Are you looking for a weekend that blends adventure, wellness and natural beauty? The Wander Wild Festival — Ireland’s premier outdoor and wellness festival — returns to Killarney from April 4 to 6. Set in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, the 26,000-acre UNESCO-protected Killarney National Park, this festival offers something for everyone who wants to embrace the great outdoors.
Sponsored by Nature Valley and proudly supported by Fáilte Ireland and Kerry County Council, the Wander Wild Festival includes a programme packed with events designed to invigorate, inspire and spark the soul. Activities are themed around the mountains, lakes, park and mind.
Whether you are an adventure enthusiast hungry for a challenge, a nature lover drawn to hidden trails, or a wellness devotee in search of rejuvenation, organisers promise that you will leave the weekend with an enhanced appreciation for nature, a sense of fulfilment, and a connection with like-minded people.
Now in its fourth year, the 2025 festival programme has yet again expanded to include an even broader range of adrenaline-fueled excursions and serene, tranquil wellness experiences for all ages and abilities to reconnect with and recharge in nature. A highlight this year is the expanded Wellness Hub set in an exciting new location which will be announced in the New Year. Soul-nourishing experiences such as Flow in Intuition, Candlelight Yin, Grounded Connection, Movement & Sound - Somative Healing and Chakra Journey have been added to the hub’s line-up this year, promising a haven of harmony for all who participate.
Also new to the programme this year is the ‘Cow To Cone’ tour at Muckross Creamery and a Cold Water Talk. Returning popular events include the Dark Sky Hike (where you can observe constellations, planets and shooting stars from one of the world's best stargazing spots ), Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Upper Lake (an experience only allowed during the festival ), the Guided National Park Walk with local rangers (a once a year opportunity to see bats and wildlife up-close at night ), guided climbs or steep ground masterclasses on the MacGillicuddy's Reeks (including Torc, Mangerton, Carrauntoohil - Ireland's highest mountain and Coomloughra Horseshoe - Ireland’s three highest peaks ), kayaking at Ross Castle, sunrise dips and lakeside sauna at Dundag, boat trips to 640 AD monastic ruins on Inisfallen island, Wim Hof Method workshop (with group breathing session in the lake ), forest bathing, and more. The nature-themed family programme will also return, with details to be announced closer to the event.
Evenings at the festival offer the opportunity to connect with some like-minded attendees. Activities include a special concert at St Mary’s Church, a Seanoíche event and the return of the popular Fireside Chats where, in an intimate setting, you get to hear from local adventurers and ordinary people who have achieved extraordinary things. Just what the mind and body need after a day of wellness and adventure.
“We're excited to bring the Wander Wild Festival to Killarney for another unforgettable year," said Pat Chawke, festival chairperson. "With an exciting mix of outdoor adventures and wellness experiences, this festival offers something for everyone. We welcome people from all corners to join us in discovering the breathtaking beauty of Killarney’s natural wonders, meeting fellow adventurers, and enjoying a fun weekend of wellness and rejuvenation.”
With a renewed focus on openness, inclusion, and diversity in the 2025 festival, many events will be suitable for people with disabilities. As the festival takes place at the start of Autism Awareness Month, the committee will help raise awareness of autism in Ireland and they hope to help everyone to have the #samechance to enjoy the festival.
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 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 depending on the event, with a number of free events included so there is something for all budgets. With many events selling out last year, book your tickets now wanderwildfestival.com to avoid disappointment.
