By Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

As winter begins to fade and the evenings slowly stretch out again, there’s a renewed sense of anticipation around Killarney. Spring brings a packed calendar of events — Ablefest Killarney, the Wander Wild Festival and the St Patrick’s Day Festival — each offering something special for locals and visitors alik

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None of it, however, would be possible without the volunteers who give their time and energy so generously to make it all happen.

Killarney is a place where people step forward, ideas are welcomed and community continues to grow. That spirit was clear when I met with Jessica O’Connor, business owner, Chairperson of Autism Friendly Killarney and member of the Wander Wild Festival Committee; Maureen Hegarty, member of the Wander Wild and Ablefest committees, former Secretary of Killarney Chamber and volunteer with the St Patrick’s Day Festival; and Shirley McGough, committee member with Ablefest Killarney and Autism Friendly Killarney.

Ablefest Killarney: A Celebration for Everyone

For Shirley McGough, Ablefest is about creating a space where everyone feels welcome.

“Ablefest is a celebration of inclusion — for all abilities and all ages — and it brings an enormous sense of community,” she said.

Following a hugely positive first year, Ablefest Killarney returns on Sunday, March 15, two days before St Patrick’s Day. Building on last year’s success, the 2025 event will include new additions such as a silent disco, live music from Jake Carter, a wide variety of food vendors, and plenty of interactive activities designed to ensure there is something for everyone.

The impact of Ablefest is felt most strongly through the families who attend. Shirley recalled meeting a woman who told her that her daughter still refers to Ablefest as “the best day of her life.”

Jessica O’Connor shared another moment that captured the heart of the day.

“I noticed a woman crying and Maureen and I went over to see if she was okay,” Jessica said. “She told us, ‘Ye thought of our children today, thank you so much.’ We both got goosebumps. That’s what it’s all about.”

From One Idea to a Growing Movement

Ablefest Killarney grew from a simple but powerful idea. After visiting an Ablefest event in Meath, Maureen returned home inspired.

“I came back and asked Shirley to talk to a few friends, and before we knew it, Autism Friendly Killarney was born and Ablefest Killarney followed.”

Jessica acknowledged the important role of Kevin Leahy, founder of Autism Friendly Killarney and owner of The Black Sheep Café on New Street, in establishing the initiative.

Six months on, Jessica says the group’s efforts are clearly making a difference.

“People are now coming to us with ideas. Before Autism Friendly Killarney existed, there was no one to ask. The awareness is there now, and we can only build on that.”

She pointed to practical changes already happening across the town, including sensory party setups now offered by local company The Event Edit and visual aids being introduced in hotels. Hotel Killarney, she noted, even painted rooms with sensory needs in mind during renovations.

“These small steps make such a difference for families wanting to enjoy time away together,” Jessica said. “We’re also hoping to introduce visual menus in restaurants across Killarney.”

She also expressed gratitude to Cllr Marie Moloney, who ensured a suitable space was made available for families to view parades.

“It doesn’t have to be ‘you go in for the parade and I’ll stay at home’ anymore,” Jessica said. “Now the whole family can enjoy it together — and that’s what it’s about.”

Wander Wild: Connection, Wellness and Listening

Now in its seventh year, the Wander Wild Festival takes place from April 17–19 and continues to evolve.

“It was once very much about adventure, but now it’s also about connection and wellness,” Maureen explained.

The festival brings together people of all ages, combining outdoor activity with mindfulness for both parents and children. Guest speakers, she said, consistently resonate with audiences.

Listening to feedback has been central to the festival’s growth, with new evening events added this year, including a night-sky walk and fireside gatherings, creating more opportunities for meaningful connection.

Why Volunteering Matters

All three women volunteer across multiple festivals, driven by connection and shared purpose.

“For the celebratory glass of wine afterwards,” Maureen laughed, before adding, “It’s the feel-good factor and the wonderful people you meet.”

Shirley, a mother of a daughter with autism, spoke about the support she has found through volunteering.

“I used to feel like I was always fighting for services. Now I’m surrounded by like-minded people. I love the craic, and I’m learning all the time.”

Jessica explained that her involvement began through her business background with Vodafone Killarney, a family-run business.

“I always admired the enthusiasm of past committees. When my daughter went to college, my time freed up and I got involved. We work hard, but we enjoy ourselves too.”

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on the wider impact of these events, Maureen summed it up simply.

“What began as a way to attract people to Killarney also brought our own community together and created a new family of volunteers.”

As Killarney looks ahead to another vibrant season, these festivals stand as a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with generosity and care. To the volunteers working quietly behind the scenes thank you.