If there’s one event that perfectly captures the wild soul of County Kerry, it’s the Wander Wild Festival — returning to Killarney National Park from 17–19 April 2026 for its fifth year.
This isn’t just a walking festival. It’s three days of adventure, wellness, culture, and pure Irish nature — set against the breathtaking backdrop of Killarney’s lakes, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, and some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.
What Is Wander Wild?
Wander Wild is Ireland’s premier outdoor festival, hosted in Killarney National Park — a 26,000-acre UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in County Kerry. Over 160 events are planned for 2026, with 40+ brand-new additions to the programme.
The festival is built around four pillars: MIND, LAKE, PARK, and MOUNTAIN — something for every kind of adventurer.
Highlights for 2026
Mountains & Adventure
For the first time in 2026, Wander Wild is offering a guided summit hike of Carrauntoohil — Ireland’s highest peak — via The Heavenly Gates route. For experienced hill walkers, the iconic Coomloughra Horseshoe (12km ridge traverse over Carrauntoohil, Beenkeragh, and Caher) is back on the programme. New this year: guided hikes on North Mangerton Mountain and a special Social Summit event with Irish adventurer Tadgh O’Brien.
Lakes & Water
Kayak tours, stand-up paddleboarding safaris, and family boat tours to the ancient monastic ruins of Innisfallen Island are among the lake highlights. For the brave, sunrise dips at Dundag and lakeside sauna sessions add a wellness edge to the water programme.
Wellness & Mind
The Killarney House and Gardens Wellness Hub hosts yoga, Pilates, breathwork, sound baths, and guided forest bathing. New for 2026: a Cacao Ceremony and Wim Hof breathing workshops.
Culture & Evening Events
Fireside chats with adventurers and storytellers, a concert by Kean Kavanagh in the beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church, and the return of Rave ar Róthar — a cycling disco — round out the evenings. There’s also a short film screening documenting Ellie Berry’s world record of climbing all 275 Irish mountains over 600m.
Practical Information
- Dates: 17–19 April 2026
- Location: Killarney National Park & Killarney town, County Kerry
- Tickets: €10–€100 (many National Park events are free)
- Booking: wanderwildfestival.com — events sell out fast, book early
- Getting there: Killarney is well served by rail from Dublin and Cork
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Wander Wild is the rare festival that lets the landscape do the talking. Whether you’re standing on the summit of Ireland’s highest mountain at dawn, kayaking across a mirror-still lough, or sitting fireside listening to stories of Irish adventurers — it’s an experience that stays with you.
And with tickets starting at just €10, this is one of the best-value weekend breaks in Ireland this spring.
And if you love discovering Irish culture through events, the Pan Celtic Festival in Carlow (7–11 April) is another unmissable Irish gathering this spring — six Celtic nations celebrating together for five days.
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