Open Ear Festival 2026

Luggage Transfer FAQ
To help make your time at Open Ear more comfortable, we have a new luggage transfer system in place this year. Please read the FAQ below carefully to understand how everything will work in advance of your trip.

Is there a luggage transfer system this year?
Yes. We’ll have a luggage transfer system running between Baltimore and Sherkin during key arrival and departure times.

When will it operate?
Thursday: 4pm–7pm
Friday: 12pm–9pm
Saturday: 12pm–4pm
Monday: 8am–3pm
Outside of these times, you’ll need to bring your own luggage onto the ferry.

Where do I drop my bags?
There will be two luggage drop-off points in Baltimore:
Parking Area: for those driving and parking in Baltimore.
Ferry Slip: for those arriving by coach.
Look out for the luggage easy-ups and festival staff.

How does it work?
Show your festival ticket QR code to staff at the luggage point. You’ll be given five luggage tags to fill in with your name and phone number.
Once your bags are tagged, staff will load them onto a van, bring them across on the ferry, and drop them at the luggage collection point on Sherkin.

How much does it cost?

The ferry to Sherkin Island is €30 return (cash only!!) and this includes the transporting of luggage on your trip over and back.
Purchase the ticket at the pier after you’ve dropped off your luggage -
It’s a really lovely 30 minute walk across Sherkin to the festival site, and it's an even nicer walk when you don’t have to carry your luggage!

How long will it take for my luggage to arrive on Sherkin?
Once your luggage has been checked in and tagged, it will be loaded onto the next scheduled luggage van and ferry crossing. In most cases, luggage should arrive at the Sherkin collection point approximately 90 minutes to 2hrs after drop-off in Baltimore. Please note that timings are approximate and may vary slightly depending on ferry schedules and loading times. On Thursday and Saturday, collections operate approximately every two hours, while on Friday collections operate approximately every hour.

Where do I collect my bags on Sherkin?
All luggage will be dropped at the collection point in the campervan campsite by Silver Strand Beach, which is the first campsite you’ll reach when coming off the ferry.

How much luggage can I bring?
Each ticket holder can check in up to 5 pieces of luggage.
Please pack smaller items inside larger bags where possible. Loose boxes, cans, or small items should be packed into a rucksack, holdall, suitcase, IKEA bag, or similar bag that can be securely tagged.

What happens on Monday?
On Monday, the system will run in reverse. Drop your tagged bags at the Sherkin luggage point in the campervan campsite, and staff will help sort them for either the Baltimore parking area or the ferry slip / coach collection point.

What if my luggage tag is missing?
Staff will help you retag your bag if spare tags are available, but please keep your luggage tags on your items for the duration of the festival where possible, as there are only a limited number of spare tags available.

Is the festival responsible for my luggage?
The festival is not responsible for lost or damaged luggage. If you’re concerned about a particular item, we advise you to bring it on to the ferry yourself.

You can also download the PDF HERE

Luggage Transfer FAQ

To help make your time at Open Ear more comfortable, we have a new luggage transfer system in place this year. Please read the FAQ below carefully to understand how everything will work in advance of your trip.

Is there a luggage transfer system this year?

Yes. We’ll have a luggage transfer system running between Baltimore and Sherkin during key arrival and departure times.

When will it operate?

Thursday: 4pm–7pm
Friday: 12pm–9pm
Saturday: 12pm–4pm
Monday: 8am–3pm

Outside of these times, you’ll need to bring your own luggage onto the ferry.

Where do I drop my bags?

There will be two luggage drop-off points in Baltimore:

Parking Area: for those driving and parking in Baltimore.
Ferry Slip: for those arriving by coach.

Look out for the luggage easy-ups and festival staff.

How does it work?

Show your festival ticket QR code to staff at the luggage point. You’ll be given five luggage tags to fill in with your name and phone number.

Once your bags are tagged, staff will load them onto a van, bring them across on the ferry, and drop them at the luggage collection point on Sherkin.

How much does it cost?

The ferry to Sherkin Island is €30 return (cash only!!) and this includes the transporting of luggage on your trip over and back.
Purchase the ticket at the pier after you’ve dropped off your luggage -
It’s a really lovely 30 minute walk across Sherkin to the festival site, and it's an even nicer walk when you don’t have to carry your luggage!

How long will it take for my luggage to arrive on Sherkin?

Once your luggage has been checked in and tagged, it will be loaded onto the next scheduled luggage van and ferry crossing. In most cases, luggage should arrive at the Sherkin collection point approximately 90 minutes to 2hrs after drop-off in Baltimore. Please note that timings are approximate and may vary slightly depending on ferry schedules and loading times. On Thursday and Saturday, collections operate approximately every two hours, while on Friday collections operate approximately every hour.

Where do I collect my bags on Sherkin?

All luggage will be dropped at the collection point in the campervan campsite by Silver Strand Beach, which is the first campsite you’ll reach when coming off the ferry.

How much luggage can I bring?

Each ticket holder can check in up to 5 pieces of luggage.

Please pack smaller items inside larger bags where possible. Loose boxes, cans, or small items should be packed into a rucksack, holdall, suitcase, IKEA bag, or similar bag that can be securely tagged.

What happens on Monday?

On Monday, the system will run in reverse. Drop your tagged bags at the Sherkin luggage point in the campervan campsite, and staff will help sort them for either the Baltimore parking area or the ferry slip / coach collection point.

What if my luggage tag is missing?

Staff will help you retag your bag if spare tags are available, but please keep your luggage tags on your items for the duration of the festival where possible, as there are only a limited number of spare tags available.

Is the festival responsible for my luggage?

The festival is not responsible for lost or damaged luggage. If you’re concerned about a particular item, we advise you to bring it on to the ferry yourself.

You can also download the PDF HERE