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The Irish Sun

Major Irish festival returns with live performances, guided hikes and culinary delights – and it has free events

TAKE a look at Ireland's major festival with live performances, guided hikes and culinary delights - and it has free events and tickets from €5. The Comeraghs Wild Festival is set to make a vibrant return this summer, running from July 10 to July 13. Advertisement 3 Clarke Ní Chaoindealbháin, 6, Noah Kavanagh, 6, and Daisey McCann, 6, are pictured celebrating the launch of the 2025 programme for the Comeraghs Wild Festival in Waterford Credit: Patrick Browne 3 And there are also free events listed on this year's programme Credit: Patrick Browne The event features a dynamic celebration of culture, nature, With the evocative theme of 'Nostalgias', the 2025 The event invites people to reignite the cultural flame that runs through the county's mountains, valleys, and communities. This year's festival aims to revive the past with a fresh spirit, as artists regroup, stories are retold, and traditions are reimagined against one of Ireland's most dramatic backdrops. Advertisement Read more in Travel This year's programme promises unforgettable days of live performances, guided hikes, culinary delights, creative workshops, and heart-warming encounters with heritage and local folklore. Cathaoirleach of Comeragh Municipal District, Cllr Seanie Power said: 'The Comeraghs Wild Festival is more than an event - it's a heartfelt celebration of who we are, where we've come from, and the stories that shape us. "This year's theme of 'Nostalgias' invites us all to reconnect with our heritage, our landscape, and one another. "As Cathaoirleach, I'm proud to launch a programme that honours tradition while embracing creativity, bringing our communities and visitors together in the breathtaking beauty of the Comeraghs. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Exclusive "I encourage everyone to join us for what promises to be four unforgettable days of culture, adventure, and connection." Seamus O'Rourke, who is an award-winning writer, playwright and performer, is set to open the festival on Thursday, July 10, with his one-man show Indigestion to St. Brigid's Hall, Kilrossanty. 'I'm a broken man, but memories made' says RTE's Donal Skehan after dreamy camping trip to Irish coast with family This powerful piece of theatre explores the life of a man navigating loss, love and hope, offering the perfect mix of humour and pathos to launch the weekend. SUMMER CAMP Young minds can meet the 'Kings and Queens of the Trees' at the Creative Advertisement A major highlight also takes place in the magical setting of Cooney's Yard in the heart of the Comeraghs on Friday evening. And the Dolan family presents Remembering Joe, a powerful concert tribute marking 18 years since the legendary Joe Dolan's passing. On Friday night, The Dolans will be supported by the famous 'Wackateers' who are coming together once again for this very special occasion. Saturday brings a festival crescendo, starting with an early morning hike to the Cruachán summit with Muddyboots Guides. Advertisement Yoga enthusiasts can find balance with Zen in the Park in Kilmac at the Signal Box, followed by fresh coffee and smoothie bowls. The festival embraces traditional crafts with a felt-making workshop, history and cinema with a Barry Lyndon commemorative loop walk, and the thrill of adventure with mountain biking events, Children and adults alike can delight in meeting Honey and Barry Bear on the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. Saturday draws to a joyful close with Dance Neath the Comeraghs set dancing in Rathgormack and live music from Neily O'Connor. Advertisement SPIRIT OF CONNECTION And the spirit of connection continues on Sunday, July 13. The day opens with a guided hike around the breathtaking Coumshingaun, followed by wellness workshops in Clonea Power's Scéal Nua gardens. Crough Wood also hosts a day-long Wild Wellness Retreat featuring forest therapy, yoga, foraging walks, and a nourishing afternoon tea in the woods. Families can enjoy a touch of magic at Waterford Suir Valley Rail Station with Horgan's Magnificent Magic Show. Advertisement And film lovers can revisit cinema history with a special screening of Barry Lyndon in Rathgormack, where scenes of the movie were originally filmed, accompanied by commentary from film critic John Maguire. Ireland's iconic Gina and The Champions will light up Dungarvan's Town Hall Theatre as part of their Live in '25 Tour to close the festival. This final performance promises a fitting end to a weekend filled with memories, music, and community. Tickets to The Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025 can be found at from €5. Advertisement And there are also free events listed on this year's programme, which are available on the website. 3 The Comeraghs Wild Festival is set to make a vibrant return this summer Credit: Patrick Browne