Wander Wild at Killarney’s great outdoors festival

Ireland’s unique adventure and wellness festival, Wander Wild, returns to the 25,000-acre Killarney National Park – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – from 24–26 March 2023.

Perfect for adrenaline junkies, those seeking new mindful experiences or anyone who enjoys being active in the outdoors, the festival offers a host of events for the body, mind and soul.

Over the three-day festival weekend, you’ll have the chance to recharge with a dip, hike, bike, kayak, swim, horse ride, ramble, or wellness activity all set against the backdrop of Killarney’s spectacular mountain and lake landscapes.

Thrill seekers can scale Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil, test their endurance on a run through the Gap of Dunloe, enjoy a night trail run on the Old Kenmare Road, rise to new heights with rock climbing and abseiling, or learn how to move off the beaten track with a Steep Ground Masterclass.

For something a little different, you can paddle back in time on a kayak tour to Inisfallen Island – home to a monastery dating to AD 640 – or start the day with a sunrise dip at Dundag Lake.

Connect with nature on a Forest Bathing walk, discover the power of breath with a Wim Hof Method Workshop, or savour a Samhradh Sauna Experience. Wellness enthusiasts can experience yoga and light therapy, Reiki, and sunrise Vinyasa amongst a range of classes.

New events for 2023 include a natural ice-bath in the Lakes of Killarney, and a 3D sensory tour of the Blue Pool Nature Reserve with a light and sound installation. The festival will also premier two Irish adventure films.

With a range of culinary and cultural experiences unique to the area, including a foodie tour, a photo exhibition and workshop, and a tour of historic Killarney House, the festival caters for the whole self.

One of the best things about Wander Wild is that you can experience complete remoteness by day, and a town buzzing with entertainment at night. The fun won’t stop when the sun goes down as Killarney town hosts the electric basecamp for the festival offering a weekend of social events including live music and entertainment in local bars.

The festival officially opens on Friday 24 March with a colourful Spring Equinox parade through the streets to celebrate the end of winter and the rebirth of spring.

There’s a plentiful and diverse range of accommodation options in Killarney from hostels and self-catering to four- and five-star hotels. Shuttle buses will transfer people from the town centre to all the activities making the connection from vibrant Killarney to the majestic wilderness of the surrounding natural landscape, quick and convenient.

To secure your place on any of the events or avail of early bird weekend activity packages you can book at wanderwildfestival.com.

www.ireland.com