Waterford's Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025 shines with Joe Dolan tribute and much more
Pictured at the Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025 “Remembering Joe” tribute concert in Cooney’s Yard, Mahon Falls, Co. Waterford. Photo: Patrick Browne
Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025 proved to be a roaring success as people from all over the Sunny South East flocked to Waterford's beautiful wild places to enjoy the offerings.
The festival opened on Thursday evening with renowned playwright and performer Seamus O’Rourke bringing his one‑man show 'Indigestion' to a full house at St. Brigid’s Hall in Kilrossanty. His poignant yet humorous exploration of loss, love and hope set an engaging tone for the weekend.
Friday’s highlights included the Creative Children’s Summer Camp in Crough Wood, where young festival goers met the “Kings and Queens of the Trees” through crafts, forest mindfulness and play, followed by the powerful “Remembering Joe” tribute concert in Cooney’s Yard. The Dolan family, joined by the Wackateers, sold out the evening and delivered a heartfelt homage marking 18 years since Joe Dolan’s passing.
Saturday brought a crescendo of activity, beginning with an early‑morning hike to the Cruachán summit guided by Muddyboots, followed by yoga sessions, felt‑making workshops, cinema‑in‑nature loop walks, mountain‑bike challenges and surf lessons. Festival‑goers also enjoyed coffee and smoothie bowls beneath the summer sun, met Honey and Barry Bear aboard the Waterford Suir Valley Railway, and joined in set dancing at Rathgormack. Live music from Neily O’Connor brought the day to a joyful close.
Sunday continued the spirit of connection with a guided hike around breathtaking Coumshingaun lake; wellness workshops in Clonea Power’s Scéal Nua gardens; a Wild Wellness Retreat in Crough Wood, which featured forest therapy, yoga, foraging walks and a nourishing afternoon tea. Families delighted in Horgan’s Magnificent Magic Show at the Waterford Suir Valley Railway Station, and film‑lovers gathered in Rathgormack for a Barry Lyndon exhibition.
The festival concluded on Sunday night with a sold‑out headline performance by Gina and The Champions at Dungarvan’s Town Hall Theatre. Their energetic set capped off a weekend that overflowed with memories, music, connection and community spirit.
Festival organiser Bernadette Drohan expressed her delight at the great response: “Throughout the festival weekend, numerous events sold out, highlighting the overwhelming demand and enthusiastic support from both locals and visitors.
"The combination of free and ticketed offerings ensured that the festival was accessible to all, nurturing a strong sense of togetherness amid the wild beauty of the Comeraghs."
She added: "We were absolutely thrilled with how this year’s festival turned out. From the sold-out events to the incredible community spirit, it was a true celebration of everything that makes the Comeraghs special. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and the team is already hard at work planning for Comeragh's Wild Festival 2026.”
