If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable adventure in 2025, the Wander Wild Festival running from 4-6 April in Killarney is your answer! Picture yourself exploring epic trails, soaking in the magic of Ireland’s darkest skies, and sharing laughs with like-minded souls. From wellness retreats to heart-pounding outdoor challenges, this festival has something for everyone. You’ll uncover hidden gems, savour local flavours, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Kerry culture—all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ireland’s most iconic national park.
Don’t settle for ordinary New Year’s resolutions in 2025; embrace extraordinary adventures. Wander Wild is more than a festival. It’s a journey that will ignite your passion for the outdoors.
Here are 14 reasons why we reckon this event should be at the top of your 2025 bucket list.
1. Meet your adventure soulmates
Discover deep connections with adventurers who share your love for the outdoors. Wander Wild is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and every year that we have attended we have made new friends. Join small group and communal activities, and form meaningful friendships as you have fun in the outdoors. This festival fosters a true community spirit, where you’ll build lasting bonds and return year after year to book events with your new and expanding adventure squad.
2. Get really intimate with the Kingdom
Thanks to the wide range of different activities on offer, including some brilliant festival-exclusive experiences, like Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the lakes. You will have the opportunity to uncover unique experiences that showcase the magic of Killarney’s landscapes, from its iconic peaks to its hidden trails. The guides at Wander Wild Festival are bursting with local knowledge so you really feel you are getting an insider’s glimpse to this incredible part of the world. You will leave every activity with a new understanding and a deepened appreciation for the outdoors.
3. Find your zen at the wellness hub
Experience the expanded Wellness Hub at Wander Wild Festival 2025, which is set in the heart of stunning Killarney National Park. Recharge with yoga, grounding, chakra healing, and sound baths in a serene, nature-filled sanctuary. Don’t miss this chance to rejuvenate your body and mind in one of Ireland’s most healing environments!
4. Experience the best night sky in Ireland
Marvel at a starlit sky unspoiled by city lights. Constellations come alive like nowhere else on Wander Wild’s Dark Sky Hike. This event will see you trek a gently rolling trail under darkness along the Old Kenmare Road at the base of Torc Mountain. We had stunning weather both years we attended Wander Wild and can vouch for the jaw-dropping night skies on offer. This year a very special guest speaker from the Kerry Astronomy Club will be joining the walk and will wow you with insights and information along the way.
5. Experience the best local hikes with the best local guides
There are so many great hikes to choose from at that festival that we are already finding it hard to choose. Now should we pick mighty Carrauntoohil, Mangerton or Torc mountains under the guidance of expert guides. And then there’s the question, why choose to climb only Ireland’s highest mountain when you could when you can take on the challenge of the Coomloughra Horseshoe Hike. Better still, this event will be guided by really experienced local guides. This hike is always a highlight for us. Test your limits and embrace adventure with trails that reward effort with breathtaking views.
7. Reconnect with nature’s raw beauty
One thing that sets Killarney apart is its proximity to nature. Right within the town, you will find yourself surrounded by the unspoiled nature in the Killarney National Park. The Wander Wild Festival takes full advantage of this incredible access and, over the course of the weekend, you will develop a deep appreciation for nature’s raw beauty. Let the rhythm of the wild soothe your soul, with sweeping vistas and serene moments of solitude.
8. Get inspired at Wander Wild’s unmissable evening talks and events
Along with a diverse schedule of outdoor experiences, Wander Wild offers lots of activities for when the day’s adventures are done! The Fireside chats offer the chance to meet and chat with like-minded adventurers and local celebrities. These evenings offer people great insight and insider knowledge from impressive adventurers. We’re intrigued by the Seanchoíche Storytelling Event in St Mary’s Church in the heart of the town so it’s going on our the bucket list! Seanchoíche is a safe space, it’s an event filled with empathy, laughter, tears and joy.Here, people will share stories of past adventures. Be prepared to laugh and cry at this very special evening.
9. Savour local flavours
After all your outdoor adventures, you’ll need to refuel. And what better way to do that than with ice cream! Cow To Cone is a new experience at Wander Wild this year that explores Muckross Creamery on the Fleming dairy farm. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Torc and Mangerton mountains, this family creamery is run by fifth-generation dairy farmer John Fleming and his family. The tour wraps up in the original 200-year-old farmhouse where you will get to try some artisanal ice cream from the creamery.
10. Capture Instagram-worthy memories
Wander Wild is the place to be if you are looking to get some top-tier social media content. Whether you fancy yourself as a bit of a content creator or just like sharing your adventures with friends online, Wander Wild is teeming with amazing moments waiting to be captured. From sunrise dips followed by lake shore saunas to stunning summits and cosy pubs, frame your adventure in one of Ireland’s most photogenic destinations.
If you are looking to up your content game, you can even attend Wander Wild’s Photography Workshop And National Park Shoot on Saturday. Join Mícheál O’Sullivan for a half-day photography tour where you’ll master composition, explore stunning landscapes, and capture breathtaking shots of ancient woodlands, historic castles, and serene lakes. This workshop is perfect for photographers of all levels and any device!
11. Learn from outdoor legends
One of the biggest takeaways from our first experience at Wander Wild Festival was discovering just how many people on the Irish outdoor scene are doing incredible things. Our hike guides last year, Tomás O’Donoghue and Killian Buckley, were highly experienced alpine mountaineers and mountain leaders who spent the afternoon sharing fascinating stories from their adventures in the Irish mountains and how those experiences now shape their pursuits in the Alps and beyond. Ireland is brimming with remarkable stories and legendary outdoor figures, and Wander Wild is the perfect place to meet them all.
12. Immerse yourself in Celtic culture
Celebrate Ireland’s rich heritage by exploring one of the country’s most fascinating historical sites, Innisfallen Island. Last year at Wander Wild we took the kayak tour from Ross Castle out to the island and it was without doubt a highlight. We learnt about the island’s 7th-Century monastery and how it served as a hub of early Irish scholarship. The monks of Innisfallen created the famous Annals of Innisfallen and this key medieval chronicle offers invaluable insight into Ireland’s ancient history. With its mix of stunning natural scenery and deep historical significance, Innisfallen Island offers a unique opportunity to connect with Ireland’s heritage in a breathtaking outdoor setting.
13. Kickstart your fitness goals
If you’re looking for a reason to stay active this winter, put Wander Wild on your calendar for the spring! Choose from the wide range of challenging outdoor events and get training! Whether you want to climb Carrauntoohil, rock climb in the Gap of Dunloe, or tackle some urban orienteering, you’re bound to find a challenge that tickles your fancy. The festival will take place from the 4-6 April 2025 which gives you plenty of time to get ready. The best thing about challenging yourself at Wander Wild? The amazing range of wellness activities on offer which provide the perfect recovery after a taxing day in the hills!
14. Personalise your perfect adventure
Take control and build your ultimate outdoor itinerary! By far the best thing about Wander Wild Festival is the diversity of events. This allows you to customise your weekend’s activities to your preferences. Whether you want an adventurous weekend filled with summits and sunrises, a wellness retreat in the stunning Killarney National Park, or a mixture of both, you can do that at Wander Wild in 2025! If you want some guidance building an itinerary we highly recommend that you check out the suggested itineraries on the Wander Wild website!
Check out the full schedule of events here
See you in Killarney 4-6th April!
