Everything you need to know about Wander Wild outdoor festival taking place in Killarney this weekend
Families enjoying the Autism Friendly Walk in the Blue Pool as part of the Wander Wild Festival adventure and wellness festival in Killarney.
Killarney's Wander Wild Festival has become a stand-out weekend in every Irish adventurer's calendar, offering a variety of outdoor and wellness activities.
The festival, which is entering its fifth year, gives those attending the opportunity to try something new, return to an old hobby or simply make new connections, with a rich programme of guided adventures, expert-led experiences and restorative wellness sessions woven throughout.
There is something for every pace and every passion at Wander Wild, which, at its core, is community-driven and volunteer-led and powered by passionate locals and outdoor enthusiasts.
The beauty of Wander Wild Festival is that you can individually book the activities that cater to your interests and tailor your day as you want, essentially creating your own itinerary based on the adventures (or chill-out time) you want to have.
Guided hikes, sunrise and sunset kayaking trips, forest bathing, rock climbing, yoga and sound bath sessions, fireside chats and musical performances are all in the mix.
Simply visit the website, take a look at what's on offer each day (Friday to Sunday) and book each activity you want to take part in. Your tickets are then delivered to the email address you enter upon purchasing, ahead of the festival.
There are lots of different activities taking place across the weekend, and attendees can choose to have an adventurous weekend of adrenaline-pumping activities, or to take things a little easier and spend more time in the Wellness Hub at Killarney House and Gardens; the choice is yours.
Here's an insight into what activities are taking place across the weekend:
- Kayak Ross Castle and Inisfallen Island
- Lakeside Sauna Experience
- Outdoor Rock Climbing Experience at The Gap Of Dunloe
- SUP Safari
- Qi Gong Wellness
- Breathwork for Parents
- WestWords: Poetry & Spoken Word
- SEANCHOÍCHE
- Dark Sky Hike with 53 Degrees North
- Dawn Chorus Walk
- Sunrise Dip At Dundag
- Sunrise Kayak
- Gap Of Dunloe Traditional Boat & Hiking Tour
- The Mrs Mind Watcher Reset
- Hike to North Mangerton with Tadhg O’Brien
- Killarney House Park Run
- Summit Carrauntoohil
- Yin Yoga And Sound Bath
- Live Podcast – How to Gael
- Sacred Sip And Paint
- Guided National Park Night Walk
- Hermitage Green
- Mountain Masterclass with Tomás O Donoghue
- Mountain Hike To The Lost Sky Train
- Parent & Child Sound Bath
- Kayak Ross Castle and Inisfallen Island
- 5 Elements Yoga Flow
- Guided Pony Trek
- Blue Pool Autism Friendly Walk
- Fireside Chat with Rosanna Irwin
- Outdoor Rock Climbing Experience At The Gap Of Dunloe ADD/ADHD
As someone who travelled to this festival alone last year, I can confidently say it was the best decision I made, as it forced me to start conversations with strangers (which can be difficult) and make new connections.
I met some really wonderful, like-minded people by pushing myself outside my comfort zone. I think that's something this festival highlights in particular - in a world full of screentime, urgency, and missed connections, we can sometimes forget to slow down, take in our surroundings and make an effort to make some real-life connections.
You can read about my experience in full by clicking here, but my advice would be this: If you ever feel like you have nobody to go with you, go anyway. Do what seems like the scary thing to do, alone. You will thank yourself later.
A festival bus does run from the town centre out to some of the activity start points, but not all activities include a bus transfer. Check the start point of your chosen activity and if there is a bus transfer to the start point before booking.
The festival transport is available for activities including: Mountain Hike to the Lost Sky Train, Summit Carrauntoohil, Ireland's 3 Highest Peaks – Coomloughra Horseshoe, and Outdoor Rock-Climbing Experience at The Gap of Dunloe at a return cost of €15 per person plus booking fee.
This is available as a separate bookable event by visiting here.
An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, the 26,000 acres of national parkland surrounding Killarney town ensure there are no shortages of walks to choose from in between festival activities.
Killarney is home to the tallest mountain in Ireland, Carrauntoohil, which forms part of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Torc Mountain, Mangerton Mountain, and Purple Mountain are also popular hikes in the area, as well as walks such as Twomey's Woods and the many trails in Killarney National Park.
Popular spots, such as Ladies' View, the Gap of Dunloe, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle, also never disappoint
There are also lots of good spots for food and drink in Killarney town centre, and plenty of shops for souvenirs or some retail therapy.
Once you arrive in Killarney, pop down to the festival's base camp area at St Mary's Church. This is where you'll find all the festival information you need and where you can speak with some of the volunteers who will be able to answer your questions.
This area is also where music, entertainment and food trucks are provided for the duration of the weekend.
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