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Comeraghs festival encourages all to take a walk on the wild side
The Comeraghs Wild Festival makes a vibrant return this summer, running from July 10 to 13, with a celebration of culture, nature, music and adventure across the spectacular Comeragh Mountains in Co. Waterford.
With the evocative theme of 'nostalgia', the festival is set to fuse tradition, storytelling, and natural beauty, while aiming to reignite the cultural flame that runs through the county's mountains, valleys, and communities.
Organisers promise four days of live performances with guided hikes, culinary delights, creative workshops, and encounters with heritage and local folklore.
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.
Cathaoirleach of Comeragh Municipal District Cllr. Seanie Power officially launched the programme for the festival over the June Bank Holiday.
At the launch, Cllr. 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 nostalgia 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.' he said.
Comeraghs Wild Festival line-up
Opening the festival on Thursday, July 10, playwright and performer Seamus O'Rourke will bring his one-man show 'Indigestion' to St. Brigid's Hall, Kilrossanty. This powerful piece of theatre explores the life of a man navigating loss, love and hope, bringing a mix of humour and pathos to the weekend.
Friday, July 11 sees the creative children's summer camp in Crough Wood get underway with young minds meeting the 'kings and queens of the trees' through crafts, mindfulness, and forest fun.
That evening, Cooney's Yard in the heart of the Comeraghs and the gateway to Mahon Falls will host the Dolan family's performance of 'Remembering Joe', a concert tribute marking 18 years since the legendary Joe Dolan's passing. On the night, the Dolans will be supported by the Wackateers, who are getting together once again for this special occasion.
Saturday, July 12 will bring the festival to a crescendo, starting with an early morning hike to the Cruachán summit with Muddyboots Guides. Yoga enthusiasts will find balance with Zen in the Park in Kilmac at the Signal Box, followed by the serving of coffee and smoothie bowls.
Six-year-olds Clarke Ní Chaoindealbháin, Noah Kavanagh, and Daisey McCann at the launch of the festival. Source: Patrick Browne
Throughout the day, the festival will embrace 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, surfing lessons, and a slew of family-friendly activities.
In addition, children can delight in meeting Honey and Barry Bear on the Waterford Suir Valley railway. The day will draw to a close with 'Dance Neath the Comeraghs' set dancing in Rathgormack and live music from Neily O'Connor.
On Sunday, July 13, the spirit of connection will continue. The day will kick off with a guided hike around the breathtaking Coumshingaun, followed by wellness workshops in Clonea Power's Scéal Nua gardens. Crough Wood will host a day-long wild wellness retreat featuring forest therapy, yoga, foraging walks, and an afternoon tea in the woods.
Families will delve into some magic at Waterford Suir Valley rail station with Horgan's Magnificent Magic Show, while 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.
To close the festival, Ireland's iconic Gina and The Champions will light up Dungarvan's Town Hall Theatre as part of their Live in '25 tour. With a set full of beloved hits and tributes to Dale Haze, this final performance promises a fitting end to a weekend filled with memories, music, and community.
