Indiependence — What Happened?
Indiependence — known to its regulars simply as INDIE — was one of Ireland's most warmly regarded music festivals. Held on a 52-acre green field site on the outskirts of Mitchelstown in North Cork, with the Galtee Mountains as a backdrop, it ran every August Bank Holiday weekend from 2009 to 2023. It was shortlisted multiple times as one of the best small festivals in Europe.
After the 2023 edition, the organisers posted a brief message saying they were "taking a break" and hoped to return. That message went up in November 2023. As of July 2026, there has been no announcement of a 2024, 2025, or 2026 edition. INDIE is on indefinite hiatus.
What Made INDIE Worth Going To
Indiependence had a loyal following built on a few simple things: a great site, a lineup that balanced known names with genuine discovery, and a crowd that went because they loved music rather than because it was the thing to do. Past headliners included Manic Street Preachers, The Coronas, Tom Odell, Biffy Clyro, and Two Door Cinema Club. It had the right size — big enough to feel like a proper festival, small enough that you didn't spend your weekend in queues.
The Mitchelstown location mattered too. Cork is an underserved festival city and INDIE gave the Munster festival-going community something of its own. That gap is real now that it's gone.
The Best Alternatives in 2026
If you went to INDIE for the music, the camping, and the Cork connection, here's where that energy lives now.
Electric Picnic — Stradbally, Laois
The obvious step up. Bigger, more expensive, further from Cork — but Electric Picnic is the closest thing to a direct upgrade in terms of music quality and camping festival experience. The 2026 lineup with Fontaines D.C., Gorillaz, and a strong Irish contingent is worth the extra effort. Read our Electric Picnic guide.
All Together Now — Curraghmore Estate, Waterford
Closer to the spirit of INDIE in terms of size and independence. Waterford is more accessible from Cork than Laois, and ATN's 21+ policy and boutique character give it a similar crowd vibe. The 2026 lineup is genuinely excellent. Read our All Together Now guide.
Cork Jazz Festival — October Bank Holiday
Not the same kind of event, but Cork's biggest annual music weekend and worth knowing about. If you're based in Munster and miss having a major music event on your doorstep, Cork Jazz in October is the closest thing to a hometown festival for Cork music fans. Read our Cork Jazz Festival guide.
Will Indiependence Come Back?
The organisers said they hoped to return. Irish music festivals have come back from long hiatuses before. The appetite for INDIE is clearly still there — search traffic for the festival name continues years after the last edition. If it does return, it deserves to. We'll cover it here when there's news. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified.
Indiependence Festival — Frequently Asked Questions
Indiependence went on hiatus after 2023 with organisers stating they hoped to return. As of 2026 there has been no announcement of a return date.
Indiependence was held on a green field site on the outskirts of Mitchelstown, County Cork, typically on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Electric Picnic and All Together Now are the closest alternatives for a camping music festival experience. For Cork-based festival goers, the Cork Jazz Festival in October is the best local option.
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