Wander Wild Festival Photo
Wander Wild Festival Photo

Wander Wild Festival Returns to Killarney

Ireland's great outdoors festival, the Wander Wild Festival, returns to Killarney from March 24-26.

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Sunrise Morning Glory…Paloma Bayley and Liesbeth McCarthy, relaxing after their charity sunrise swim in Muckross Lake, Killarney National Park, in aid of Kerry Mountain Rescue Team, at the 2022 Wander Wild Outdoor Festival, Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC***

The unique adventure and wellness festival, set in the lakes and mountains of the 25,000-acre UNESCO Killarney National Park, has doubled in scale with a host of outdoor events for the body, mind, and soul.

The festival offers something for all outdoor lovers, ages, and abilities, with a myriad of unique experiences for those who seek out the rare or unusual.

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2022 Wander Wild Festival participants enjoyed a range of activities in Killarney National Park. Photo credit: Adrian McCarthy, Grandview Media.

Over the space of the weekend, attendees will have a chance to “explore new adventures and recharge with a dip, hike, bike, kayak, swim, horse ride, ramble, or wellness activity against a backdrop of stunning scenic landscapes,” say the festival's organizers.

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Thrill-Seeking New Experiences Await

Thrill seekers can even scale Carrauntoohil – Ireland’s highest mountain, test their endurance on a trail run through the Gap of Dunloe, enjoy a night trail run on the Old Kenmare Road, rise to new heights with rock climbing and abseiling, or join an outdoor classroom and learn how to move off the beaten track with a Steep Ground Masterclass.

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An aerial view of Innisfallen Island off County Kerry. Photo courtesy of Wander Wild Festival.

Paddle back in time on a Kayak Tour to Innisfallen Island – home to a monastery dating back to 640 AD, or start the day with a sunrise dip at Dundag, float in nature with an enchanting forest bath, discover the power of breath with a Wim Hof Method Workshop, or savor a warm recovery with a Samhradh Sauna Experience. 

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2022 Wander Wild Festival participants enjoying a range of activities in Killarney National Park.
Photo credit: Adrian McCarthy, Grandview Media.

New additions include a natural ice-bath in the Lakes of Killarney, a 3D sensory tour of the Blue Pool Nature Reserve with a light and sound installation, the premiere of two Irish adventure films, a gourmet food trail, a photo exhibition, and an expanded children’s activity camp.

You can also nourish your inner self with a range of culinary and cultural experiences unique to the area.



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Wellness at the Heart of Festival's Activities

For those who want to explore the National Park with the benefit of local knowledge, there are guided hikes, night walks, and pony treks, urban orienteering, photo exhibitions, and self-guided loop walks for families.

a woman standing on one foot in the mountains Wander Wild Festival
2022 Wander Wild Festival participants enjoying a range of activities in Killarney National Park, including yoga. Photo credit: Adrian McCarthy, Grandview Media.

Wellness enthusiasts can experience Yoga & Light Therapy, Reiki, Yoga, Sunrise Vinyasa, workshops on Handstands, Yin Yoga, and a Strength and Conditioning for Hiking for over 55s.

One of the best things about the festival is that you can experience complete remoteness by day, and a town buzzing with entertainment at night!

people dressed up on a street Wander Wild Festival
Druids of the Grove of Anú, Jan and Karen Tetteroo, banishing the dark nights, with pupils from Lissivigeen National School in Killarney pictured here on the opening night of the 2022 Wander Wild Outdoor festival. The Spring Equinox parade through the streets was intended to celebrate the end of winter and the rebirth of spring. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC***

The fun won’t stop when the sun goes down as Killarney hosts the electric basecamp for the festival, harnessing the power of the Killarney UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the bustling town to offer a compelling weekend of activities and social events.

A spectacular opening Spring Equinox parade will take place through the streets to celebrate the end of winter and the rebirth of spring, and there will be a Beat Party Workout and Dance Party, and live music and entertainment in local bars over the weekend.

an aerial view of an abbey in the woods Wander Wild Festival
An aerial view of Muckross Abbey in the Killarney National Park. Photo courtesy of the Wander Wild Festival.

Pat Chawke, Chairperson of Wander Wild Festival, said, “This is a fantastic chance to explore the stunning Killarney National Park, its lakes and its mountains, in a unique way,” says Pat Chawke, chairperson of the festival.

“From solo travelers to families and groups of friends, from ardent adventurers to those who just love the great outdoors, we have something for everyone, whether that’s wilderness, wellness or wanderlust!

people kayaking Wander Wild Festival
2022 Wander Wild Festival participants enjoying a range of activities in Killarney National Park, including kayaking. Photo credit: Adrian McCarthy, Grandview Media.

It’s about being out in nature, self-care, and the simple pleasures of going for a float, ramble, roam, stray or stroll! There are also great deals over the weekend as the festival kick starts our tourism season, so it’s a great time to explore and enjoy everything that Killarney town and the National Park has to offer.”

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A street in the center of Killarney. Photo: No Limit Pictures, Getty Images Signature.

There’s a plentiful and diverse range of accommodation options in Killarney with something for every budget, from hostels and self-catering to four- and five-star hotels.

Shuttle buses will transfer people from the town centre to all the activities making the connection from vibrant Killarney to the majestic wilderness of the surrounding natural landscape, quick and convenient!

Many events are free, and some are ticketed. For updates on new activities follow Wander Wild Festival on Instagram and Facebook or email [email protected]

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