Wander Wild is one of the newer additions to the Killarney events calendar — but it has quickly established itself as one of the most distinctive. Held each September when the summer crowds have thinned and the National Park is at its most beautiful, the festival combines outdoor adventure activities with wellness programming in a setting that makes both feel entirely natural. It is a festival built around what makes Killarney unique rather than imported into it.
Wander Wild — at a glance
- When September — exact dates vary year to year
- Location Killarney and the National Park
- Activities Hiking, kayaking, yoga, wild swimming, talks, workshops
- Character Outdoor adventure meets wellness — active but accessible
- Tickets Individual events and full festival passes available
What happens
The festival programme typically spans a long weekend and covers a wide range of activities — guided mountain hikes in the Reeks, kayaking on the lakes, yoga sessions in the National Park, cold water immersion, mindfulness walks through the ancient woodland, evening talks from outdoor and wellness practitioners, and social events in Killarney town. The pace is active but not extreme — the festival is designed to be accessible to people who are curious about outdoor and wellness activities, not just those already deeply committed to them.
Yoga in a National Park, kayaking to a 7th century island monastery, a cold swim in a glacial lake — Wander Wild makes the most of what Killarney uniquely has to offer.
Why September
September is one of the best months to be in Killarney. The summer crowds have gone, the weather is often excellent, the National Park is in its autumn colours, and the red deer rut is just beginning. The Wander Wild organisers chose the timing deliberately — the festival is designed to showcase Killarney at a time of year when visitors rarely see it at its best.
Practical information
Dates
September each year — exact dates announced on wanderwildfestival.ie typically several months in advance
Tickets
Individual activities and full festival passes available — book early as popular events sell out
Accommodation
September is quieter than summer — easier to find accommodation than race week or Puck Fair, but still worth booking ahead
More info
wanderwildfestival.ie — programme, booking and practical information