Cafe Du Parc in the Killarney Plaza hotel will play host to an eclectic mix of live music and DJ sets throughout the weekend. Mingle with fellow festival goers and ‘compare notes’ on the day’s activities. Located across from St. Mary’s church.

Kerry is home to some of the finest local suppliers and artisan producers anywhere in Ireland. On Saturday afternoon, some of our fantastic town centre pubs and restaurants will showcase ‘the best of Kerry’ on a plate. In keeping with the Wander Wild ethos of sustainability, the short ‘supply chain’ and local sourcing is not only better for our planet but tastes fresher too.

The grounds of St. Mary’s church of the Sloes and Main street provide a fun filled array of activities. We’ve got inflatable games, castles and an obstacle course, Killarney National Park educational exhibition, fun and games for kids big and small. And of course, a tricky and testing climbing wall.

An inspiring story of a zero waste/waste free family in Hobart, Australia. Lauren, Oberon, and their kids have found ways to produce almost no rubbish – they’ve only filled one small jar of waste in two years! They’ve been able to do this though a combination of small lifestyle changes including; buying food in bulk, bringing their own containers and bags to shops, buying locally grown food from the farmers market, composting their food scraps and pet poo, and buying secondhand clothes made from natural fibers.

What starts off as an adventure to film the blue whale, the largest animal on the planet, leads to the shocking discovery of a thick layer of plastic debris floating in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Craig, alongside Tanya Streeter, a world record-breaking free diver and environmental activist, then travel across the globe to report on the havoc caused by decades of plastic use.

Living the Change is a feature-length documentary that explores solutions to the global crises we face today – solutions any one of us can be part of – through the inspiring stories of people pioneering change in their own lives and in their communities in order to live in a sustainable and regenerative way.

The Big Deal An action packed profile of one of the UK’s strongest female boulderers on rock, Frances Bensley. As a relative newcomer to rock, we charter Frances’ 12 month journey on some stunning and increasingly hard problems throughout the UK as she makes an extraordinary rise to a World class level.

A celebration of one of the UK’s most impactful climbers, Edwin Drummond.

In this short and engrossing film, we follow Steve McClure as he attempts to make a successful attempt on the infamous “NightMayer” route.

The incredible story of Jesse Dufton who at four years of age was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare genetic disease that breaks down the retinas’ cells. By the age of 30, his sight was reduced to light perception and he had just 2% field of view. A lifelong climber, he refuses to be grounded by the disease and this film follows him as he takes on his biggest challenge to become the first blind person to make a “non-sight” lead of the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack in Scotland.

Every weekend through the winter, a group of middle-aged men, who dub themselves the East German Ladies Swimming Team, plunge into the freezing waters of a pond in central London. ‘The Home for Broken Toys’ follows the team through one season to explore their motivations for braving the extreme cold each week, a decision which seems alien to the filmmaker. The reasons she discovers are by turns comedic, poignant, and profound.

In an incredibly unique and beautiful short film record breaking French free diver Guillaume Néry takes you on an underwater journey around the world. With visuals as impressive and inspiring as the near superhuman talents he displays, this video will take your breath away.

The Pushing Limits Podcast is hosted by Shane Finn. Shane is an ultra-endurance athlete and in recent years he has run 24 back to back Marathons in 24 days & in 2019 he ran & cycled across the USA in 36 days. The first ever Pushing Limits Live Show feature special guests Elaine Burrows Dillane & Killian Buckley. In 2019, Elaine became the first Kerry Woman to swim the English Channel. In many ways, Elaine’s humble and self-effacing personality belies the sternness & difficulty of the challenge she faced. Killian Buckley grew up at the foot of Mangerton mountain. Over the past few years, Killian has completed some of the world’s most famous and challenging technical climbs. He now lives in Chamonix and runs an adventure travel company. Both Killian & Elaine are not only role models & great ambassadors for Kerry but they mirror and live their lives by “Pushing Limits”.

A collection of photographs by Micheal O’Sullivan 

A selection of stunning landscape photographs from renowned Killarney photographer Micheal O’Sullivan. Breathtaking capturing of some of Ireland’s most iconic locations.

For the duration of the festival –Killarney House and Gardens is hosting a collection of works by Peter O’Toole entitled “A Rangers View – Killarney National Park”. In 1980 Peter O’Toole started working in Killarney National Park and recently retired after 40 years’ service.

Kerry Dreamtime … is an expression of the cultural content of the ‘spine of Kerry’, that is the Magillicuddy Reeks on the Iveragh Peninsula. The songs, poems, stories, history, previously unpublished material about the Reeks including unique Beaufort age-old traditions including Biddys, the Kalem Films, 1910, etc. ‘Kerry Dreamtime’ is a cultural layer, a ‘sense of place’ complimenting the physical pristine landscape of the Reeks.

Killarney House and Gardens have been carefully restored to their former glory and today you can enjoy a tour of the historic rooms and take in the beauty of the gardens. The interpretive exhibition is a gateway to Killarney National Park and allows you to discover more about this beautiful landscape and the ongoing work to protect it.

 Explore the beauty of Killarney National Park with our guided Killarney Cycling tour, where you will get to experience the real beauty of Ireland’s largest and most spectacular Park, learn about its history and geology. Our guides are passionate about making you experience memorable. Bikes are provided.

