Record crowds go Comeraghs Wild in Waterford

Four days of sunshine, music, adventure and community spirit transformed the Comeragh region this past weekend as the 2026 Comeraghs Wild Festival concluded, following its biggest and most successful year to date.

Thousands of visitors travelled to the Comeragh Mountains, the Nire Valley, Kilmacthomas, Portlaw, Rathgormack and surrounding communities to enjoy an outstanding programme of music, outdoor adventure, heritage, culture and wellbeing, with many ticketed events selling out well in advance and venues filled throughout the festival.

Blessed with glorious summer weather from start to finish, the festival buzzed with activity as visitors immersed themselves in everything from mountain walks and mountain bike challenges to storytelling, live music, comedy, traditional demonstrations and family-friendly experiences.

A defining feature of this year's festival was its celebration of the rich heritage, traditions and culture of the Comeragh region. Visitors had the opportunity to connect with local history through guided heritage experiences, traditional crafts, folklore, music and storytelling, while discovering the landscapes, villages and communities that have shaped this unique part of County Waterford for generations.

From historic churches and estates to mountain trails, rivers and ancient pathways, the festival showcased not only the spectacular natural beauty of the Comeraghs but also the people, traditions and stories that give the region its distinctive identity.

Among the highlights were packed performances by The Frank and Walters and Ruaile Buaile at the iconic mountain concert in Cooney's Yard, Bernard Casey's opening night comedy show, Duke Special's intimate performance in Clonagam Church and the atmospheric Evening of Song and Story at Woodhouse Estate.

Outdoor events, including the landmark 30th anniversary Comeragh Crossing, the Nire Valley Drop, guided walks, Zen in the Park and the festival's extensive cultural programme, also attracted exceptional participation throughout the weekend.

Festival organiser Bernadette Drohan said the overwhelming response demonstrated the growing reputation of Comeraghs Wild as one of Ireland's most distinctive destination festivals, adding: "What an incredible four days it has been. Everywhere you looked there were smiling faces, packed venues, walkers on the mountains, families enjoying the villages, cyclists taking on the trails and audiences embracing every aspect of the programme. We were incredibly fortunate with the weather, which showcased the Comeraghs at their absolute best.” 

Now firmly established as one of Ireland's leading outdoor lifestyle festivals, Comeraghs Wild once again demonstrated the unique appeal of the region by bringing together world-class entertainment, authentic cultural experiences, rich local heritage and unforgettable outdoor adventures against the spectacular backdrop of the Comeragh Mountains.

Ms Brohan went on to say: "One of the things that makes Comeraghs Wild so special is the way it celebrates the authentic character of this region. We want people to leave not only having enjoyed a fantastic festival but with a deeper appreciation of our heritage, our traditions, our communities and the stories that make the Comeraghs unlike anywhere else in Ireland.” 

"The support from visitors, local communities, volunteers, performers, landowners, sponsors and partner organisations has been phenomenal. Many of our ticketed events sold out, businesses across the region enjoyed a very busy weekend and there was a wonderful atmosphere everywhere throughout the festival."

Plans are already underway for the return of Comeraghs Wild Festival in 2027.