebook or tweet us @BigHouse_fest
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Will I need to register my child for any of the children’s activities?
Yes, although many of the activities do not require registration, The Ark’s Ukulele Céilí is one workshop that will require advance registration.
In order to register for this workshop, please call: 01 6272827 or email: hello@bighouse.ie once you have bought your festival ticket. You will need your ticket number to secure a place. More information on this workshop is available here. This workshop is suitable for all children aged 7+. Spaces will be limited so in order to avoid disappointment it is advisable to book your place. There will be limited availablity on the day and these place will be issued on a first come first served basis subject to availability.
To stay up to date with the latest festival news and announcements please sign up to our newsletter here or like us on facebook or tweet us @BigHouse_fest
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FESTIVAL OPENING HOURS
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When will be festival programme start each day?
The festival campus opens from 12pm daily. Find out more about the festival programme and schedule.
You can arrive or leave at any time. The festival campus opens at noon and closes again at approximately 9pm.
When you present your ticket at the festival entrance, you will be issued with a wristband which will allow you to leave and re-enter the festival campus if you wish.
Please be advised that some events and workshops will require advance booking (free workshops, but with limited capacities). Please register for these workshops once you have bought your festival ticket, so as to avoid disappointment.
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When will the last show/event finish?
Your ticket allows you access for the full festival day (or any part thereof). The last event will finish at approximately 9pm. Of course you can leave in advance if you wish, and come back later.
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How long can I stay if I buy a day ticket?
You can stay for any part of the day or all of the day!
Your ticket allows you access for the full festival day (or any part thereof).
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Can I leave during the day and come back later on and gain re-entry?
Yes. Once you present your e-ticket for scanning at the festival campus entrance you will be given a wristband (please ensure this is well secured at time of entrance), this will then get you access back into the festival campus.
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VOLUNTEER
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I would like to volunteer to help during the festival, who should I contact about that?
We are looking for vibrant individuals with expertise and passion, who will play a part in making BIG HOUSE an exceptional experience for all.
This is a fantastic opportunity to take part in a delightful festival and gain experience in areas such as event management and the cultural field.
You must be 18 years or older to volunteer.
To express an interest in volunteering, please e-mail Volunteer@BigHouse.ie or call (01) 6272827.
There will be a form issued to you for completion that will outline some of the roles we will have available for volunteers.
To stay up to date with the latest festival news and announcements please sign up to our newsletter here or like us on facebook or tweet us @BigHouse_fest
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ACCESS
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Is there access for wheelchair users to Big House Festival?
If you have any access related questions or are a wheelchair user please contact us directly at info@bighouse.ie or call us on (01) 6272827.
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Is there disabled parking on site?
Yes, please follow the signs on site.
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Are there disabled toilets on site?
Yes, there are wheelchair accessible toilets onsite.
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Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not permitted inside the Festival campus. Of course, other areas around Castletown House Parklands are open for dog walkers and their dogs as normal, throughout the Festival.
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What should I do if I lose my Child/Parent?
In the event that you become separated from your party, children or parents, please go to the Information Point or Archway meeting point. These locations will be clearly marked on the festival map.
In all cases, easily identifiable staff and volunteers will be able to assist you with finding particular locations or support.
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Will there be on site Medical First Aid?
In the event that you require First Aid, please go to the First Aid Room for assistance. These locations will be clearly marked on the festival map.
Should you require assistance, easily identifiable staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist you with finding particular locations or services.
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Lost property?
Lost property is located at the Information Point. If you have lost or found something at the festival please report here for assistance. This location will be clearly marked on the festival map.
Should you require assistance easily identifiable staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist you with finding particular locations or services.
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I am not going to the festival. Can I still go for a walk on the grounds (and bring my dog)?
Yes you are welcome to walk the grounds and to bring your dog, but will not be given access to the festival campus.
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Are there baby changing facilities?
Yes there are changing facilities on site in the West Wing toilets of Castletown House.
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Are there any Cash machines nearby?
There are 4 cash machines in the village of Celbridge. On foot, when you leave the festival campus via the Celbridge Village/Avenue entrance, (it is a 10 minute walk along the avenue to get to Celbridge Village).
Cash machine locations: AIB – on Main Street (beside the bridge – straight along Main Street if leaving via the avenue).
Bank of Ireland – on Main Street (opposite the Post Office – straight along Main Street if leaving via the avenue).
Ulster Bank – on Main Street (beside the church – straight along Main Street if leaving via the avenue).
Centra – in store (opposite the church – straight along Main Street if leaving via the avenue).
Also there is a cash machine at the Tesco Shopping Centre. Tesco is located on the Maynooth Road opposite the Garda station. On foot, when you leave the festival campus via the Celbridge Village/Avenue entrance, take the immediate right as you enter the main street and continue straight, Tesco is approximately a 10 minute walk from here and is on the left).
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