With just 2 weeks remaining until the highly anticipated Wander Wild Festival in Killarney, which takes place from 22nd to 24th March, outdoor, adventure, and wellness enthusiasts are gearing up for an unforgettable weekend in the heart of nature.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the 26,000-acre UNESCO Killarney National Park, Ireland’s great outdoors festival promises over 100 events to rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul of every adventurer and outdoor lover.
From adrenaline-pumping mountain climbs to soothing wellness workshops, this one-of-a-kind adventure and wellness weekend has it all. Don’t miss your chance to embark on exhilarating hikes, horseback rides through the park, dark sky hikes, serene kayaking on picturesque lakes, or immersive paddleboarding experiences. Book your tickets in advance to save disappointment.
We’ve pulled together a list of adventures that you won’t want to miss.
SUP – Stand Up Paddleboarding
Stand up paddleboarding is an exciting new addition this year to this year’s festival line-up. This is an amazing one off opportunity to paddle the Lakes of Killarney for the very first time. Setting off from the Muckross Boathouse, you’ll glide along the ripples taking in the sights of Muckross House, Torc Mountain and The Meeting of the Waters. It’s a great way to unplug for a few hours and surround yourself in the raw natural beauty of Killarney National Park .
Wim Hof Method Workshop
The pinnacle of Cold Therapy will help you to deal with stress better, improve your mental health, and build resilience. During the 4-hour workshop, you will learn a tailored technique to help you to breathe deeply and fully, get tips on how to improve your concentration and be guided on how to stay calm in a stressful environment (the cold!). What makes this workshop unique is that the practical part will take place in the lake – a natural ice-bath! It sold out last year so pre-booking is advised.
Nature Valley Hike with Roz Purcell
Roz Purcell returns to this year’s festival with a special hiking event. The Hike Life founder will lead a group on the Mass Path from Derrycunnihy Church to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. Expect conversion to flow and fun to be had as you walk amongst ancient trees and stroll through the ruins of abandoned famine homes to The Mass Path which hugs the shores of the Upper Lake. You may even spot one of the majestic White-Tailed Sea Eagles as they hunt.
Scale Ireland’s 3 Highest Peaks
Experienced climbers can embark on the rarely hiked MacGillicuddy’s Reeks, Cummeenapeasta Ridge Walk, and the Coomloughra Horseshoe (taking in Ireland’s three highest peaks, Carrauntoohil being one of them) – two challenging and adrenaline-pumping adventures on tricky terrain.
Cacao Ceremony, Ikigai & Vision Boarding Workshop with Aoife McNamara & KellyKali Yoga.
Enjoy a soul-nourishing Sunday of ceremonial cacao,‘Ikigai’ Purpose Journalling Workshop, vision board creation and more. This experience will help you reconnect to yourself, your sense of purpose and your goals.
Bressie & Friends in St Mary’s Cathedral
Bressie will take to the piano and be joined by special guests including George Murphy & Meadbh Walsh for some exclusive performances in the stunning St. Mary’s Church of Ireland. The beautiful natural acoustics and the spectacular backdrop that the intimate church venue offers will provide the perfect setting for a fantastic night of entertainment.
Sunrise Dip & Outdoor Sauna
Start the morning in an exhilarating way with a sunrise dip in the lake at Dundag followed by a traditional sauna by the calming lakeshore with a panoramic window of the surrounding mountains. Enjoying the soothing therapeutic benefits of a sauna, surrounded by nature promises to be a one-off unforgettable experience.
Explore Killarney’s Lakes
Whether you want to get active and kayak, or sit back and relax on a boat trip, see parts of the Killarney National Park that are hard to access by foot as you cruise on the water. Explore the ruins of the 7th century monastery Inisfallen Island where it’s said that King Brian Boru studied. Visit hidden parts of the park on the 3 lakes, or hike the 10km up through The Gap of Dunloe and enjoy a 1.5-hour boat trip back to Ross Castle.
Fireside Chats
A unique opportunity to chat with like-minded adventurers and local celebrities such as Outsider Man of the Year Ian O’ Brien who scaled the highest point in each of the 27 EU countries plus the UK in over just 28 days last year to raise awareness of Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease, which he has himself; Killarney man Kevin Leahy who just won the Montane Arctic Spine Race; endurance swimmer Nuala Moore; as well as other local adventurers who will offer advice to anyone planning an expedition.
Kids events
From Gruffalo hunts anddigital treasure hunts to musical master classes, family yoga and more, the young and young at heart are guaranteed a weekend of adventure, nature, music, creativity and most importantly, fun!
53 Degrees North Torc Mountain Guided Hike with Jen Healy
Experience Torc Mountain in a mindful way with Mental Health & Wellness advocate Jen Healy who will be encouraging people to take breaks along the way to mindfully absorb the stunning surroundings and views over the Killarney Valley and the Lakes at the summit.
No need to bring a car – sustainability buses will be running regularly, shuttling people to all activities happening out of the town.
Most events are ticketed, with some free activities also available. Many events and hotels sold out last year so book early to avoid disappointment! Tickets are now live on wanderwildfestival.com.
Wander Wild Festival is sponsored by Nature Valley and supported by 53 Degrees North, Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce and the National Park and Wildlife Service.
