Countdown on as Comeraghs Wild Festival set to light up Waterford this weekend
Locals urged to join four-day celebration of stories, scenery and community from July 10-13
Excitement is building across Waterford as the Comeraghs Wild Festival returns from July 10 to 13, promising locals four days packed with music, adventure and storytelling set against the stunning backdrop of the Comeragh Mountains.
This year's festival, themed "Nostalgias," aims to celebrate Waterford's spirit and heritage through a vibrant mix of events.
Kicking things off on Thursday, award-winning playwright Seamus O'Rourke brings his acclaimed one-man show Indigestion to Kilrossanty, while over in Portlaw, historian Tom Hunt will share tales of the town's cotton mill history, followed by traditional storytelling with Terri Ryan at Micilin's Bar.
Friday promises fun for families with a Creative Children's Summer Camp in Crough Wood, while music lovers can soak up the sounds of The Dolan Family's Remembering Joe tribute concert and comedy from The Wackateers at Cooney's Yard near Mahon Falls.
Saturday offers a feast of choice, from a 10km hike to Cruachán summit for panoramic views stretching from Youghal to Tramore, to peaceful sessions at Zen in the Park under Kilmacthomas' Greenway arches.
Festival-goers can also try felt making, explore film landscapes on the Barry Lyndon Experience walk, mountain bike in the Nire Valley, or catch magical moments aboard the Suir Valley Railway.
On Sunday, brave hikers can tackle the Coumshingaun Ridge for breathtaking views, while Clonea Power's Scéal Nua gardens offer mindfulness sessions. Over in Crough Wood, the Wild Wellness Retreat promises forest therapy, yoga, foraging and even a waterfall plunge.
Families can delight in Horgan's Magnificent Magic Show, and film fans can check out a new Barry Lyndon photographic exhibition in Rathgormack.
The festival will wrap up in style as Gina and The Champions bring their Live in '25 tour to Dungarvan's Town Hall Theatre.
Organisers describe the festival as "a heartfelt celebration of who we are — our stories, landscapes, and sense of place," inviting locals to "walk with us, laugh with us, and lose yourself in the magic of the mountains."
With many events free and tickets starting at just €5, Waterford locals have plenty of reasons to explore the wild side. The full programme is now live at comeraghswild.com.