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Wander Wild Festival announces expansions for 2026

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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.

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X-Factor singer Ben Quinlan to launch new album in Newmarket

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Killarney singer and pianist Ben Quinlan is set to launch his latest Irish album with a special concert in Newmarket, County Cork, this August.

The former X Factor contestant and winner of Ireland’s Alternative Eurovision has titled the event “A Night to Remember.”

The concert will take place on Saturday, August 22, at An Cultúrlann, in his grandparents’ hometown.

Quinlan recently returned from a major international tour across the Netherlands with the Celtic Steps show.

His upcoming performance will feature a mix of traditional and modern Irish music, covering artists from Thomas Moore and the Wolfe Tones to Kingfishr.

The setlist will also include crooner classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Michael Bublé.

“I’m launching my new album in my grandparents’ hometown and I’m hoping it will be a successful night,” said Quinlan, who performs professionally on the grand piano.
Doors at An Cultúrlann open at 7pm with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets are priced at €20 and the night will serve as the official launch for his new CD.

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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