It’s action stations. The eagerly-awaited Wander Wild Festival is up and running – quite literally – in Killarney and three days and night of adventure, entertainment, spectacular outdoor activities, great fun and great company is on the cards for the big influx of visitors and the energetic locals wanting a piece of the action.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
Popular Roz Purcell, founder of The Hike Life, led a small group up the famous Mangerton mountain – her favourite hike in Ireland – this Friday and, in spite of the weather, they had great fun and took in spectacular views of the Devil’s Punchbowl, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the Horses’ Glen and Killarney National Park.
The heavens opened and the rain came down but that didn’t deter Roz and co from enjoying the Nature Valley sponsored trek and there were expert guides on hand to ensure everybody remained safe and stayed on the right paths.
Ireland’s great outdoors festival, which runs until Sunday, is organised by a hugely dedicated team of local volunteers, wellness and outdoor experts and the festival is now in its second year.
The unique adventure and wellness programme, set in the lakes and mountains of the UNESCO Killarney National Park, has over 120 events for the body, mind and soul with a chance to explore new adventures and recharge with a hike, bike, kayak, swim, stretch, ramble, or enjoy yoga, food tours and maybe a concert or live podcast, against a backdrop of stunning scenic landscapes.
Hotels and guesthouse have reported a brisk trade for the weekend and the Wander Wild Festival is a great early season tonic for the Killarney economy in what looks like it’s going to be a bumper year.
Wander Wild Festival highlights include:
Sunrise Dip and 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 lake shore 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.
Mountain Trail Runs
Explore new terrain with one of three relaxed and social runs to choose from. The terrain covers fire roads, forestry trails, stone trails and boardwalk trails. Some bravehearted individuals might even be enticed to take a dip in a waterfall or lake en route. Day and night options available.
Wim Hof Workshop
The pinnacle of Cold Therapy – the Wim Hof Method Workshop will help people to deal with stress better, improve their mental health and build resilience. During the four-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.
3D Blue Pool Wood Experience
One of the absolute highlights of the weekend promises to be the Blue Pool experience, the immersive 3D light and sound installation around the pool in the heart of Cloghereen Nature trail by well-known artist Augustine Leudar. It will feature an extraordinary walk-through 3D soundscape that uses many unique cutting-edge audio techniques to turn the forest into a subtly surrealistic sonic wonderland.
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 Innisfallen Island where it’s said that King Brian Boru studied. Visit hidden parts of the park on the threw lakes, or hike the 10km up through the Gap of Dunloe and enjoy a 1.5-hour boat trip back to Ross Castle.
Children’s Programme
From Gruffalo hunts and digital treasure hunts to musical master classes, an escape room and a buzzing Kids Zone, the little ones are guaranteed a weekend of adventure, nature, music, creativity and most importantly, fun. See the childrens programme here.
Foodie Tour
Join Kenmare Foodie Karen Coakley on a daytime or evening food tour sampling small signature dishes and tasting local artisan produce. Scratch beneath the surface and discover Killarney’s new and very vibrant local food scene.
Podcasts and Premieres
Join Shane Finn as he hosts a live Pushing Limits podcast with special guest former AFL player Brid Stack and mountaineer, Killian Buckley who hails from Killarney. Or get an exclusive look at two new Irish adventure films as they host their premiere events 1000KM Chaos – the story of Killarney adventurer Kevin Leahy – and Alan Corcoran’s Unsinkable.
Forest Bathing
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the forest on a 2.5 hour forest bathing walk. This health and wellness practice supports participants to relieve stress, to be in the present moment, it creates awareness for the natural environment and connect people with their senses.
The fun won’t stop when the sun goes down as Killarney hosts the electric basecamp for the festival. The town will be buzzing with market stalls, and live entertainment in local bars all weekend.
Mundy and Friends
Mundy will be joined by special guests on Saturday night 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 music from the acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter.
For more information and to book any event go to wanderwildfestival.com.
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