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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has confirmed the dates for the three 2026 Giant Adventures events.
Taking place from August through to October, the series opens with Wake the Giant in Warrenpoint on 1 and 2 August. Then there is Eats and Beats in Newcastle on 5 and 6 September, and to finish the popular Footsteps in the Forest at Slieve Gullion Forest Park from 21 to 27 October.
Wake the Giant centres on the legend of Fionn mac Cumhaill and this year introduces a new element, The Giant's Trail, a walkable, story-led experience featuring giant-themed installations and interactive performances spread across the town. Family-friendly activities, green crafts and food will also feature as part of the summer festival atmosphere in Warrenpoint.
Eats and Beats returns to Newcastle against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, with two stages featuring local and international artists alongside locally sourced food, live cookery demonstrations and artisan produce. The festival takes place over the weekend of 5 and 6 September.
Footsteps in the Forest, running for a week from 21 to 27 October at Slieve Gullion Forest Park, rounds off the series with a Halloween-themed programme rooted in the traditions of Samhain. The event combines storytelling, folklore and theatrical performances across one of Ireland's most historically significant landscapes.
Launching the series, Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: "The Giant Adventures series is a celebration of everything that makes Mourne Gullion Strangford such a special place to visit and to call home. As more people choose to holiday closer to home, experiences like these offer the perfect opportunity to reconnect with our landscapes, our stories and our communities.
"From the mountains to the coast, each event invites visitors to slow down, explore more deeply and enjoy authentic, high-quality experiences right on their doorstep."
Cllr Campbell added that the council remains committed to sustainable tourism and that each event will be delivered in line with the Geopark Code of Practice, supporting local businesses, engaging communities and protecting the natural environment.
He said: "We warmly invite everyone to be part of the Giant Adventures in 2026 and discover the magic, creativity and sense of belonging that define our destination."
Full event details and information on where to stay, eat and explore across the region are available at www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com
In addition to the Giant Adventures event series there will be an exciting programme of summer events that will also celebrate the district’s culture and heritage including Desy Jennings Football Festival, Newry Pride and Iur Cinn Fleadh. These events will add to the fantastic offering already in place for both locals and visitors enjoying their summer in Mourne Gullion Strangford.
