Alright, festival goers! Summer’s here in Ireland, and that means one thing: festival season is in full swing. We’re all buzzing about the great music, the muddy fields, and having a laugh with our mates. Festivals are brilliant fun, but keeping clean while you’re there can be a bit tricky.
Whether you’re ready for the usual Irish rain or hoping for sun, being ready is key to a good time. Staying clean at a festival isn’t just about feeling nice; it’s super important for staying healthy and stopping germs from spreading when you’re in a big crowd. To help you out, the team at Initial has put together some simple tips and a list of what to pack in your festival hygiene kit. We’ll make sure you’re ready for anything!
Let’s dive into the simple steps and bits you’ll need to stay clean, comfy, and carefree at your Irish festival this year.
Simple Ways to Stay Fresh at Festivals

Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitiser: Your Festival Buddies
Seriously, always have these close. Wet wipes and hand sanitiser are a must. Try to find foam-based, alcohol-free sanitisers if you can, as they’re kinder to your skin. Use them after washing your hands for a ‘belt & braces’ approach or when handwashing facilities aren’t available and certainly after using the toilet and before you eat or prepare food. They’re also great for a quick clean-up when you feel a bit grubby and there’s no sink around. They’re key for festival cleanliness.
Festival Toilets: Be Careful!
Let’s be honest, temporary toilets can be a bit germy. Lots of people use them, and not everyone is super careful. So, try not to touch too many things directly. Use a bit of tissue, your sleeve, or even your elbow to open and close doors. Every little step helps when it comes to staying germ-free!
Clean the Toilet Seat
Before you sit down, quickly wipe the toilet seat with sanitiser or a wet wipe. Just remember: wet wipes don’t go down the toilet! Always put them in the bin. This helps with responsible festival waste disposal.
Always Carry Extra Toilet Roll
Trust us on this. There’s nothing worse than getting to the front of a long queue and finding no toilet paper. Always keep spare tissues or a small roll of toilet paper with you. You’ll be glad you did! This is a top festival essential.
Wash Your Hands: It’s Important!
After using the toilet, proper handwashing is vital. If there’s a sink, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, not forgetting your thumbs and wrists! If not, use the hand sanitiser stations you’ll see around. Use them often! This is your main way to stop germs at festivals.
Food: Keep Your Hands Clean!
Eating amazing food from the stalls is a big part of the Irish festival experience. The food sellers have to follow strict rules, which is good, but you still need to do your part.
Always clean your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser, before you eat anything you hold, like a burger or pizza. And remember to dry your hands well! Wet hands spread germs more easily than dry ones.
Festival Showers: If You Use Them!
Depending on the Irish weather, you might want to use the shared showers. If you do, always wear flip-flops, sliders, or Crocs! These protect your feet from dirt and any foot infections that can spread in shared showers. Nobody wants a bad souvenir! This is key for communal shower safety.
Your Easy Festival Packing List for Ireland

To make sure your festival is full of good memories and no nasty surprises, here’s what we think you absolutely need to pack in your festival bag:
- Wet wipes and plenty of hand sanitiser (the foam type is good!)
- Spare tissues and/or toilet roll
- Flip-flops, Crocs, or sliders for showers and walking around camp.
- A bottle of clean water for your tent to quickly wash hands or cutlery.
- Gentle face wipes and a small tube of face wash, for a morning refresh.
- A small bar/tube of travel soap
- Lightweight towels (microfibre ones dry super fast!)
- Period products (bring more than you think you’ll need, you don’t want to run out!)
Following these simple hygiene tips will really help keep your Irish festival trips safe and sound. You’ll be able to enjoy all the craic without worries!



