From 10th to 13th July, 2025, county Waterford will come alive with the sights, sounds, and spirit of Irish tradition as the Comeraghs Wild Festival returns beneath the majestic Comeragh Mountains.
Under this year’s evocative theme, Nostalgias, the festival offers a spellbinding four-day celebration that transports visitors into the heart of Ireland’s cultural heritage through music, dance, storytelling, and joyful family adventures.
A standout feature of the festival is its vibrant homage to Irish traditional music and dance. On Saturday, July 12th, festivalgoers can enjoy an afternoon of pure cultural immersion. Starting at 3pm, the Rambling House Session hosted by the much-loved Joe Power invites all to gather round and take part – whether by singing an old tune, telling a treasured tale, or simply soaking up the camaraderie of a gathering that echoes the oral traditions of generations past. Expect laughter, warmth, and a strong cup of tea in the company of new friends and old souls.
As the sun dips behind the mountains, the rhythm carries on. At 7pm, the Rathgormack Hiking & Community Centre will thrum with the foot-tapping energy of ‘Dance Neath the Comeraghs’. Set dancers of every age and ability will feel right at home here, with music provided by Neily O’Connor Band, and the dazzling young talents from the band Ceol Craobh Crotaigh will also play. With a sizzling BBQ and local ice-cream on hand, this is more than a dance – it’s a village celebration under the mountain sky, where the joy of the set is infectious.
For families and young adventurers, the festival offers a feast of imagination and outdoor wonder. Crough Wood becomes a child’s dream world on Friday and Saturday, when Claire O’Sullivan’s Creative Children’s Summer Camp invites little ones into a realm of nature crafts, leafy treasure hunts, gentle mindfulness, and woodland magic. Designed for children but welcoming to their grown-ups too, the camp runs from 10am to 12:30pm on Friday and Saturday and offers the chance to connect with nature in playful, meaningful ways over one or two days.
The enchantment continues just down the way with a journey aboard the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. From 11am to 4pm, families can hop aboard for a 40-minute scenic ride along the lush, meandering Greenway. Onboard, kids can meet the ever-popular Honey and Barry Bear, take part in a whimsical treasure hunt and enjoy cheerful face-painting – all part of a heartwarming day out that’s sure to become a family memory for years to come.
For those drawn to the sea, Bunmahon Surf School will be making waves with their ‘Kids Only Surfing Lesson’ at 2pm on Saturday. Designed exclusively for under-12s, this energetic, splash-filled experience introduces youngsters to the thrill of the ocean in a fun, safe and unforgettable way. Places are limited and booking is essential, so make sure to catch the wave in time.
From forests to windswept beaches, from the fiddle’s lilt to the dancer’s leap, the Comeraghs Wild Festival is a joyful tribute to the stories, songs, and spirit that shape the country’s soul. All details, ticket information, and the full festival programme are available online at comeraghswild.com
