Wander Wild Festival Ireland: Everything You Need to Know

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Calling all outdoor lovers, The Wander Wild Festival is back for 2024 and it’s set to be a weekend to remember for outdoor lovers! Taking place from 22-24 March, the Wander Wild Festival is the only event of its kind in the country and offers people the chance to take part in a wide range of outdoor-inspired events across the weekend. Catering to all fitness levels, interests and abilities, there is something for the body, mind, and soul of every adventurer!

The Wander Wild Festival, which is sponsored by Nature Valley, will take place in the beautiful town and surrounding areas of Killarney, Co Kerry. This area of Ireland is home to our highest mountain, the Republic of Ireland’s longest waymarked trail, and some of the most stunning lakes in the country, making it the perfect setting for this action-packed festival.

Explore the festival schedule

A weekend like no other

Last year, we headed to Kerry for the Wander Wild Festival and were left totally blown away by the abundance of incredible outdoor activities on offer. Over the course of a single weekend, we had jumped in fridged waters, warmed up in scenic saunas, got a sweat up on Ireland’s highest peak, and breathed all of our worries away at a Wim Hof workshop. We couldn’t quite believe the breadth of activities on offer at a single festival over one weekend. There is nothing else like it in Ireland and it couldn’t be better suited to like-minded souls who love and appreciate the outdoors.

Here’s what we got up to last year – Day 1: Wander Wild Festival 2023

To help participants choose from more than 100 events, they have been split up into four easy-to-navigate categories – Mind, Lake, Park and Mountain. The activities range in price from free to €100 and you have the freedom to choose the activities that interest you.

And if you have little ones, fear not, they won’t miss out on the action. There are lots of kid-friendly activities to keep those mini adventurers busy throughout the weekend.

Mind

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Designed to awaken the mind and body through nature, these events offer you the opportunity to reset and unwind. The Mind activities include; Forest Bathing, Quantum Touch, a Healing Soundbath, and a Beat Party Workout and Dance Party. There is also an extended wellness hub this year with a whole host of different yoga classes, including Family Yoga, Yoga Nidra Gaeilge, Qi Gong Wellness and Mindful Vinyasa.

Outsider’s Top Pick: Last year we attended Sunrise Yoga on Sunday morning and it was the perfect way to ease our bodies and minds into another day of activities at the festival. We highly recommend booking your place at one of the many yoga classes across the weekend!

Mountain

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The Mountain activities will allow the more adventurous attendees to tackle some of the most incredible hikes and climbs in Ireland. You can choose to Conquer Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak, or explore some guided hikes off the beaten track in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, such as the site of the Lost Sky Train. Or why not try something new and go r ock climbing in the famous Gap of Dunloe? Climb to the summit of Mangerton Mountain, or reconnect with the land on the Mindfulness Hike in Tomies Woods . The Reeks is your oyster!

The Dark Sky hike is also an excellent option if you are looking for a slower-paced, beginner-level hike with a unique twist. Tony Curran from Kerry Astronomy Club will be joining the hike to talk about the mind-blowing night skies in the area. History buffs should consider attending the Ross Island Guided Historical Walk.

There are loads of options to choose from and all of them will give you an epic day in the mountains.

Outsider’s Top Pick: If you have a good amount of hiking and outdoor experience we would recommend taking on the MacGillicuddy’s Reeks Coimín na Péiste (Cummeenapeasta) Ridge Walk. The guides, Killian and Tomás from Citizens of the Wild are extremely knowledgeable and experienced mountaineers and mountain guides. They shared useful tips and advice with us about moving on challenging terrain. It’s a strenuous day out but we recommend it.

Park

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The Park activities focus on the world-famous Killarney National Park which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These activities will leave you with an unshakeable awe of the beauty of the Irish outdoors. For those who want to explore the National Park with the benefit of local knowledge, there are night walks, guided pony treks, a herbal medicine workshop, the Wander Wild Run, urban orienteering (for all ages), a stunning photo exhibition, photography workshops, and self-guided looped walks for families, all of which will allow you to experience the lush and abundant flora and fauna of this incredible national park.

Outsider’s Top Pick: You absolutely must book yourself a place on the Wim Hof Workshop Experience. This is a rare opportunity to take part in a practical guided Wim Hof Method Workshop by a recognised instructor. Leo Ryan is an expert in his field and he will guide you through the breathwork and cold immersion in the lakes of Killarney and help you find relaxation through the experience. This unique workshop will leave you connected with yourself and with the beautiful lakes of Killarney. This workshop sells out fast so book it now!

Lake

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Explore nature at sunrise with an early morning dip at Dundag followed by a glorious Samhradh’s Sauna Experience overlooking Muckross Lake and the mountains on either Saturday or Sunday morning. Or, see your surroundings from a new perspective on the Lakes of Killarney kayak tour. Perhaps you fancy something a little less taxing? Then why not take a boat cruise from Ross Castle to Dinis Cottage through the three lakes. No matter what your experience level on the water you will be able to enjoy the stunning backdrop of Torc Mountain as you explore the lakes with expert guides.

We embarked on a paddle out to breathtaking Inishfallen Island last year to the awe-inspiring ruins of Innisfallen Abbey. This archaeological gem dates back to the early Christian period and was founded by Saint Finian in 640. The Abbey remained occupied for almost a millennium!

Outsider’s Top Pick: We are looking forward to two new activities that are in the schedule this year. Paddleboarding is brand new to the event list this year. We look forward to trying stand-up paddle boarding surrounded by awe-inspiring nature and rediscovering a true sense of freedom and adventure! We’re also really excited to try the all-new Wild Water Swimming activity. We can’t wait to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking scenery and engage our senses to reconnect with nature. Tickets for these events will go on sale soon so keep an eye on Wander Wild’s social media!

25 Of The Best Outdoor Events to do in 2024 (article to be updated)

Think Green

There are many ways that you can have a more sustainable experience at Wander Wild this year. You can leave the car at home as there are bus and rail connections directly to Killarney. The festival also provides a sustainable shuttle bus at no extra charge. The shuttle will bring people to and from all scheduled activities outside of town.

Speaking of town, Killarney will be a hub of activity all weekend with a buzz at the electric base camp for the festival. Enjoy market stalls and savour some local produce. Killarney has some excellent places to eat and drink so remember to bring your reusable coffee cups! Killarney is the first town in Ireland to ban the use of single-use cups in cafés, this initiative began in July 2023 and is thought to have already saved over 500,000 single-use cups from ending up in landfill.

The festival is a proud member of the Leave No Trace Ireland network. This is a group of organisations and individuals with an interest in promoting the responsible recreational use of the outdoors. In line with this, Wander Wild Festival is a no single-use plastic festival. There are also recycling facilities available at the base camp in Killarney town.

Sign me up!

So what are you waiting for? Check out the weekend schedule on the Wander Wild website and get planning! You can create a unique weekend by booking individual events that tickle your fancy. Most of the events sold out last year so get booking early to avoid disappointment!

We have a discount code for you too! But it only lasts until December 25th.

OUTSIDER10 will get you 10% off all activities!

The festival also offers you the option to purchase a gift voucher which would make an excellent Christmas gift for a loved one who is planning to attend the festival.