Wandering off the beaten track in Killarney was most definitely a step in the right direction
Ahead of the Wander Wild Festival, taking place 22-24 March, I got a taster of what’s in store, and from the yoga session to the Torc Mountain hike, the weekend far exceeded my expectations.
Pretty much all my life, I’ve identified as a very much indoors person. Thoroughly intimidated by the competitive edge that seemed part and parcel of obligatory schoolyard sports, I resolved to make my excuses once free will came into the equation, sitting out of PE and opting out of friendly five aside games with my more athletic pals.
So, I became a savant of indoor hobbies. Knitting, reading, crosswords, card games — all of which can be engaged in while nestled in the corner of the couch. God forbid I am not cosy for even five minutes. My preferred means of exercise involve long walks and following along to YouTube yoga tutorials, perched on a matt on my bedroom floor, and while I would not say I’m unfit, the prospect of a weekend spent trying out some of the programmed events at Wander Wild Festival down in Killarney did fill me with a teensy tiny bit of terror.
Terror that was, in actual fact, entirely unwarranted. Described as Ireland’s own ‘great outdoors festival’, Wander Wild is designed to make getting active feel more accessible. They’ve got workshops and excursions for any range of skill levels, from thrilling climbing sessions for the adrenaline fuelled among us, to calming mindfulness sessions to help you heal.
Through the three-day programme, you can opt to challenge yourself as much as you’d like. There are hikes to the summit of Carrauntoohil encouragingly named ‘Devil’s Ladder’, Torc Wood trail runs, stand up paddleboarding sessions, and kayaking tours of the lakes of Killarney — there’s even a chance to rock climb in the Gap of Dunloe, and a seven hour trails across Ireland’s three highest peaks, the Coomloughra Horseshoe, for those feeling brave enough.
In the other extreme, there is forest bathing and lakeside saunas, Wim Hoff method workshops, urban orienteering, and Quantum Touch energy healing. The yoga offering is all encompassing, with sessions linked with light therapy, led through Irish, and held at sunrise. There are sound baths, Reiki, breathwork classes, and cold water talks. There’s even a Dark Sky astrology talk!
The events aren’t limited to daylight hours, as the programme spills over into the evening. There’ll be live music on the bandstand, fireside talks with experts across many fields, and even a Seanchoíche storytelling event to look forward to. Other big names involved include Roz Purcell, Jen Healy, and Bressie. Each workshop is individually priced (with some free events sprinkled in for good measure), so you can opt to attend as many as you’re able for, and each guide or instructor you come in contact with will make you feel instantly at ease.
That is, in no short part, because each person involved in the organisation of the Wander Wild Festival is doing so on an entirely voluntary basis. They’re doing it out of sheer passion, out of pride in their locality, and a desire to help more people connect with nature on a deeper level, helping them to fully appreciate the privilege it is to live and be active and just exist against such a stunning backdrop.
Taking place in the awe inspiring surroundings of the UNESCO Killarney National Park and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, it’s impossible to not be infected by the joy of nature. It might sound generic or clichéd, but it’s true — even in the pouring rain or when the view is shrouded in fog, that fresh air in your lungs feels addictive, the sore legs a strangely welcome reward.
To take you through my own taster experience, we—myself and my much more athletic sister, Katie—began our excursion with a yoga session in Balance TwentyOne, the view from which is a sight to behold. Led by Kelly McSweeney, yogi extraordinaire who also happens to have organised the entire wellness-centric side of the festival, the session had a healing intention and focussed on the heart chakra.
Starting out with tapping and shaking, and rounding off with a deep meditation, it was just what we needed after a 3.5 hour drive. Plus, the exercise mats and yoga blocks from Inish Living added a layer of quality plushness I now realise has been sorely missing from my life.
Next up was a Ross Castle to Dinis Cottage Boat Tour with Donal O’Donoghue (Dux Junior), who I quite literally could not praise highly enough. Departing from the 15th Century Ross Castle, we sailed along the shores of the Ross Island and the Lower Lake, through the beautiful Bricín Bridge and into the the Middle Lake, bordering the Killarney National Park and Muckross estate and along the lake shore of Torc Mountain and on to the historical 18th century Herbert hunting lodge at Dinis Cottage.
We pulled up and hopped off at various points, seeing the incredible O’Sullivan’s Cascade and Innisfallen Island, where we spotted many, many deer who had swum out from the mainland for a change of scenery. Along the way Dux—the fifth generation to take the reins, or oars, of Gap of Dunloe Traditional Boat Tours—provided an education on the area, the Rhododendron problem, and steps volunteers have taken to maintain and improve on their natural landscape and ecosystem. His laser eyes even managed to scope out a white-tailed eagle, which was quite the unexpected treat, all while keeping us laughing the whole time.
Last up was a guided hike up Torc Mountain with the lovely, inspiring, motivational Maureen Hegarty. My sister and I believe she is our best friend now, such was the extent of our grá for her after the 3+ hours spent huffing, puffing, climbing and squinting out into the overcast middle distance. Though we may not have seen it ourselves thanks to the dastardly fog, we’re assured that the spectacularly scenic trek in the Killarney National Park provides stunning views from the summit over the Lakes of Killarney and Killarney Valley.
It’s mostly sleepers the whole way to the top, so it’s very manageable once you’ve got the right gear and a big old bottle of water, but what struck me most was just how bloody happy everyone was. Groups of American tourists, men in their 70s sporting great wooden sticks, locals stepping ahead with the learned self-assuredness that comes from years spent following the same trail. It was like being in a Fáilte Ireland ad, Remember When by The Heathers whispering on the wind somewhere miles away.
As you would expect, sustainability plays a huge role in the Wander Wild Festival. It’s a very much ‘leave it as you found it’ approach, and they’re encouraging people to leave the car at home and opt instead for the shuttle buses, which will bring people from the town centre to all activities. If you didn’t already know, Killarney became the first Irish town to end use of disposable coffee cups last year, so make sure you’ve got your Keep Cup handy!
They are also working with the Killarney Hotels Sustainability Group and sustainable budget providers such as glamping and hostels to ensure that people’s stay has as low a carbon neutral impact as possible. For the course of our weekend in Killarney, we stayed in The Ross, located in the town centre, and while the room provided exceptional comfort, it was the staff that made our stay what it was. Special shout out here to onsite eatery Polly’s for the incredible meal and delicious cocktails. I’m still thinking about the green falafel.
All in all, Wander Wild Festival is a chance to get off the beaten track and plant yourself back in nature. You can push yourself to the limit and reach new heights (literally), or you can opt for a slower trail, taking the road less travelled. Go with your friends, your family, or opt to embark alone, meeting and connecting with those you meet along the way. One thing I can assure is that you will thrive off the feeling—whether that’s adrenaline or rejuvenation—for days and weeks afterwards.
To browse the programme in full and book your activities, visit the Wander Wild Festival website today.
Wander Wild Festival imagery provided by Valerie O’Sullivan
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