{"id":30445,"date":"2025-01-02T11:51:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-02T16:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=30445"},"modified":"2025-01-06T12:53:19","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T17:53:19","slug":"wander-off-the-beaten-track-at-irelands-great-outdoors-festival-and-step-into-a-world-of-adventure-and-natural-beauty-in-killarney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=30445","title":{"rendered":"Wander Off The Beaten Track At Ireland\u2019s Great Outdoors Festival And Step Into A World Of Adventure And Natural Beauty In Killarney"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wwf.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30446\" width=\"839\" height=\"784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wwf.png 646w, https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wwf-300x280.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 839px) 100vw, 839px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>By Barry Coughlan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Killarney, one of the real hot spots of Irish Tourism, is hosting an April event that blends adventure, wellness and natural beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Wander Wild Festival\u2014Ireland\u2019s premier outdoor and wellness festival &#8211; returns to Killarney from April 4 to 6 this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Set in one of the world\u2019s most breath-taking landscapes, the 26,000-acre UNESCO-protected Killarney National Park, this unique festival offers something for everyone who wants to embrace the great outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sponsored by Nature Valley and proudly supported by F\u00e1ilte Ireland and Kerry County Council, the Wander Wild Festival includes a program packed with events designed to invigorate, inspire and spark the soul. Activities are themed around the mountains, lakes, park and mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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, the organizers\u2019 promise that visitors will leave the weekend with an enhanced appreciation for nature, a sense of fulfilment, and a connection with like-minded people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now in its fourth year, the 2025 festival program 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 &amp; Sound &#8211; Somative Healing and Chakra Journey have been added to the hub\u2019s line-up this year, promising a haven of harmony for all who participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also new to the program this year is the \u2018Cow To Cone\u2019 tour at Muckross Creamery and a Cold Water Talk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Returning popular events include the Dark Sky Hike (where one can observe constellations, planets and shooting stars from one of the world\u2019s 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 MacGillicuddys Reeks (including Torc, Mangerton, Carrauntoohil &#8211; Ireland\u2019s highest mountain and Coomloughra Horseshoe &#8211; Ireland\u2019s three highest peaks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is also Kayaking at Ross Castle, Sunrise Dips &amp; Lakeside Sauna at Dundag, boat trips to 640 AD monastic ruins on Inisfallen Island, Wim Hof Method Workshop (with a group breathing session on the lake), Forest Bathing, and more. The nature-themed family program will also return, with details to be announced closer to the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Evenings at the festival offer the opportunity to connect with some like-minded attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Activities include a special concert at St Mary\u2019s Church, a Seano\u00edche 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pat Chawke, Chairperson of Wander Wild Festival, says: \u201cWe\u2019re excited to bring the Wander Wild Festival to Killarney for another unforgettable year. 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 breath-taking beauty of Killarney\u2019s natural wonders, meeting fellow adventurers, and enjoying a fun weekend of wellness and rejuvenation\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a renewed focus on openness, inclusion, and diversity in the 2025 festival, many events will be suitable for people with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 the out-of-town festival activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The event\u2019s collaboration with the Killarney Hotels Sustainability Group means eco-conscious accommodation options like glamping and hostels are ready to help reduce the festival\u2019s footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ticket prices range from $11 to $110 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 tickets now at <a href=\"http:\/\/wanderwildfestival.com\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"wanderwildfestival.com\">wanderwildfestival.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n<div class=\"sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled\"><div class=\"robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-icon sd-sharing\"><h3 class=\"sd-title\">Share this:<\/h3><div class=\"sd-content\"><ul><li class=\"share-facebook\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" data-shared=\"sharing-facebook-30445\" class=\"share-facebook sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=30445&amp;share=facebook\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Facebook\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-twitter\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" data-shared=\"sharing-twitter-30445\" class=\"share-twitter sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=30445&amp;share=twitter\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Twitter\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-google-plus-1\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" data-shared=\"sharing-google-30445\" class=\"share-google-plus-1 sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=30445&amp;share=google-plus-1\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Google+\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-print\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" data-shared=\"\" class=\"share-print sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=30445\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to print\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to print (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-end\"><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Barry Coughlan Killarney, one of the real hot spots of Irish Tourism, is hosting an April event that blends adventure, wellness and natural beauty. The Wander Wild Festival\u2014Ireland\u2019s premier outdoor and wellness festival &#8211; returns to Killarney from April&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled\"><div class=\"robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-icon sd-sharing\"><h3 class=\"sd-title\">Share this:<\/h3><div class=\"sd-content\"><ul><li class=\"share-facebook\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" data-shared=\"sharing-facebook-30445\" class=\"share-facebook sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=30445&amp;share=facebook\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Facebook\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-twitter\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" data-shared=\"sharing-twitter-30445\" class=\"share-twitter sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=30445&amp;share=twitter\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Twitter\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-google-plus-1\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" data-shared=\"sharing-google-30445\" class=\"share-google-plus-1 sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=30445&amp;share=google-plus-1\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Google+\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-print\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" data-shared=\"\" class=\"share-print sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=30445\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to print\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to print (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-end\"><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30446,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11,8],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30445"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=30445"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30445\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30447,"href":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30445\/revisions\/30447"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/30446"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=30445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=30445"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=30445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}