Comeraghs Wild 2025 to celebrate everything trad

The Waterford-based festival returns with plenty for young and old to appreciate the spirit of Irish tradition

Dancing beneath the Comeraghs ahead of the upcoming Comeraghs Wild Festival in Waterford is Sophie Dunford with Niamh Fennell on Bodhran and Sarah O’Gorman on Fiddle. Photo: Patrick Browne

The Comeraghs Wild Festival returns to Waterford this July.

The festival aims to bring alive the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains with the sights, sounds and spirit of Irish tradition. Under this year's theme of ‘Nostalgias’, the festival offers a four-day celebration of Ireland’s cultural heritage through music, dance, storytelling and family adventures.

Spanning from July 10 to 13, a standout feature will occur on July 12 with demonstrations of traditional music and dance.

Commencing at 3pm, the Rambling House Session hosted by Joe Power will encourage all to carry a tune, tell a tale or simply to soak up the atmosphere of the gathering that echoes the oral traditions of generations past.

Activities will extend into the evening at the Rathgormack Hiking and Community Centre with dancing and music. Set dancers of every age and ability will feel right at home here with music provided by the Neily O’Connor Band and the talents of Ceol Craobh Crotaigh.

For families, the festival offers plenty to feed imaginations in the outdoors. 

Crough Woods will host Clair O’Sullivan’s Creative Children’s Summer Camp to learn nature-based crafts, treasure hunts and woodland magic. Designed for children, but grown-ups are also welcome. The camp offers children a chance to connect with nature in a playful, meaningful way.

Niamh Fennell on bodhran, Sarah O’Gorman on fiddle and dancers Darragh O’Connor, Kate Motherway, Sophie Dunford, and Annie Keohane beneath the Comeraghs ahead of the festival. Photo: Patrick Browne 

Families can also enjoy the 40-minute scenic train ride along the greenway aboard the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. Onboard, kids will have a chance to meet Honey and Barry Bear and take part in a treasure hunt, and get their faces painted.

A children's surfing lesson will be facilitated by Bunmahon Surf School. Designed for children under 12, the lessons aim to introduce youngsters to the thrill of the water sport in a fun and safe way. Booking in advance is essential for this activity as places are limited.

Details for tickets and the full festival programme are available online on the Comeraghs Wild website.