The Park Run is an organised, free, 5km timed run and is open to everyone and are safe and easy to take part in. The Park Run takes place in Killarney House & Gardens and we encourage people of every ability to take part; from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; we welcome you all. The Park Run is a free event however you are required to register prior to the event at: https://www.parkrun.ie/register/?section=form

In the early 2000’s, The Ross Island project, led by Dr William O’Brien of UCG unearthed fine examples of Beaker pottery, traces of huts, worked bone, an early Bronze age settlement and a red deer antler carbon dated to 4,000 years ago. The site was found to contain the earliest known copper mines in north western Europe. Copper, iron, lead and silver were mined in Killarney. A large prehistoric complex using metal working ores from Ross Island has been identified near the town of Killarney. Dr. O’Brien will give an informative briefing on his research and the significance of the site before leading a hike to the site & along the mining trail on Ross Island.

This walk takes about 2 hours to complete and is approximately 10km in length. It brings you around the picturesque Muckross lake and you can admire the views all along the way. The views from the Old Weir Bridge or around the 200 year old Dinis Cottage are particularly spectacular. Before you arrive back to Muckross you have the option of visiting Torc Waterfall which while it adds on an additional 4km to your walk, it really worth the effort. After a visit to Torc, you cross the main road and re-enter the Killarney National Park and back to the rewards on offer for your efforts in the Café at Muckross House.

It is an unforgettable experience to go horse riding through the Killarney National Park. Killarney Riding Stables offers a 2 hour Trail Ride into the ‘Killarney National Park’. The trails go into the Knockreer Estate north of Lough Lein, (the largest of the three lakes in Killarney). Taking in stunning views of mountains, lake, flora and fauna. All groups are guided and all levels of experience catered for. For clients who come un-equipped, we can provide riding hats and boots.

Innisfallen island can be seen in the distance from Ross Castle out beyond the entrance to the bay. A monastery was founded on Innisfallen in the 7th century and it became a seat of learning and it is said that King Brian Boru studied there. On the island are the remains of the extensive 12th century Augustinian priory and a small 11th -12th century Romanesque church. The annals of Innisfallen, a major source of early Irish history and now stored in the Bodleian Library in Oxford were written there . There are also 21 acres to be explored.

Why not head out canoeing on the lakes of Killarney with your children. On what promises to be an memorable bonding occasion one parent and one child will have their own assigned canoe and will visit the limestone caves, view Muckross House from the water and witness the tranquil setting of the Meeting of the Waters, where all three of Killarney Lakes combine in a picturesque setting. The trip will be run by experienced qualified instructors from Cappanalea – The National Centre for Outdoor Education and Training.  All specialist and safety equipment will be provided by the centre.   The tour starts and finishes at Dinis car park, just turn up there in warm clothing and wearing water jacket and leggings.  This trip is specifically geared up for parents and children,  there are other opportunities during the festival for adults only or children only canoe / kayak events.

This is a two-person team task where you compete together using one canoe, to collect clues, team work is essential! Experience Muckross Lake and its unique scenery and wildlife while searching for checkpoints and deciphering clues. Can you think and paddle at the same time? Most checkpoints can be visited by canoe or kayak, for a bit more variety a number may also be located in the surrounding parkland.  Some checkpoints may be worth more than others, so strategy is important. A great team building event with a bit of competition thrown in!

With every turn your heart will be captured with dramatic scenery of mountains that rise from the lakes shores, majestic ancient woodlands and crystal clear waters, as we journey out towards the spellbinding Innisfallen Island, home to a 6th Century Abbey and wild Sika deer. We will discover the island and lakes many hidden secrets of past and present before making our way back towards Ross Castle. An adventure experience not to be missed!! What to bring – Pair of trainers you don’t mind getting wet, Swim wear to use underneath wetsuit, No cotton clothing to be worn as these items of clothing will hold water and may accelerate chances of hypothermia, Towel, spare clothes and shoes for after activity, Food and water e.g. snacks, water (1 litre approximately).

Discover the hidden beauty of the Lakes of Killarney with a gentle kayak adventure exploring the incredible history of Ross Castle and experiencing the lakes unique wild nature. We will also delve into how its surrounding landscape was formed and observe its beautiful nature close at hand.

Graded as STRENUOUS – A spectacular routs in a truly magnificent setting. One of the most popular routes amongst breath taking and awe inspiring wild mountain scenery. The day involves some sections of easy scrambling. A good level of fitness is required. 6.5+ hours. What to bring: Rain Jacket/Pants, Walking boots/shoes, Rucksack or appropriate bag for carrying food/clothing, Suitable hiking clothing e.g. fleece, hat, gloves, No cotton t-shirts or jeans as these items will hold water and may accelerate chances of hypothermia, Spare clothes and shoes for after activity, Warm drink and water(1 litre approx), Food e.g. lunch, snacks, etc.

You will climb and abseil, learn climbing techniques, rope work, knots and belaying. At the end of this course you will be able to rock climb and abseil competently, use climbing equipment, belay and tie knots. You will be able to use indoor climbing walls or climb outdoors with more experienced climbers – “I don’t know what I expected from a rock climbing course, but it wasn’t the life-coaching session it turned out to be…it made me realise how much I underestimate my potential and the degree to which my surroundings will help me if I trust them”. – No Previous Rock Climbing Experience Is Needed.

Very many people climb to the summit of Ireland’s highest mountain, “Carrantuohill’, at 3,414 ft. But few realise that  five Americans lost their lives on a nearby summit during World War Two. A sensational and very informative guided hike to the location of the crash which is in Ireland’s highest mountain range with Ireland’s leading guiding company, voted #1 Outdoor Activity Provider in Killarney on Trip Advisor for 6 consecutive years, come along and find out why !

GOOD LEVEL OF FITNESS REQUIRED & Prior Completion of KerryClimbing booking form.