Exciting New Additions to Wander Wild Festival: Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Hikes with Roz Purcell & Jen Healy, Fireside Chats, Bressie Concert, Family programme and More!
Wander Wild Festival, Ireland’s great outdoors festival, is delighted to announce a host of exciting new events to an already jam-packed lineup.
Taking place in the stunning surroundings of the UNESCO Killarney National Park and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks from March 22nd to 24th, 2024, this year’s adventure and wellness festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before. The newly added events include activities that 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 Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP), The Nature Valley Hike with Roz Purcell, the 53 Degrees North Hike with Jen Healy, Ridge Climbs, Outdoor Photography Workshops, Guided Night Walks, Rock Climbing, a Cold Water Talk. Additional evening events include Fireside Chats and an intimate concert with Bressie & Special Guests in St Mary’s Church of Ireland.
This is in addition to the already over 100 programmed events over the Festival weekend that will cater for all ages and abilities. Sponsored by Nature Valley, Wander Wild Festival is the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the great outdoors!
The Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) is an amazing once off experience to paddle the Lakes of Killarney. Glide along the ripples as you get a new perspective of the lakes and mountains. The Nature Valley Hike with Roz Purcell promises to be a fun-filled afternoon with a unique hike and hidden waterfalls, while the 53 Degrees North Hike on Torc Mountain with Jen Healy offers great views on a relatively short hike, with breaks along the way where you can mindfully absorb your stunning surrounds and views over the Killarney Valley.
Experienced climbers will have the chance to embark on the rarely hiked MacGillicuddy’s Reeks Cummeenapeasta Ridge Walk and the Coomloughra Horseshoe (taking in Ireland’s three highest peaks, Carrauntoohil being one of them) – two challenging and adrenaline-pumping adventures on tricky terrain.
The Fireside Chats offer a unique opportunity to chat with like-minded adventurers and local celebrities such as nominee for Outsider Man of the Year Ian O’ Brien who climbed 28 peaks in 28 days last year to raise awareness of Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease, which he has himself, Killarney man Kevin Leahy who just won the Montane Arctic Spine Race as well as other local adventurers who will offer advice to anyone planning an expedition.
Bressie will be joined by special guests including Meadbh Walsh 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 entertainment.
For women, there is a special Women’s Circle focusing on menstrual cycle, while adrenaline seekers can try their hand at rock climbing in the Gap of Dunloe, Ireland’s most famous glaciated valley. Nature enthusiasts are in for a treat with the Night Walk in the National Park, led by a knowledgeable Park Ranger. Participants will have the unique experience of searching for nocturnal inhabitants while learning about the local flora and fauna.
For those interested in capturing the beauty of the surroundings, there will be a half-day photography tour led by local outdoor enthusiast Mícheál O’Sullivan. Budding snappers will learn about composition and equipment usage, and have the opportunity to capture stunning images of ancient woodlands, historic castles, and breathtaking landscapes.
The Mindfulness Hike offers the chance for people to be guided through a moving meditation while hiking – helping to ground yourself through your five senses. A Cold Water Talk will give those looking to start dipping their toes in the lakes or the sea, the chance to learn about the benefits of wild swimming. The family programme promises lots of fun for kids and parents with character themed musical workshops, Gruffalo treasure hunts, nature art classes, forest school for families and street entertainment.
The festival is packed with events for everyone, whether you are an adrenaline junkie seeking thrilling experiences or a nature enthusiast who loves going off the beaten track – highlight events include the Dark Sky Hike, Kayak and Boat Tours on the lake, Wim Hof Method Workshops, soothing Lakeside Sauna experiences, hikes, a host of therapeutic wellness activities from Forest Bathing to Breathwork Classes, workshops, live music, stalls, and entertainment at Basecamp in the town centre.
Organisers are committed to making the festival as sustainable as possible and are encouraging people to leave the car at home as shuttle buses will bring people from the town centre to most activities outside of town. They are also working with the local accommodation providers and operators to ensure that people’s stay has as low a carbon neutral impact as possible.
Most events are ticketed, with some free activities also available. Many events and hotels sold out last year so book early to avoid disappointment! Tickets are now live on wanderwildfestival.com.
Wander Wild Festival is sponsored by Nature Valley and supported by 53 Degrees North, Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce and the National Park and Wildlife Service
For updates on new activities follow WanderWildFestival on Instagram and Facebook or email info@wanderwildfestival.com