Comeraghs Wild launches programme for July festival
Sisters Alice Drohan (age 17) and Ellen Drohan (age 19) at their farm, Cooney’s Yard. Alice and Ellen will host traditional sheep-shearing demonstrations at the upcoming Comeraghs Wild Festival. Photo Patrick Browne
A full programme ranging from music, storytelling, heritage and outdoor recreation has been launched ahead of the Comeraghs Wild Festival 2026.
The festival will take place in the Comeragh region of Co Waterford from July 9 to July 12, 2026.
Comeraghs Wild 2026 brings together headline concerts, intimate cultural experiences, outdoor adventure events and participatory workshops, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Comeragh Mountains and surrounding villages.
A major feature of this year's festival is the expanded outdoor and adventure offering led by two landmark events.
The 30th Annual Comeragh Crossing with Dungarvan Hill Walking Club will mark three decades of one of Ireland’s most respected mountain walking challenges. Taking place across the Comeragh Mountains, the event brings together walkers from across Ireland to experience a demanding and rewarding traverse of rugged terrain, celebrating endurance, community and a shared respect for the landscape.
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The Nire Valley Drop Mountain Biking and Gravel Grinder Event will bring high-energy adventure sport to the wild terrain of the Nire Valley. Known for its steep contours and dramatic scenery, the valley will host a competitive and adrenaline-fuelled course designed for experienced riders, showcasing the growing outdoor sports culture of the Comeraghs region.
The festival opens on Thursday, July 9, in Rathgormack with Wild Laughs: Bernard Casey Live in Rathgormack at The Village Bar. One of Ireland’s most popular comedy performers, known for his viral sketches and acclaimed live performances across Ireland and internationally, Mr Casey will also be supported by live music from Moylan.
The following day, Friday, July 10, at Cooney’s Yard, The Frank and Walters headline a landmark open-air mountain concert alongside Ruaile Buaile.
On Sunday, July 12, audiences will be invited to a special intimate performance by Duke Special at Clonagam Church just outside Portlaw.
Later in the day, Woodhouse Estate restored walled garden in Stradbally will host ‘An Evening of Song and Story’ featuring The Backyard Band and White Horse Guitar Club.
The 2026 programme also showcases a rich and diverse cultural and community offering. Between the Two Thresholds, a storytelling and installation-based event, will explore folklore, piseogs, fairy forts and the otherworld through seanchaí tradition and contemporary artistic collaboration with Fáin (Hog and Dice).
The event will also include bilingual Irish and English elements and an open stage, inviting community participation and shared storytelling.
Other cultural highlights include Dancing Beneath the Comeraghs at Rathgormack Hiking Centre, traditional sheep shearing demonstrations at Cooney’s Yard, a vintage and classic car show with the Comeragh Classic Car Club at Coach House Coffee, guided looped walks across the mountain landscape, and a cyanotype workshop exploring sun printing techniques using natural materials from the local environment.
Zen in the Park at Kilmacthomas will offer a programme of pilates, yoga, sound therapy and wellbeing sessions designed to encourage connection and relaxation in a natural setting.
A special photo exhibition marking 100 Years of Kilmac will also take place at The Mill in Kilmacthomas, adding a reflective historical dimension to the festival programme.
Festival organiser Bernadette Drohan said the 2026 programme reflects both the ambition and identity of the festival.
“Comeraghs Wild continues to grow because it is rooted in place and people. This year’s programme brings together extraordinary artists, musicians, storytellers and outdoor events across a landscape that shapes every experience.
"From mountain concerts to intimate churches, village gatherings and adventure sports, it celebrates the Comeraghs in a very real and meaningful way,” she said.
