Killarney rail journeys hit all-time high

Rail travel on the Tralee to Cork/Dublin line, which serves Killarney station, reached a record-breaking high in 2025.

New figures from Iarnród Éireann show that demand on the route surged to 962,000 journeys last year, an 8.3% increase over the previous 12 months.
This total surpassed the 2024 record of 888,000 journeys for the Kerry service. Nationally, the rail network also saw its busiest year ever, recording 55 million total journeys across Intercity, Commuter, and DART services.
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine welcomed the figures, stating they demonstrate a clear appetite for high-quality public transport. She noted that as volumes continue to grow in 2026, the company is focused on expanding services and investing in new trains and station upgrades.
The record numbers come as the rail provider looks toward a more sustainable future, with plans to use the rail network as the backbone for transport and housing development under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.

The organisers of the Wander Wild Festival have officially announced a significant expansion to this year’s schedule, introducing over 40 brand-new activities for the upcoming event. Running from April 17 to 19, Ireland’s premier outdoor, culture, and wellness festival will now feature more than 160 immersive experiences.

Set within the 26,000-acre UNESCO-protected Killarney National Park, the festival continues to establish itself as a national leader in nature-based adventure and community connection.

The latest wave of announcements introduces a diverse mix of high-energy mountain adventures and intimate cultural performances.

Among the standout new additions is a Social Summit of Mangerton led by Tadgh O’Brien, alongside a special screening of Ellie Berry’s short film which documents her world-record achievement of climbing all 275 Irish mountains over 600m. For those looking to sharpen their technical skills, the 2026 programme includes a mountain scrambling masterclass on some of the country’s most challenging ridges and a trail-running masterclass hosted by Irish International runner Matthew McConnell.

Heritage and nature remain central to the festival’s identity. New experiences for this year include a Monastic Ruins tour, temperate woodland and waterfall explorations, and wild-food foraging workshops.

Those seeking a unique perspective on the park’s landscape can join Killian Buckley to explore the hidden mountain valleys of The Horses Glen or participate in a Dawn Chorus Walk to experience the natural symphony of the park at daybreak.

Culture and connection are further highlighted through new collaborations. The “Echoes of Earth and Water” event combines a traditional boat journey with a guided walk, while the TAWLA Collective will host “Supper & Stories,” an intimate dining experience inspired by the flavours of Palestine, Egypt, and Lebanon.

As evening approaches, the festival’s atmosphere shifts toward music and storytelling. Kean Kavanagh is set to perform at St Mary’s Church, while a series of “Fireside Chats” will feature guests like Chris Barrett and members of the How to Gael trio sharing stories of resilience and exploration.

Families are also a primary focus this year with an expanded ‘Wildlings’ schedule. New family-oriented activities include a folklore walk with author Barry Coleman, Yoga Óige, and nature-themed LEGO workshops.

These join returning favourites such as Gruffalo adventure hunts and family orienteering.

These new additions complement over 120 established festival favourites, including the Dark Sky Hike, “Rave ar Róthar” cycling disco, and the lakeside sauna experience at Dundag.

Organisers remain committed to a low-impact, eco-friendly ethos, encouraging attendees to choose sustainable travel and accommodation.

With ticket prices ranging from €10 to €95 and several free events available, early booking is strongly recommended via wanderwildfestival.com following the sell-out success of previous years.