The Comeraghs Wild Festival 2026 has officially launched its full programme, unveiling a wide-ranging celebration of music, landscape, storytelling, heritage, outdoor recreation and community taking place across the Comeragh region of County Waterford from July 9th to July 12th, 2026.
Supported by Waterford City and County Council and firmly established as one of Ireland’s most distinctive festivals, Comeraghs Wild 2026 brings together headline concerts, intimate cultural experiences, outdoor adventure events and participatory workshops, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Comeragh Mountains and surrounding villages.
The festival opens on Thursday, July 9th, in Rathgormack with Wild Laughs: Bernard Casey Live in Rathgormack at The Village Bar. One of Ireland’s most popular comedy performers, known for his viral sketches and acclaimed live performances across Ireland and internationally. Supported by live music from Moylan the opening night sets the tone for a weekend of entertainment, energy and community spirit in the heart of the Comeraghs.
A major musical highlight follows on Friday, July 10th at Cooney’s Yard, where The Frank and Walters will headline a landmark open-air mountain concert alongside Ruaile Buaile. This signature festival event blends indie nostalgia with high-energy trad fusion, creating a celebratory atmosphere of singing, dancing and shared experience deep in the mountains.
On Sunday, July 12th, audiences will be invited to a special intimate performance by Duke Special at Clonagam Church in just outside Portlaw. Renowned for his theatrical and storytelling approach to music, Duke Special will bring a uniquely atmospheric performance to one of the festival’s most intimate and evocative venues.
Later that same day, Woodhouse Estate in Stradbally will host ‘An Evening of Song and Story’ featuring The Backyard Band and White Horse Guitar Club. Set within the estate’s restored walled garden, this open-air concert will offer a relaxed and immersive experience combining harmonies, storytelling and community connection as evening falls over the Comeraghs.
Alongside the headline concerts, the 2026 programme also showcases a rich and diverse cultural and community offering. Between the Two Thresholds, a storytelling and installation-based event at Clonea Parish Hall, will explore folklore, piseogs, fairy forts and the otherworld through seanchaí tradition and contemporary artistic collaboration with Fáin (Hog and Dice). The event will also include bilingual Irish and English elements and an open stage, inviting community participation and shared storytelling.
Other cultural highlights include Dancing Beneath the Comeraghs at Rathgormack Hiking Centre, traditional sheep shearing demonstrations at Cooney’s Yard, a vintage and classic car show with the Comeragh Classic Car Club at Coach House Coffee, guided looped walks across the mountain landscape, and a cyanotype workshop exploring sun printing techniques using natural materials from the local environment.
Zen in the Park at Kilmacthomas will offer a restorative programme of pilates, yoga, sound therapy and wellbeing sessions designed to encourage connection and relaxation in a natural setting.
A major feature of the 2026 programme is its expanded outdoor and adventure offering, led by two landmark events. The 30th Annual Comeragh Crossing with Dungarvan Hill Walking Club will mark three decades of one of Ireland’s most respected mountain walking challenges. Taking place across the Comeragh Mountains, the event brings together walkers from across Ireland to experience a demanding and rewarding traverse of rugged terrain, celebrating endurance, community and a shared respect for the landscape. The 30th anniversary edition will honour the heritage of the event while continuing its tradition of safety, stewardship and mountain camaraderie.
In addition, The Nire Valley Drop Mountain Biking and Gravel Grinder Event will bring high-energy adventure sport to the wild terrain of the Nire Valley. Known for its steep contours and dramatic scenery, the valley will host a competitive and adrenaline-fuelled course designed for experienced riders, showcasing the growing outdoor sports culture of the Comeraghs region.
A special Photo Exhibition marking 100 Years of Kilmac will also take place at The Mill in Kilmacthomas, adding a reflective historical dimension to the festival programme.
Festival organiser Bernadette Drohan said the 2026 programme reflects both the ambition and identity of the festival. “Comeraghs Wild continues to grow because it is rooted in place and people. This year’s programme brings together extraordinary artists, musicians, storytellers and outdoor events across a landscape that shapes every experience. From mountain concerts to intimate churches, village gatherings and adventure sports, it celebrates the Comeraghs in a very real and meaningful way.”
Full programme details and tickets are available at https://comeraghswild.com
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source waterfordcouncil.ie ’
