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Killarney goes wild for adventure

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3 years ago

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Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Last weekend's Wander Wild Festival was a huge success with double the amount of event bookings on last year.

Base Camp for the Wander Wild Festival Killarney, at the Church of the sloes, St Mary's Church of Ireland, town centre. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC***Issued 26/03/2023

Earthly sounds...Donal and Una Dowd, and Breda O'Farrell experiencing 'the Garden of Unearthly Delights' installation by Artist, Augustine Leuder - which is an immersive 3D sound installation around the blue pool in the heart of Cloghereen Nature trail, Killarney National Park, as part of the Wander Wild Outdoor Festival at the weekend in Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PICS*** ISSUED 26/03/2023

Earthly sounds... 'the Garden of Unearthly Delights' installation by Artist, Augustine Leuder - which is an immersive 3D sound installation around the blue pool in the heart of Cloghereen Nature trail, Killarney National Park, as part of the Wander Wild Outdoor Festival at the weekend in Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PICS*** ISSUED 26/03/2023

Earthly sounds... 'the Garden of Unearthly Delights' installation by Artist, Augustine Leuder - which is an immersive 3D sound installation around the blue pool in the heart of Cloghereen Nature trail, Killarney National Park, as part of the Wander Wild Outdoor Festival at the weekend in Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Earthly sounds... 'the Garden of Unearthly Delights' installation by Artist, Augustine Leuder - which is an immersive 3D sound installation around the blue pool in the heart of Cloghereen Nature trail, Killarney National Park, as part of the Wander Wild Outdoor Festival at the weekend in Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PICS*** ISSUED 26/03/2023

Earthly sounds... 'the Garden of Unearthly Delights' installation by Artist, Augustine Leuder - which is an immersive 3D sound installation around the blue pool in the heart of Cloghereen Nature trail, Killarney National Park, as part of the Wander Wild Outdoor Festival at the weekend in Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PICS*** ISSUED 26/03/2023

Let it rain..Pupils from MACademy Performing arts school, Killarney performing at the opening ceremony of Wander Wild Festival, in Killarney, on Friday evening. The adventure and wellness festival continues until Sunday. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC**

Don't let it rain on our parade...Chairman of Wander Wild Festival Killarney, Pat Chawke, being shielded from the rain by Conor Hennigan, Wander Wild Festival, at the opening ceremony on Friday evening. The adventure and wellness festival continues until Sunday. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC**

Cathaoirleach Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Niall Kelleher, being shielded from the rain by Conor Hennigan, Wander Wild Festival, at the opening ceremony of the Wander Wild Outdoor Festival in Killarney town on Friday evening. The adventure and wellness festival continues until Sunday. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC**

Rain Dance...Mark Clifford at Celtic Steps, performing in the rain at the Wander Wild Festival opening ceremony in Killarney town on Friday evening. The adventure and wellness festival continues until Sunday. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC**

Rain Dance...Peig O'Connor of Celtic Steps, performing in the rain at the Wander Wild Festival opening ceremony in Killarnet town on Friday evening. The adventure and wellness festival continues until Sunday. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC**

Rain Dance...Peig O'Connor of Celtic Steps, performing in the rain at the Wander Wild Festival opening ceremony in Killarnet town on Friday evening. The adventure and wellness festival continues until Sunday. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC**

No getting away from the rain at the Wander Wild Festival opening ceremony in Killarney town on Friday evening. The adventure and wellness festival continues until Sunday. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC**

Donal Dowd right, and Colm O'Halloran, at the opening ceremony of the Wander WIld Festival in Killarney town on Friday evening. The adventure and wellness festival continues until Sunday. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC**

Never mind the weather...David Rea of Celtic Steps and his troupe of musicians and dancers, with MC Kieran Healy, making the most of the terrible rain, at the Wander Wild Festival opening ceremony in Killarney town on Friday evening. The adventure and wellness festival continues until Sunday. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC**

Never mind the weather...David Rea of Celtic Steps and his troupe of musicians and dancers, with MC Kieran Healy, making the most of the terrible rain, at the Wander Wild Festival opening ceremony in Killarney town on Friday evening. The adventure and wellness festival continues until Sunday. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC**

