Three unmissable events at this year’s Wander Wild Festival

What happens when you wander off the beaten track?

You swim at sunrise in a lake, you climb Carrauntoohil to see Ireland from its peak, you bike, you run, you horse ride, you stroll, you kayak. You refuel with a food trail and you recharge with a wellness session. You experience Killarney’s National Park, its lakes and its mountains – like never before! Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or like to slide into the weekend with some mindfulness there is something to suit all wanderers. Experience Killarney like never before at this year's Wander Wild Festival from March 24th to 26th. In the build-up to the festival the Killarney Advertiser we will be previewing some of the fantastic events and activities on show over the weekend.

For this week’s preview we have hand-picked three very different, but equally unmissable events over the last weekend in March weekend.

Unique Gig with Mundy & Friends Outdoor Sauna at Dundag and Cronin's Yard Mountain Trail Runs

Mundy & Friends in St. Mary's Church of Ireland, promises to be one of the best gigs in Killarney this year. The award-winning Irish singer-songwriter will be joined by surprise special guests, for some exclusive performances on Saturday 25th March, as part of the Wander Wild Festival. The intimate Church venue with beautiful natural acoustics will provide the perfect setting for a fantastic night of music from the acclaimed singer whose hits include Gin and Tonic Sky and Galway Girl

From honing his musical talents performing on street corners, to supporting music legends such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, R.E.M, and the White Stripes, his distinctive lyrics and voice have entertained the masses over the years and earned him gold and multi-platinum selling albums sales.

The show, in association with O'Donoghue Public House, kicks off at 8pm. Note this is a no-alcohol event. Tickets (€29.50 - no booking fee) are limited so early purchase is advisable.

Experience Dundag and Cronin’s Yard in an exhilarating new way with a Samhradh Sauna. What better place to try sauna therapy than by the calming lakeshore or at the foot of the majestic MacGillicuddys Reeks. Enjoying the soothing therapeutic benefits of a sauna, surrounded by nature promises to be a one-off unforgettable experience. The process of combining the hot and cold is scientifically proven to help with inflammation, mood and overall well being. It really does just feel good!

The Samhradh Saunas will be in situ at Dundag from 6.30-10am on the Saturday and Sunday mornings of the festival. So whether you want to warm up after taking part in the Sunrise Dips or just want to kickstart your weekend morning in a memorable way, then relaxing in the heat of a traditional sauna, with a panoramic window of the surrounding lakes & mountains, is the perfect way to do it.

Tried, weary bodies can also recover from a day of climbing with a sauna at Cronin’s Yard at the base of Carrauntoohil, from 2-6pm on Sunday 26th. So grab your towel, your togs, a bottle of water and book your seat in the heat for a unique experience in nature.

Half hour slots for both locations cost €12 and must be pre-booked.

Trail runs are a fantastic way to explore new terrain, while getting the heartrate up! There are three relaxed and social runs to choose from.

Why not kick off the weekend with a night-time jog/hike - it’s a great opportunity to experience the magic of running the trails with the added challenge of the dark! Grab your runners and a good head torch and head for Lower Torc Car Park on Friday 24th. The hiking and running trail will take about 2 hours, with the terrain covering fire roads, forestry trails, and boardwalk trails. Some bravehearted individuals might even be enticed to take a dip in Cores Waterfall! The course would suit someone who can run 10km continuously on the road. Cost €20. On Saturday 25th Catriona from Trailtalk will bring a group on a mixed trail of hiking and running through Purple and Tomies Mountains. The 4-5 hour trip will cover a mix of terrain over the 15.4km route - road, stone trails, bog and rough mucky stony technical mountain tracks with an elevation gain of 986m. It’s recommended for experienced runners (can run 10-15km on the road). The guided trail costs €65.

A shorter, but just as scenic trail run is on offer on Sunday 26th with a 3-hour trail up Mangerton Mountain. The steady paced, relaxed run will take in some moderately technical terrain (must be able to run 10km on the road). Bravehearted individuals can take a dip in the punchbowl if they are that way inclined!

The guided trail costs €45.