Wander Wild Festival, Ireland's premier outdoor festival, has unveiled a range of exciting new events, adding even more adventure to an already action-packed lineup. Taking place in the stunning surroundings of the 26,000-acre UNESCO-protected Killarney National Park and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks from 4-6th April, this year's adventure and wellness festival promises to be the most exciting yet with activities designed to invigorate, inspire and spark the soul. The newly added activities cater to a wide range of interests, whether you are looking for a challenge or ways to unwind. 

Festival goers can now sign up for a Dawn Chorus walk and a ‘Nature Boy’ talk with Sean Ronyane, Mangerton Hike with the Kerry Cowboy, a Guided Bat Walk, Loughdale House Wellness Retreat, Sunrise Yoga, Lough Lein Family Boat Trip, Nature Valley Family Hike, Embodiment of Irish traditional song with Cait Ni Riain, an Athlete Performance Breathwork session, Shadow Breathwork and a Kids Balance Bike Workshop. Additional evening events include Fireside Chats with Bressie, Shee & others, Wanderwine at Luna, Sacred Sip & Paint and Moncrieff live with Saibh Skelly in St Mary’s Church of Ireland. 

This is in addition to over 100 other programmed events taking place during the festival weekend that will cater for all ages and abilities. Sponsored by Nature Valley and proudly supported by Fáilte Ireland and Kerry County Council, Wander Wild Festival offers something for everyone who wants to embrace the great outdoors.

Join Ornithologist Seán Ronayne for a sound-packed, illustrative lunchtime talk, where you’ll be brought on a beautiful journey with Irish birds, sharing their sounds, stories and struggles. Séan will also lead early birds on an enchanting guided soundful Dawn Chorus walk through the National Park. Or explore Killarney’s nocturnal wildlife with local bat experts on a  Guided Bat Walk in the heart of Killarney National Park. 
 

The brand new wellness village at Killarney House promises a host of soul-nourishing experiences in a haven of harmony - new additions this year include Sunrise Yoga, Athlete Performance Breathwork session, Shadow Breathwork, Flow in Intuition, Candlelight Yin, Grounded Connection, Movement & Sound - Somative Healing and Chakra Journey.

Use your cúpla focal as gaeilge while soaking up Killarney’s incredible scenery on a Siúlóid sna Sléibhte Mangerton hike with Séaghan Ó Súilleabháin, better known as The Kerry Cowboy. He will be sharing his knowledge on plants, animals and local history, while having lots of chats - the perfect activity for those passionate about Gaeilge and the outdoors. 

Enjoy meditation, breathwork, yoga and body movement in a stunning mountain lakeside location at the day-long Loughdale House Wellness Retreat. Or explore the deep-rooted ancestral memory that is stored in our bodies and our songlines with an interactive Embodiment of Irish Traditional Song and yoga workshop with Cáit Ní Ríain.

Families can explore the lakes and mountains with new additions such as the Lough Lein Family Boat Trip, a Kids Balance Bike Workshop, and the Whispers of the Wild: A storytelling family-friendly hike with Nature Valley guaranteed to have mystery, folklore, and breathtaking scenery. Children of all ages will enjoy uncovering the hidden secrets of this magical landscape as a storyteller will bring the Park’s legends to life. Festival favourites, the Gruffalo treasure hunts, nature art classes, kids yoga and an autism-friendly walk also return this year. 

As the sun sets, the packed evening programme ensures visitors will have lots of opportunities to connect with like-minded adventurers. Sample and learn about the natural wine-making process at WanderWine at Luna. The Sacred Sip & Paint workshop will explore the theme of Spring Awakening through Cacao and Art Therapy, helping participants to anchor their nervous systems and bodies in safety through guided meditation, cacao ceremony and art therapy exploration. The Fireside Chats offer a unique opportunity to share stories of exceptional or unusual life experiences and chat with like-minded adventurers such as mental health advocate. Bressie, DJ & producer SHEE with Caolan Ryan & friends, nature activist Mary Reynolds, bike-packing adventurer Saoirse Pottie, legendary cold water swimmer Nuala Moore and the Killarney Meitheal.  St Mary’s Church of Ireland will be the venue for an intimate performance by one of Ireland’s newest talents – details to be announced shortly. It promises to be an unmissable night of live music so keep an eye on the festival’s social media for updates.

Many of the festival favourites return this year with the Dark Sky Hike, Kayak and Boat Tours on the lake, Wim Hof Method Workshops, soothing Lakeside Sauna experiences, hikes for all levels, Stand Up Paddleboarding, nature photography workshops, rock climbing, a host of therapeutic wellness activities, workshops, live music, stalls, and entertainment at Basecamp in the town centre.
Wander Wild Festival is also committed to making the festival an eco-friendly experience, in tune with the natural beauty of Killarney. They are encouraging attendees to leave their car behind, travel by public transport to Killarney and then use a bike or hop on shuttle buses to reach many of out of town festival activities. The event’s collaboration with the Killarney Hotels Sustainability Group means eco-conscious accommodation options like glamping and hostels are ready to help reduce the festival’s footprint.

Ticket prices range from €10 to €100, with a number of free events. Tickets may be booked at wanderwildfestival.com. 
Wander Wild Festival is  supported by Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce and the National Park and Wildlife Service. Updates on new activities at WanderWildFestival on Instagram and Facebook or email info@wanderwildfestival.com