Download our 2023 Programme of Events
Programme of Events, Saturday 8th July 2023
Sunrise @ the Steeple
from Community Centre, Ballymacarbry
3:30am
This event, for aged 18 and over, will see participants bussed from Ballymacarbry Community Centre to within a short walk of the steeple shortly before dawn, where hot beverages will be served.
After that it’s a short walk up to the steeple where, weather permitting, we will witness a glorious sunrise over the Comeraghs, hear some beautiful early morning music, and learn about the surrounding area from local historian Michael Desmond.
Once the sun is up, hikers will then set off on their guided walk of choice in the forests above Ballymacarbry, with options for walkers at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced level, arriving back in the Community Centre between 6.30am and 9am for a well-earned hot breakfast.
(Healthy options also available).
- €30 per person.
- Booking via Eventbrite
Hill Walk to Ned Curran’s Cottage
10am
7km – 2.5 to 3hrs – 200m elevation gain
Visit the evocative ruins of Ned Curran’s Cottage in the heart of the Tay Valley
- Parking: Mahon Falls Main Car Park
- €5 per person.
- Pre-register on Eventbrite
Mindfulness, Meditation & Yoga – Crough Wood
10am – 11am
Claire, aka The Mystic Holistic invites you to her enchanting back garden (Crough woods!) for gentle, easygoing & fun practices of Yoga, Mindfulness and Sound Therapy. Families and children welcome 🙂 With over 15 years dedicated to the holistic healing arts, Claire has many offerings including adults and children’s yoga teaching with much experience in schools, festivals, corporate, camps, groups, retreats, private etc.
At the foot of the Comeraghs, Crough woods encapsulates ethereal incomparable natural beauty, surrounded by native trees, soothing waterfalls, gorges and beautiful birdsongs. Nowhere like this epic energy anywhere in the world, pure life force! The perfect place to practice and feel even more blissful benefits. Claire will take you on an Otherworldly journey with her drum, sound therapy with Tibetan bowls and lots more to bring you and yours into a wonderful place of calm and joyfulness. Looking forward to sharing the magic with you all!
- €5 per individual, €10 per family
- Pay on arrival
Bend & Blend Zen in The Park
The Park, Kilmacthomas, 10am
Join us for an unforgettable morning of tranquility & bliss at ‘Bend and Blend: Zen in the Park’ as part of the Comeraghs Wild Festival 2023. Discover perfect harmony of nature, wellness and social connection at Kilmacthomas Park and Signal Box coffee located by the stunning Kilmacthomas Greenway Viaduct.
Embrace the day with a rejuvenating yoga session amidst the serene surroundings of the park with experienced Yoga Teacher Virginia from ‘Yoga with Ginni’ who will guide you through gentle Movement and Breath, allowing you to find a sense of inner peace & harmony of body, soul & mind.
After yoga, indulge in a treat for your taste buds at Signal Box Coffee. Awaken your senses and enhance your morning experience with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a mouthwatering and healthy smoothie bowl, packed with nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling energized for the day ahead.
Price €17, this includes Yoga, a delicious cup of coffee from Signal Box Coffee and a smoothie bowl that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Limited spots are available so make sure to book in advance. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, nourish your body and make new friends along the way.
- Book now with Virginia : Call 083-3717354 or see www.yogawithginni.com
- €17 per person
The Cruachán Loop – Guided Hike by Muddyboots
Meet at The Getaway – 10am
Walk the Cruachán Loop, circa 10km (duration 3-4 hours), graded moderate difficulty. A stunning hike on forest tracks and trails to the high point at 484 metres. Enjoy panoramic views of the Comeraghs, the Knockmealdowns, Dungarvan Bay and the Copper Coast.
Bring – Boots, waterproof jacket & trousers, a warm layer, packed lunch & fluids
- Book via email: muddybootsguided@gmail.com
- €25 per person
Curraghmore House & Gardens Tour
Curraghmore, Portlaw, 11am & 2pm
Guided tours by Julian Walton and Willie Fraher.
Julian talks about the history of the family and contents of the house while Willie will fill you in on the architecture.
- €20
- Booking essential via 086 8211917
Music & BBQ
Cross Roads, Crough Coffee
12pm to 4pm
No Booking Necessary
Bunmahon Surf School
Lesson 1 at 12.30pm, Lesson 2 at 2.45pm
Get ready to hit the waves at the Surfing Open Day hosted by Bunmahon Surf School! Join us on Sat Jul 08 2023 at 12:30 PM and 2.45pm for a fun-filled surf lesson. Located on Main Street in Bunmahon, this event is perfect for anyone looking to learn how to surf or improve their skills.
Our experienced instructors will be on hand to provide guidance and tips, so whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer, there’s something for everyone. We’ll have a range of surfboards and wetsuits available to use, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and a sense of adventure!
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience the thrill of surfing with Bunmahon Surf School. See you on the waves!
- Places strictly limited
- Entry: Adults €20, Kids €15
- Booking Essential via Eventbrite
Comeragh to Coast Chorus
Introducing the first performance by Comeragh to Coast Chorus.
A singing group formed in Stradbally less the 3 months ago simply to fulfil a desire to keep singing, form friendships, enhance wellbeing and spread the joy that Group singing brings.
The performance will be at the Durrow end of Tunnel
Sheep Shearing & Sheep Dog Demo with light refreshments
Cooney’s Yard, 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Get ready for an exciting afternoon in Cooney’s Yard with our Sheep Shearing/Working Sheepdog Demo event. Witness the skilled and experienced sheep shearers as they expertly remove the wool from our fluffy friends.
And if that’s not enough, our talented sheepdogs will also be on display, showcasing their incredible herding abilities. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to see these amazing animals in action!
Light Refreshments will be served.
- Tickets €25 for family of 4; €15 pp
- Places Limited
- Booking Essential via Eventbrite
Celebration of Irish Culture – The Getaway
Meet at The Getaway – 3pm
An afternoon of Music, Singing and Storytelling that is open to all – Any enquiries please email thegetaway.ie@gmail.com
Cost – “Pass around the hat”
Enjoy Music, Song and the Spoken Word as it has been celebrated in The Comeraghs for centuries. This is an “Open Session” where local performers share the stage with anyone who wishes to join in. All ages and styles are welcome. Just bring yourself, instruments etc and let the entertainment flow … We need Performers & Listeners too!
Food provided by Alan Gilligan – Blackwater Catering. On-site toilets.
Dancing neath the Comeraghs
Rathgormack Hiking Centre, 7:30 pm
If it’s SETS you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. This has proved to be one of our most popular events, so once again dust off your dancing shoes and prepare to be swept off your feet with tunes from Neily O’Connor and his Band. The Fun gets underway at 7.30pm with BBQ and music by the young musicians of Ceol Craobh Crotaigh followed by Set Dancing late into the evening.
- Admission €5
- Kids under 16 FREE