Never mind the weather...David Rea of Celtic Steps and his troupe of musicians and dancers, with MC Kieran Healy, making the most of the terrible rain, at the Wander Wild Festival opening ceremony in Killarney town on Friday evening. The adventure and wellness festival continues until Sunday. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC**

Green fingers...Jennifer Pyne at Ireland’s first hospitality hydroponic urban farm in Killarney as part of Wander Wild Festival foodie tour, tasting local artisan produce and exploring Killarney's new and very vibrant local food scene as part of the Wander Wild Festival which ran over the weekend. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC***Issued 26/03/2023

Louise Cronin, at Ireland’s first hospitality hydroponic urban farm in Killarney as part of Wander Wild Festival foodie tour, tasting local artisan produce and exploring Killarney's new and very vibrant local food scene as part of the Wander Wild Festival which ran over the weekend. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC***Issued 26/03/2023

Emily Treacy of Luna, Killarney, greeting guests as part of Wander Wild Festival foodie tour, tasting local artisan produce and exploring Killarney's new and very vibrant local food scene as part of the Wander Wild Festival which ran over the weekend. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC***Issued 26/03/2023

Emily Treacy of Luna, Killarney, with FIlm&Documentary Maker, Adrian McCarthy and his wife Grace, part of Wander Wild Festival foodie tour, tasting local artisan produce and exploring Killarney's new and very vibrant local food scene as part of the Wander Wild Festival which ran over the weekend. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC***Issued 26/03/2023

Lak Shana of the Tanyard Restaurant, Killarney Plaza Hotel, greeting guests, part of Wander Wild Festival foodie tour, tasting local artisan produce and exploring Killarney's new and very vibrant local food scene as part of the Wander Wild Festival which ran over the weekend. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC***Issued 26/03/2023

The town was buzzing all weekend, especially around Basecamp at St Mary's Church. Locals and visitors alike enjoyed the huge range of activities that were on offer, from relaxing yoga to adventurous steep ground masterclasses on Carrauntoohil. It all kicked off with the Nature Valley Mangerton Hike with Roz Purcell on Friday.

Even the challenging weather didn't dampen spirits of those who joined the hiking enthusiast for the climb. Two sold out screenings of local director Adrian McCarthy's film featuring adventurer Kevin Leahy (Black Sheep Hostel) were a huge success. On Saturday morning, the sunrise dip started off a busy day of activities on the lakes, mountains, in the National Park and around town.

Samhradh's Sauna at Dundag was very popular with locals and visitors alike, giving everyone a unique experience at the popular swim spot. The varied kids programme proved very popular and younger kids really enjoyed the Kids Zone.

"We are thrilled with how everything went," Pat Chawke, Chairperson of the Wander Wild Festival organising committee, said.

"The town and the National Park were buzzing all weekend. The feedback from those who took part has been incredibly positive, from locals who rediscovered what the National Park has to offer, to visitors who were blown away by the beauty and the amenities. Seeing people embrace nature and enjoy new and sometimes challenging events was really encouraging. There were some real standout moments such as the sunrise dips, the Wim Hof Workshops, The Garden of Unearthly delights at the Blue Pool, the foodie tour, and Mundy's outstanding performance in St Mary's Church of Ireland, to name but a few.

He said he'd like to thank the committee who gave so much of their time for free over the last few months to put the festival together.

"Without their dedication there wouldn't be a festival. We are indebted to our sponsors and local activity providers for working so closely with us to provide unique memorable experience for people. And of course, to our supporters, whose assistance is vital - the NPWS, Nature Valley, Fáilte Ireland, Killarney Chamber of Commerce and Kerry County Council. We are already planning for next year with plans to grow it even bigger."

Put March 22-24 in your diary for Wander Wild Festival 2024!

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New Sunday date for 30th anniversary Historic Rally

The Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally will move to a new Sunday date for its 30th anniversary running. The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 29, […]

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22 July 2026

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The Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally will move to a new Sunday date for its 30th anniversary running.

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 29, marking the opening round of the 2027 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship Historic category.

Five-time World Rally Championship event winner Paul Nagle will spearhead the event as Clerk of the Course. The appointment carries personal significance, as Nagle is the son of the late Maurice Nagle, the original founder of the rally.

