We find ourselves sprawled on the floor of a snug chamber adjoining the bustling lobby of the esteemed Dromhall Hotel in the enticing homestead of Killarney, County Kerry, panting with exertion.
Leo Ryan firmly asserts, “This is not meditation, but ‘breath work’. It demands effort,” and thus, we start. Ryan acquaints us with the Wim Hof Method, a regimen of prolonged, intense breathing for about thirty minutes, interspersed with breath-holding stages and succinct dips in frigid water. A plethora of benefits await, such as invigorated energy, reduced tension, improved immune health, enhanced sleep quality, and a general sense of well-being.
Having partaken in a pleasurable evening at the vibrant Pig’s Lane with a round of cocktails, followed by merriments at the historic Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, the prospect of reaping such boons is quite enticing as I welcome the break.
Ryan proves to be an engaging instructor, gently rectifying my breathing patterns. My initial hesitations quickly dissipate, and I find myself entranced, with moments of borderline hallucinatory experiences. En route to the lake, I’ve shrugged off my initial timidity and am now so relaxed I don’t register the cold.
“Cold water exposure’s benefits manifest in the initial one and half to two minutes, not through prolonged endurance,” Ryan educates us, and we breeze through it. Emboldened, I venture in deeper and let out some invigorating squeals. Ryan appreciates the enthusiasm, remarking how we seldom get the chance to let loose. Truer words have seldom been spoken given the current times.
I’m in Killarney, participating in a sampler of events on offer at the third instalment of Killarney’s Wander Wild Festival. A host of delightful activities await – Stand Up Paddleboarding, Yoga and Light Therapy, a Blue Pool hike aimed at being Autism Friendly, and a refreshing round of Forest Bathing.
The festival, now in its third year, evolved from the Killarney Mountain Festival. While retaining the thrill of climbs and hikes beloved by fervent outdoor aficionados, Wander Wild infuses mindfulness into the mix. An assortment of activities accommodates both health scene novices and wellness enthusiasts alike, promising something for everyone.
How invigorating it is, amplified further by the breath-taking landscapes and facilities surrounding you. The brilliance of the Wild Atlantic Way’s moniker is in how it doesn’t promise great weather; it rather prompts you to appreciate the wind and rain as integral elements of the journey. The Wander Wild festival, which kicks off the weekend post St Patrick’s Day, echoes this ethos, although during my visit, we were favoured by the weather.
The appeal of this festival is pretty obvious. Killarney indeed doesn’t lack in accommodations, but historically it seemed to overlook the potential its mountains and lakes possess. For many years, the town was primarily recognised not for its wild inhabitants found in the National Park, but for the occasional rowdy revellers.
This perception is now transformed, with a remarkable sense of community spirit thriving. It’s embodied by their sustainability measures, such as in 2023 when Killarney became the pioneer Irish settlement to prohibit the usage of disposable coffee cups. The festival too echoes this sustainable ethos, offering complimentary shuttle buses for its patrons. With a train station at the town’s core, public transport has never been as convenient an alternative as it is now.
Prior to my arrival, I googled Wim Hof, finding images of the Dutch ‘iceman’ cross-legged atop a glacier, dressed merely in shorts. His preferred pastimes include climbing mountains barefoot and setting a record for the utmost ice exposure, sought by no one but him, which inevitably leads to one question: what’s the point?
The world of health and wellbeing (two distinct concepts indeed) occasionally fixates on extremism, which may seem intimidating to a few. Yet, an event like this offers the relief to travel at your own pace, taste all there is to offer. I relished in the exhilaration of performing well amidst inspiring landscapes during my short break in Killarney, and surprisingly found equal excitement in the less successful outcomes.
In my initial encounter with Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) at Wild SUP, I introduced myself to Oona Tibbets and Ed Lacey as an individual characterized by poor stability, who had a great deal of trouble learning to cycle. To be frank, if you’re out of practice, even donning a wetsuit can prove to be a test. It’s rather uncommon to use SUPs on the Killarney Lakes, so being able to do this was a unique opportunity, and it was equally exciting to have my first experience in a setting devoid of waves. However, despite my numerous attempts to stay upright, even the tiniest ripples appeared to be enormous waves. Tibbets, a supportive coach, makes the entire process seem effortless. Perhaps it is, or perhaps it might be, in the distant future.
I cautiously navigate through the reeds, initially on my knees, and manage to sustain an unstable stance as Muckross House comes into sight and a horse-drawn cart passes. Kelly Ann Sweeney, who would later conduct an energetic yoga session, makes a Warrior Pose on her board look simple, yet I’m quite pleased with myself for reaching the sheltered part of the lake, until I come to the realisation that I’ve forgotten how to perform basic manoeuvres like turning and stopping. Nevertheless, I do get a sense of how thrilling it must be to become proficient at SUP.
The Wim Hof method has revealed my longstanding flawed breathing technique, and SUP has exposed another area of weakness – maintaining balance. Interestingly, this is not a negative thing. Attempting tasks you are unfamiliar with, particularly when you reach a certain age, provides a wonderful opportunity to embrace new experiences. Each individual will have their own set of challenges and their own thresholds. What truly matters is the exposure to new viewpoints. Small embarrassments along the journey prompt humility and serve as a reminder that the pursuit of perfection is unnecessary. It is a valuable insight into life, assuming I can keep it in my mind.
