Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025: nature, music and memory in the heart of Ireland

Manuela Lenoci
Jun 24
3 min read

From July 10 to 13, 2025, the Comeraghs Wild Festival returns to the heart of the authentic Comeragh Mountains, in County Waterford, Ireland. Now in its tenth edition, the festival embraces the theme “Nostalgias” — a heartfelt invitation to reconnect with tradition, memory, and the untouched beauty of a land shaped by myth and history.

Expect a rich blend of music, storytelling, art, hiking, and wellness, along trails that pass scenic highlights like the Mahon Falls and Cruachán summit, all under the rare and dramatic skies of southeastern Ireland.

Among the highlights: the touching evening concert “Remembering Joe”, a tribute to Irish pop legend Joe Dolan, 18 years after his passing — performed by the Dolan family at the atmospheric Cooney’s Yard near the waterfall.

The festival doesn’t feature traditional competitive awards, but instead recognizes artists, communities, and local projects that contribute to heritage preservation and sustainable innovation — such as the reopening of the 8 Arch Gallery in Kilmacthomas. The 2024 edition was a major celebration, spreading across two weekends and featuring more than 55 events, including a standout performance at Curraghmore House with The High Kings and Ceol, plus themed tours, pop-up exhibitions, and an anniversary tribute to Barry Lyndon in Rathgormack.

2025 Festival Highlights

Thursday, July 10

Festival opening
Theatre performance: Indigestion by Seamus O’Rourke at St. Brigid’s Hall, Kilrossanty — a moving and humorous one-man show.

Friday, July 11

Creative workshop for kids at Crough Wood
“Remembering Joe” tribute concert by the Dolans
Live show by the Wackateers at Cooney’s Yard

Saturday, July 12

Sunrise hike to Cruachán
Zen yoga at the Signal Box
Traditional Irish music, felt-making, open-air cinema, and outdoor activities

Sunday, July 13

Scenic walk around Coumshingaun Lake
Foraging and forest therapy
Magic show at Waterford Suir Valley Railway
Barry Lyndon film screening with live commentary
Grand finale concert: Gina and The Champions at Dungarvan’s Town Hall Theatre

👉 Full schedule available on the official website: comeraghswild.com

How to reach the Comeraghs Wild Festival from Bari

There are no direct flights from Bari to Waterford. You can fly from Bari Airport (BRI) to either:
- Dublin Airport (DUB) with Ryanair
- Cork Airport (ORK) via Milan or Rome with Wizz Air
From Dublin, you can also fly to Cork or Kerry Airport (KIR), or continue by train or bus.

From Dublin or Cork to Waterford
- Train + bus: Take the Irish Rail train from Dublin Heuston Station to Waterford, then connect via local bus to Rathgormack or Mahon Falls.
- Direct coach: Several Bus Éireann lines run from Dublin or Cork to Waterford city.
Local shuttle service
During the main festival days, a dedicated shuttle will link Waterford with the key festival venues. Details and schedules are available during booking on the official website.

What to explore: nature trails, local food, and Irish culture

Must-do hikes
Mahon Falls & Coumshingaun: Unforgettable trails with waterfalls and glacial lakes.
Waterford Greenway: A scenic cycling route from Dungarvan to Waterford, ideal for accessing festival locations.

Cultural stops

Portlaw Heritage Walk: A guided tour through 200 years of local history.
Rathgormack Photo Exhibition: Behind-the-scenes of Barry Lyndon, filmed in the region 50 years ago.
Tastes of Waterford
- Outdoor BBQ with Comeragh lamb
- Homemade bread masterclasses
- Local produce markets
- Forest tea rituals for a unique wellness experience