Killarney’s mountains, lakes, and ancient woodlands will once again explode into life as Wander Wild Festival – Ireland’s premier outdoor and wellness festival – returns from 17th-19th April 2026.
Now in its 5th year, the festival has unveiled its most ambitious programme yet with over 120 events, blending adventure and wellness in one of the world’s most breath-taking landscapes, the 26,000-acre UNESCO-protected Killarney National Park, along with a buzzing Basecamp and full line up of evening entertainment. Whether you are an adventure seeker, nature lover, or a wellness devotee you will leave the weekend with a deeper connection to nature, a renewed sense of fulfilment, and meaningful new connections.
This year’s programme sees its biggest evolution yet, with a broadened mix of adrenaline-fuelled challenges and restorative wellness offerings. New additions include guided hikes on off-the-beaten-paths such as Carrauntoohil (Ireland’s highest mountain) via The Heavenly Gates, or North Mangerton, Wildlings – a dedicated sanctuary for families; Sensory Friendly rock-climbing; Plámásing – a live panel event with a diverse panel of creative guests; Eco Therapy Session – a guided sensory immersion in nature; Bígí Linn Ground & Connect – a grounding movement and meditation practice;; and Focal agus Fód: Language and Land through Art, with more additions soon to be announced.
Many of Wander Wild’s most loved signature experiences return for 2026 including: Dark Sky Hike, stargazing under one of the world’s best dark skies; Guided hikes, Steep-ground Masterclasses and Rock Climbing taking in the MacGillycuddy Reeks, Torc, The Lost Sky Train site, Carrauntoohil s, and the Coomloughra Horseshoe; Guided Bat Walk & Guided National Park Walk with local rangers; Stand Up Paddle Boarding – an experience exclusive to the festival; Rave ar Róthar, a group cycling ‘disco on wheels’ through the streets of Killarney; Sunrise Dips and unique Lakeside Sauna experience at Dundag – another experience only allowed during Wander Wild; and Boat and Kayak trips exploring Ross Castle and the 640 AD monastic ruins on Inisfallen Island.
Photo credit: Adrian McCarthy, Grandview Media.
The stunning dome tent of the Wellness Hub at Killarney House and Gardens will provide a haven of harmony with a full schedule of yoga, pilates, breathwork, sound bath, meditation and slow movement. New experiences include a deeply nourishing ceremonial Cacao experience, Ecstatic Dance, Five Element Flow, A Gathering of Men with Michael Ryan, former yoga teacher to President Michael D. Higgins, and Child of the Earth – an inner child movement journey.
As the sun sets over the lakes and mountains, Wander Wild shifts into evenings of connection, creativity and culture. From intimate conversations to lively social gatherings and church concerts, the evening programme is designed to deepen connections made on the trails, lakes and yoga mats. Attendees can gather for Fireside Chats with local adventurers, Sacred Sip and Paint sessions, Live music events in the stunning St. Mary’s Church – (to be announced in the New Year); and WanderWine at Luna, where natural food and drinks will help unwind body and mind after a day outdoors.
Little adventurers will be encouraged to explore both their inner and outer wilderness with curiosity and joy at Wildlings, a nurturing space where they can stretch, breathe, create, and rest through playful yoga, mindful crafts, storytelling, and nature-inspired calm. The full nature-themed family programme will be announced closer to the event.
Killarney is a certified Autism-friendly town, and the festival organisers want everyone to have the same chance to enjoy the festival, offering tailored events that include Blue Pool Autism Friendly Walk, with Autism-Friendly Killarney volunteers, ADD/ADHD-friendly Outdoor Rock Climbing Experience at the Gap of Dunloe, a Sensory Space at Basecamp, and other activities designed with neurodivergent Wander Wilders in mind.
The festival continues to champion affordability, with free events in The National Park, and free entertainment activities at Basecamp. Ticketed events span a range of prices, from intimate workshops to full-day adventures, with options for every pocket.
Organisers offer a low impact eco-friendly weekend, aligning the festival’s ethos with the natural beauty of Killarney’s outdoors. Attendees are invited to opt for eco-conscious travel and sustainable accommodation to reduce the festival’s footprint.
Kieran Kavanagh, Chairperson of Wander Wild Festival, says, “This festival captures the spirit of adventure and nature that makes Killarney so special. We’ve created a programme that invites everyone—no matter their age or ability – to explore the outdoors, care for their wellbeing, be entertained and reconnect with what truly matters. Whether you come for the adventure, the stillness, the fun or the connection, this year’s programme offers something that will stay with you long after the weekend ends.”
Ticket prices range from €10 to €100, supplemented with a generous helping of free events. With many events selling out at Wander Wild 2025, you are encouraged to book early for 2026 at wanderwildfestival.com. More exciting new mountain, lake, wellness and evening entertainment events will continue to be announced in the New Year.
Wander Wild is Proudly supported by Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, 53 Degrees North, Heineken 00, Pig’s Lane and a wide network of local businesses.
ARTICLE CREDIT; The Events, Tourism & Communications Agency
