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Wander Wild Festival returns in April with expanded programme

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Ireland’s outdoor and wellness festival Wander Wild will return to Killarney from April 17 to 19, with its largest programme to date.

Now entering its fifth year, the festival will feature more than 120 events across adventure, nature and wellbeing, set mainly within Killarney National Park and supported by a central Basecamp and evening entertainment across the town.

Organisers say the 2026 programme builds on previous years with a wider mix of high-adrenaline activities and slower-paced wellness experiences, designed to cater for all ages and abilities.

Events will include guided mountain hikes, rock climbing, paddleboarding, cycling, lake and boat trips, along with yoga, meditation, breathwork and sound therapy sessions.

New additions for 2026 include guided hikes on lesser-used routes such as Carrauntoohil via the Heavenly Gates and North Mangerton, sensory-friendly rock climbing, eco-therapy sessions, creative panel discussions and a dedicated family area known as Wildlings.

A number of established festival favourites will also return, including the Dark Sky Hike, sunrise lake dips at Dundag, lakeside sauna sessions, Rave ar Róthar cycling event and guided walks with National Park rangers.

The Wellness Hub at Killarney House and Gardens will again host a full schedule of movement and mindfulness sessions throughout the weekend, while evening events will include talks, live music, art workshops and social gatherings at venues around the town.

Accessibility remains a key focus, with autism-friendly and neurodivergent-inclusive events planned, including tailored walks, climbing sessions and a sensory space at Basecamp. Killarney’s status as an autism-friendly town continues to shape festival planning.

A mix of free and ticketed events will be offered, with prices ranging from €10 to €100. Many activities in the National Park and entertainment at Basecamp will be free to attend.

Festival chairperson Kieran Kavanagh said the aim is to offer a balanced programme that reflects Killarney’s landscape and community, while encouraging people to reconnect with the outdoors and their wellbeing.

Tickets for Wander Wild 2026 are expected to go on sale early in the new year, with further events to be announced. More information is available at wanderwildfestival.com.

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€1m EuroMillions win still unclaimed at Centra The Reeks

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€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks

Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery


Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.


The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh

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Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year

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Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year


Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.


The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.

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