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Holly Tobin (6) , taking part in the children’s programme at the Wander Wild Festival in Killarney. Photo: Anastasia Garbera
LAST weekend’s Wander Wild Festival in Killarney was a massive success with an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people attending ticketed events and street activities.
Many ever-popular activities returned this year as well as some exciting new additions – many of which sold out.
These included Stand up Paddleboarding (SUP), a Dark Sky Hike, Kayaking, National Park Night Walks, Rock-climbing in the Gap of Dunloe, the Cummeenapeasta Ridge Walk, the Coomloughra Horse Shoe Hike and the Carrauntoohil Climbs, Samhradh’s Sauna on Dundag beach, a full weekend of Yoga & Wellness, and an intimate evening with Bressie, George Murphy & Meadbh Walsh at the ‘Pigs Lane’ concert in St. Mary’s Church.
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The expanded evening programme was a real hit, with engaging fire-side chats with adventurers and a Seanchoiche evening featuring storytellers and writers. On-street music at basecamp over the weekend by many local performers really helped to build the atmosphere.
The treasure hunt at the woods in Killarney House was just one of 17 children’s activities that had little wanderers entertained over the weekend.
Oona Tibbetts left, and Beverley Gray, enjoying Stand Up Paddleboarding with Wild Sup Tours, on Muckross Lake, Killarney, as part of the Wander Wild Festival in Killarney National Park. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
This year’s festival introduced autism-friendly festival activities in support of As I Am, including the Sensory Quiet Zone, and the Autism-Friendly Family Walk in the Blue Pool.
The festival’s educational programme included a very successful workshop on the Killarney Coffee Cup Project as well as an outreach programme with local schools which was a great success.
Pat Chawke, Chairperson of Wander Wild Festival, expressed his delight with the success of the festival, thanking all involved for their support in showcasing Killarney as the outdoor capital of Ireland.
“The atmosphere around town all weekend was fantastic – expanding the evening programme has been really successful as it offers people the chance to relax, enjoy and unwind in the company of other adventurers after a day on the mountains or on the lakes. The feedback from attendees is amazing and they left in awe of the place we call home.” Scroll down for photos…
Dev Skehan, left and Kevin Penrose, taking a break at Derrycunnihy, with Roz Purcell, wellness personality, leading The Nature Valley Hike, as part of the Wander Wild Festival in Killarney National Park. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
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Tranquility in nature…Well-known wellness personality, Roz Purcell, at Derrycunnihy, with Piaras Kelly of Kerry Climbing, leading The Nature Valley Hike, as part of the Wander Wild Festival in Killarney National Park. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Tranquility in nature…Well-known wellness personality, Roz Purcell, taking time at Derrycunnihy, leading The Nature Valley Hike, as part of the Wander Wild Festival in Killarney National Park. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
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Chris and Amy Horgan, competing in the Kerry Orienteering event, in Knockreer Estate, Killarney National Park, as part of the Wander Wild Festival in Killarney. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Mindfulness in the mountains…Mountain Guide, Donie Mulcahy, soaking in the surroundings as Jen Healy leads a mindfulness session in the forest of Torc Mountain after their hike , as part of the 53 Degrees hike, Wander Wild Festival in Killarney National Park. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Staff from Hilliards cooking up a storm, as part of the Wander Wild Festival in Killarney. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
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Adrian McCarthy, left, Founder Grandview Media, interviewing World Extreme Ultra Runners, Joe O’Leary and Lianne Van Dijk at the Fireside Chats in O’Connor’s Bar, High Street, Killarney, as part of the Wander Wild Festival in Killarney. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Close relations…first cousins, Broadcaster, Brendan Fuller interviewing adventurer and Alpine Mountain Guide, Killian Buckley at the Fireside Chats in Reidy’s Main Street, Killarney, as part of the Wander Wild Festival in Killarney. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
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Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Bressie gave an exclusive performance in the intimate church venue of St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Killarney. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Max Kennedy (6) , taking part in the children’s programme at the Wander Wild Festival in Killarney. Photo: Anastasia Garbera
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Sophie Jo and Shane Corcoran taking part in the children’s programme/Gruffalo Hunt at the Wander Wild Festival in Killarney. Photo: Anastasia Garbera
Families enjoying the Gruffalo Hunt at the Wander Wild Festival in Killarney. Photo: Anastasia Garbera
Leeann and Cillian Fogarty taking part in the children’s programme/Gruffalo Hunt at the Wander Wild Festival in Killarney. Photo: Anastasia Garbera
Ciara and Oliver McCormack at Wander Wild Festival Killarney.
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