Traditional sheep shearing demonstrations will be among the activities that will be part of this year's Comeraghs Wild Festival, taking place in Co. Waterford from July 9-12.

The programme features a wide-ranging celebration of music, landscape, storytelling, heritage, outdoor recreation and community, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Comeragh Mountains and surrounding villages.

The festival opens on Thursday, July 9, with comedian Bernard Casey performing at Rathgormack at the Village Bar, supported by live music from Moylan.

A musical highlight follows on Friday, July 10 at Cooney’s Yard, where the Frank and Walters will headline a landmark open-air mountain concert alongside Ruaile Buaile.

This event will blend indie nostalgia with high energy trad fusion, creating a celebratory atmosphere of singing, dancing and shared experience deep in the mountains.

On Sunday, July 12, a performance by Duke Special, who is renowned for his theatrical and storytelling approach to music, will take place at Clonagam Church, just outside Portlaw.

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 'Between the Two Thresholds', a storytelling and installation-based event at Clonea Parish Hall.

This 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.

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.

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 Comeragh region.

Meanwhile, a photo exhibition marking 100 Years of Kilmac will take place at The Mill in Kilmacthomas, adding a reflective historical dimension to the festival programme.

2026 edition

Festival organiser Bernadette Drohan said the 2026 programme reflects both the ambition and identity of the festival.

She said: “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.”