The Sunny Southeast lived up to its name as Waterford basked in glorious sunshine over the weekend, as the Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025 welcomed crowds from all across the country to enjoy the wilderness of the Comeragh Mountains during a dynamic celebration of culture, nature, music, adventure, storytelling and more, set against one of Irelands most dramatic landscapes.
Over the weekend, audiences enjoyed a thoughtfully curated programme built around the evocative theme of ‘Nostalgias’. Attendees were transported through a rich tapestry of tradition and creativity, with each day offering a fresh blend of experiences designed to reconnect participants with local heritage, landscape and one another.
The festival opened on Thursday evening when acclaimed playwright and performer Seamus O’Rourke brought his one man show Indigestion to a full house at St. Brigid’s Hall in Kilrossanty. His poignant yet humorous exploration of loss, love and hope set an engaging tone for the weekend.
Fridays highlights included the Creative Children’s Summer Camp in Crough Wood, where young festival goers met the ‘Kings and Queens of the Trees’ through crafts, forest mindfulness and play, followed by the powerful ‘Remembering Joe’ tribute concert in Cooney’s Yard. The Dolan family, joined by the Wackateers, sold out the evening and delivered a heartfelt homage, marking 18 years since Joe Dolans passing.
PACKED SATURDAY
Saturday brought a crescendo of activity, beginning with an early morning hike to the Cruachán summit guided by Muddyboots, followed by yoga sessions, felt making workshops, cinema in nature loop walks, mountain bike challenges and surf lessons. Festival goers also enjoyed coffee and smoothie bowls beneath the summer sun, met Honey and Barry Bear aboard the Waterford Suir Valley Railway, and joined in set dancing at Rathgormack. Live music from Neily O’Connor brought the day to a joyful close.
Sunday continued the spirit of connection with a guided hike around the breathtaking Coumshingaun; wellness workshops in Clonea Power’s Scéal Nua gardens; a Wild Wellness Retreat in Crough Wood, which featured forest therapy, yoga, foraging walks and a nourishing afternoon tea. Families delighted in Horgan’s Magnificent Magic Show at the Waterford Suir Valley Rail Station, and film lovers gathered in Rathgormack for the Barry Lyndon exhibition.
The festival concluded on Sunday night with a sold out headline performance by Gina and The Champions at Dungarvan’s Town Hall Theatre. Their energetic set capped off a weekend that overflowed with memories, music, connection and community spirit.
ALREADY PLANNING FOR 2026!
Festival organiser, Bernadette Drohan, expressed her delight at the response to the 2025 festival.
“Throughout the festival weekend, numerous events sold out, highlighting the overwhelming demand and enthusiastic support from both locals and visitors. The combination of free and ticketed offerings ensured that the festival was accessible to all, nurturing a strong sense of togetherness amid the wild beauty of the Comeraghs”.
“We were absolutely thrilled with how this year’s festival turned out. From the sold-out events to the incredible community spirit, it was a true celebration of everything that makes the Comeraghs special. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and the team is already hard at work planning for Comeraghs Wild Festival 2026”, she enthused.
Organisers, supported by Waterford City & County Council, confirmed that plans for next year are already in motion. The Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025 has once again proven itself as a standout celebration of culture, nature and community, nestled in the heart of Irelands scenic southeast.
