Now on July 14, 15 and 16
A GROWING festival that celebrates all that is authentic and special about the rugged Comeragh Mountains on the Waterford/Tipperary border and the stunning surrounding hinterland, has moved to mid-July so that families nation-wide can join in the open air activities and fun events during the peak holiday season.
The Comeraghs Wild Festival has switched from its traditional slot in September to July 14, 15 and 16, with a strong focus, yet again, on music, storytelling, outdoor pursuits, activities in and around the Comeragh Mountains and the stunning new Waterford Greenway.
World-renowned uilleann piper, David Power, teams up with talented harpist, Triona Marshall, and national broadcaster, Olivia O’Leary, for a not-to-be-missed open-air concert and poetry recital in stunning Mahon Falls, deep in the Comeragh Mountains, on the opening night.
The extended programme on the first day also features Beach Art with renowned beach artist, Sean Corcoran, at Ballyvoile. Day two includes a walk along the famous Lough Mara Loop walk, a ceili and barbecue in Rathgormack; a fantastic, action-packed family fun day and picnic in the park in Kilmacthomas, which includes an Alison in Wonderland-themed picnic.
Comeragh Mountaineering Club will host a free introduction to scrambling and rock climbing aimed at young adults. There’s also more beach art at Copper Coast; storytelling with Eddie Lenihan at Lyre Heritage Centre and a not-to-be- missed disco in Portlaw with DJ John O’Shea.
The third and final day includes something for everyone. There’s the ‘Coumshinaun Loop’ walk from Kilmacthomas with Mario of Muddyboots and also, a seaweed walk starting out from the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor centre with seaweed and foraging expert Bruce MacDonald.
This year’s programme also features history and storytelling with Julian Walton, Willie Fraher and Kenneth Nicholls of UCC, as well as outdoor theatre in Portlaw with Chapter House Theatre Company at stunning Curraghmore House and Gardens which celebrates the 300th anniversary of the marriage of Catherine De La Poer and Marcus Beresford.
The festival ends on a high in Kilmacthomas with an Open Air Concert in the Park featuring Gina and the Champions who will be joined on stage by Dale Haze for a one off, not to be missed gig, all performing under the lights of The Viaduct. There’s also a concert on the Copper Coast Sunday night with two local bands, Dunaill, and the acoustic Americana band, Still House Down.
Comeraghs Wild Festival spokesman, Richie Walsh, said the weekend event will showcase the Comeraghs to the world. And moving it to July means more people on holiday can really kick back and enjoy the event during the peak tourist season.
“We have some great communities, heritage and traditions here in the Comeraghs. It’s steeped in music, poetry, history and dance traditions. That is what makes it a wonderful place with a whole range of things for people to enjoy. There are superb visitor opportunities here and the festival is all about promoting these.
“The Comeraghs Wild Festival showcases The Comeraghs in all their beauty and all their splendour. This festival showcases the countryside when it’s looking its very best. One of the most significant events of this year’s festival programme is the open air concert at Mahon Falls. It is a spectacular backdrop for what we know will be a very special night.”
The Comeraghs includes the renowned Waterford Greenway and the many visitors to the area who walk, run or cycle along the Greenway are encouraged to stop off in Kilmacthomas and enjoy the many Comeraghs Wild Festival events over the three day spectacle.
For more on the wild adventures that await you, log on to www.ComeraghsWild.com
