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20th November 2024
11:00am GMT
It’s no secret that wellness, fitness, and nature are some of the positive things left over from the Covid-19 era.
In the years that have passed, more and more people are finding joy in moving their bodies, nurturing their minds, and challenging their fitness levels.
From friends signing us up for marathons to dragging us out for sunrise sea swims, there has been a distinct pivot in how we spend time with the ones we love, one that has only benefits for the mind, body, and soul, if not also a little resistance.
As we approach Christmas, buying gifts for the outdoorsy and motivated can be tricky, as the joy these activities bring them can’t exactly be wrapped up in a bow and placed under the tree.
However, there is one place in Ireland where you will find it: Killarney.
Wander Wild, Ireland’s great outdoors festival, offers over 130 activities in wellness, nature, fitness, and adventure in the scenic and mountainous landscape of Killarney, Co. Kerry over one weekend.
The uniqueness of this ‘boutique’ festival isn’t just in its beautiful, magical location but in its completely customisable approach; you book only the activities that excite you.
Festival-goers can create their own adventure with events priced from free to €100 — making it easier to budget your weekend — with some truly being once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Whether your trip to Killarney is for a few hours, a day, or overnight, the area offers incredible cafes, restaurants, and historic hotels that add even more to the experience.
Whether you’re hiking up one of Killarney’s mighty peaks with a group, meditating as Gaeilge, exploring the world-class parks full of flora and fauna, taking a Wim Hof workshop, or unwinding in a lakeside sauna on Muckross Lake, the options grow even more unique each year.
For history lovers, there’s a range of explorative and engaging lessons on Killarney’s fascinating lore, including landmarks like Innisfallen Island and Ross Castle, as well as the Fireside Chats offering a unique opportunity to chat with like-minded adventurers and local celebrities.
The festival’s passionate organisers work tirelessly to create a weekend of creativity and adventure that everyone — from families with young children to outdoor lovers of all ages and abilities — can enjoy in Killarney’s breathtaking surroundings.
The full programme, including a dedicated kids' schedule, has been released, and events for Wander Wild 2025 are now bookable now. Gift cards are also available if you’re unsure which activities to choose!
In 2023, Killarney became the first town in Ireland to phase out single-use coffee cups. Visitors buying takeaway coffee need to bring their own cup or pay a €2 deposit for a reusable one, which can be returned to any participating cafe (the majority of coffee shops in Killarney participate).
Killarney follows a Leave No Trace policy. Visitors are asked not to leave any items behind, even if they are biodegradable.
Please make sure to dress appropriately for your chosen activities and weather, and bring suitable footwear.
More information can be found at wanderwild.com.
Follow Wander Wild on Instagram for updates.