The first Killarney Historic Rally was organised by Maurice Nagle in December 1996, shortly after the international Rally of the Lakes moved to its permanent May Bank Holiday weekend slot. Having served on the organising committee for the old winter Rally of the Lakes, Maurice maintained that Killarney had the capacity to host a motorsport event during the winter period. Over the last three decades, it has grown into Ireland’s only dedicated event for historic rally machinery, where an overall victory is as coveted as a win at the international event in May. “Taking on the role of Clerk of the Course for the 30th anniversary is a massive honour, but more importantly, it is an opportunity to protect and build upon the legacy my father left behind,” said Paul Nagle. “He believed that Killarney’s classic stages were the perfect arena to showcase historic cars, and he fought hard to establish this. Reaching 30 years of Ireland’s only dedicated historic rally proves his vision was right. We are fully committed to making this anniversary edition a special event that honours his memory and celebrates the history of historic motorsport.”

Nagle has promised a return to the classic Killarney tarmac that defined the event’s early years, confirming that stages such as Ballaghbeama Pass and Caragh Lake will feature on the itinerary for the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally. Since retiring from professional co-driving in 2023,

Nagle has worked as an FIA Safety Delegate on several World Rally Championship events. Work is now underway to secure a strong field of historic rally cars, with some star names expected to join the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship regulars on the entry list. His experience in event management, combined with his international contacts, is currently being used to attract an expanded entry list. A promotional push is underway to secure a large field of historic rally cars, including several drivers from overseas. The event retains the title sponsorship of the Killarney Towers Hotel and Leisure Centre, located on College Street in the centre of Killarney town. The hotel’s town centre location is highly favoured by rally fans who return each year, having proved to be a popular base since the hotel first took on the role in 2023.

Managing Director of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection and Killarney Towers Hotel and Leisure Centre, Gemma Ring commented: “We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the Killarney Historic Rally as we enter our fourth year as title sponsor. This year’s event is especially significant as the rally celebrates its 30th anniversary, a remarkable milestone for one of Ireland’s most iconic motorsport events.
At the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, we have always been passionate about supporting events that showcase the very best of Killarney. The Historic Rally brings together competitors, enthusiasts and visitors from across Ireland and beyond, creating a fantastic atmosphere throughout the town while making a valuable contribution to our local businesses and community.
Congratulations to Killarney and District Motor Club and everyone involved in reaching this incredible 30-year milestone. We look forward to welcoming participants and spectators once again and wish everyone a safe, enjoyable and memorable weekend.”

Full route details and regulations for the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally will be released by the Killarney and District Motor Club in the coming months.

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Rathmore’s Tearmann Lodge raises €1,200 for Kerry Hospice

The staff and residents at Tearmann Lodge in Rathmore recently came together to raise €1,200 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation . The facility, which is run by the Kerry Parents […]

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22 July 2026

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The staff and residents at Tearmann Lodge in Rathmore recently came together to raise €1,200 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation

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The facility, which is run by the Kerry Parents & Friends Association, hosted a successful bingo evening and raffle in late March of this year. This follows a similar fundraising event held at the centre in 2024.
Residents at the lodge were encouraged to participate in the evening, which proved to be a highly positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Tearmann Lodge Manager Gillian Kenny facilitated the fundraiser, while staff member Irene O’Donoghue acted as the main organiser, with assistance from colleague Karen McCarthy and other members of the team.
The residential facility provides accommodation for nine residents, alongside an extra bedroom used for respite care when needed.
“Kerry Hospice would be close to the hearts of many here, both residents and staff, whose loved ones have benefitted from the services provided by the charity. We are delighted to be in a position to give something back in return,” Irene O’Donoghue said.
Pat Doolan of the Killarney Branch of Kerry Hospice expressed his gratitude to everyone at the centre during the official cheque presentation.
“This was another lovely gesture by all concerned and I want to thank them for their generosity. I spent some pleasant time over a cuppa with residents and staff members in the comfortable surroundings at Tearmann Lodge on the day of the cheque presentation. Esther Kelleher, who is a resident at the centre, entertained us with a lovely song,” Pat Doolan said

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