There’s nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to Forest Bathing. It’s a respectful venture into nature and there’s no expectations for you to strip down – unless you consider opening up emotionally in front of unfamiliar faces embarrassing. Under the watchful eye of Kerry Ann Walker, we’re taken on a relaxed tour from Ross Castle to the lakeside. She familiarises us with the simple joys to be found in observing the light’s dance on the water surface, and the tactile allure of stones and moss. We’re offered nettle tea and prompted to vow inwardly to be more compassionate to ourselves in the coming days.
Ms. Walker additionally runs a Forest School during the festival, which provides children and their associated adults the opportunity to interact intimately with nature, including picking up the necessary skill of fire manipulation. This formerly indispensable everyday life component has slowly disappeared from most children’s lives as fireplaces and backyard fires have become less common. Much like the vanishing presence of large animals in our existence, I speculate on the minor and major distresses this deficiency might incite. Yet I am aware of the awe-inspiring realisation of nature’s grandeur on our Forest Bathing trek – it serves as a pleasing reminder of the bountiful assets we possess, freely available at our disposal.
Adding more evidence to the idea that simplicity can equal significance, Maureen Hegarty escorts us through additional woodland paths, leading to the Blue Pool. The path to the pool, once choked by overgrown rhododendron, is now clear thanks to the efforts of volunteers from Tidy Towns and the Mountain Meitheil Group. The striking hue of the Blue Pool is attributed to copper deposits. Certain paths have been designed for full accessibility, including solid ground suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, along with a hand rope for visually impaired individuals.
An Autism Friendly Walk has been organised for the festival, backed by support from AsIAm and local organisations. Hegarty remarks, “We’ll provide participants with sufficient information beforehand to prepare them for what’s to come,” She also notes the presence of skilled guides to ensure every walker has a chance to appreciate this stunning location to the fullest.
Freeing oneself of potential hindrances like paddle boards and water facilitates the discovery of inner resilience, an experience that becomes evident during my yoga session at Balance Twenty One. Our lively instructor, Kelly Ann Sweeney, encourages rhythmic movements on our mats before progressing to stretching positions, while assorted coloured lighting helps set the mood. While the entire experience is charming, the highlight is relaxing under a cosy blanket, adorned with a weighted eye mask, while indulging in an invigorating Yoga Nidra session. Sweeney’s soothing voice makes it feel as though I’m dissolving with sheer pleasure.
Many of the activities I engage in boast of their potential to enhance the immune system, so much so that it’s bewildering to think that anyone should fall ill. I have my fondness for cocktails to account for that perhaps, a passion I revitalise at Hilliards, complemented by a scrumptious dinner. The festival offers food trails that introduce a variety of local delicacies that can be balanced out with a walk the next day.
The Wander Wild Festival is scheduled from the 22nd to the 24th of March.
What to expect at Wild Wandering
The festival offers a wide variety of experiences, from the intensely challenging to the soothingly gentle, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Activities cater to experienced participants, novices and families too. For a rich, diverse festival experience, we recommend choosing a few favourites and a couple of new experiences. Let loose and embrace the wild.
For seasoned participants
Take part in the masterclass on movement along the less frequented trail of Cummeenpeasta Ridge at Macgillicuddy’s Reeks. Keen on rugged, exposed terrain? It’s scheduled on the 23rd of March for €90.
The Coomloughra Horseshoe offers a unique hiking opportunity across Ireland’s three highest peaks. Be part of this seven-hour expedition, led by Tomás O’Donoghue and Killian Buckley from Citizens of the Wild, on the 24th of March for €85.
Spiritual delights
Engage with Emma West in a Healing Sound Bath daily for €15 to rejuvenate through music with crystal bowls, gongs, drums, and chimes.
Experience a rejuvenating session of Quantum Touch healing at the Anam Arts and Cultural Centre. Similar to Reiki, but with a unique approach, it aims to promote optimum wellness on the 23rd & 24th of March for €20.
Try these for the experience.
Fireside Chats provide intimate experiences with adventurers – more specifically, it allows small-group interaction with your idols as opposed to viewing them from a distance in a lecture room. Notable speakers entail Nuala Moore, Kieran Kavanagh, Fiona O’Donoghue, and Séan Buckley, featuring throughout the weekend at a cost of €10.
Gain a refreshing perspective of nocturnal wildlife through Night Walks in the National Park, scheduled for March 22nd & 23rd at €15.
For children,
Participate in Gruffalo Treasure Hunts during the weekend located in Killarney Woods and supervised by MACademy Performing Arts School. Each child’s ticket costs €15 for dates March 23rd & 24th.
Try the Forest School for Families executed by The Nature Hub. Activities range from lighting fires, crafting, playing games, to holding a cookout. Suitable for children aged 5-10 and accompanied by an adult, priced at €25 for March 23rd.