About · Chapter Six
ESCAPE WITH LOVE,
ARRIVE TOGETHER
May 29 - Jun 1, 2026 · Ballinderry Park, Galway
2.2 · Origin
The Beginning of ÉLG
Éalú Le Grá, ‘Escape with Love’, is the sparkling jewel of music and arts set in the magical West of Ireland. East Galway's experiential extravaganza and fully independent festival returns to the ancient oak tree 300-year-old Ballinderry Park estate for their sixth chapter over the June bank-holiday weekend.
Now in its sixth year - Chapter Six - the fully independent festival announces its complete 2026 music programme. Legendary UK dub pioneer Mad Professor and Detroit techno icons Octave One perform live, joining headliners Axel Boman B2B Mano Le Tough across five stages alongside the full Phase One and Phase Two cast.
2.3 · Spirit
At the Heart of ÉLG
Éalú le Grá - ‘Escape with Love’ - is more than a festival. It's a shared experience. A home for wild hearts, artists, dreamers, dancers. Rooted in the west of Ireland, we come together to celebrate self-expression, inclusivity and connection. Founded in 2021, the festival grew from 120 people to 750 - still intimate, still independent, still community-built. Over 400 artists have performed across six editions. Strictly over 21s.
ELG operates without corporate sponsors or outside investors - funded entirely by our community.
2.4 · Co-creation
The Spirit
ELG is built on participation. Co-creation. Getting stuck in. People arrive as strangers and leave as family. The dancefloors are intimate enough that you'll see the same faces all weekend - and by Sunday, you'll know their names. Conversations at 3am turn into collaborations. A yoga class turns into a friendship. The line between performer and audience disappears because everyone's part of the same thing. Some people met their partners, found housemates and started bands together here.
2.5 · Ballinderry Park
The Site
Ballinderry Park is a 300-year-old estate surrounded by ancient oak trees, 45 minutes from Galway city. After four locations in five years, ELG has found a permanent home - building long-term infrastructure rather than setting up and tearing down each year. New benches, fencing, and a stage have been crafted from fallen oaks on the estate - trees over 150 years old, given new life.
2.6 · What we stand for
Mission · Vision · Values
Mission
To create an independent, community-built festival where art, music and connection thrive free from corporate influence.
Vision
A permanent home in the West of Ireland for wild hearts, artists and dreamers - built sustainably, year after year.
Values
Independence · Community · Co-creation · Sustainability · Inclusivity.
2.7 · Find us
Location & Getting There
Ballinderry House, Kilconnell, Co. Galway, H53 XP26
45 minutes from Galway city.
- Free on-site parking
- Local B&Bs and camping available
2.8 · Leave no trace
Sustainability & Community Impact
We are working towards becoming a zero waste festival and were delighted with having such high levels of waste separation last year.
Each year, we learn, refine, and push it further! For the land and for the community.
- Return system for food utensils to help reduce waste across the site
- Return cans and bottles donation
- Cardboard heading to local no-dig gardens
- Workshops and talks throughout the weekend in An Seomra Ranga
- Food traders are increasing the use of reusable containers
- Repurposing organic materials from the site
- Expanding and supporting our dedicated LNT Volunteer Team
- Conducting an Energy Audit of the entire site
This journey is only possible because you legends GET IT.
2.9 · Get in touch
Contact
Press, sponsorship, volunteering or just a hello - drop us a line and we'll get back to you.
2.10 · Join the crew
Volunteer
Volunteer with us - get a free weekend ticket in exchange for shifts before, during or after the festival. We're a tight, friendly crew and there's a role for everyone, from build to bar to leave-no-trace.
Sign up to volunteer2.11 · Community funded
Support Us
ELG operates without corporate sponsors or outside investors - funded entirely by our community. If you'd like to support us, we'd love to have you.
Donate / Support