Footsteps in the Forest at Slieve Gullion

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Just when you thought it was safe to head out again after the Giant in Warrenpoint woke up and promptly fell back asleep, this weekend the fun moves to South Armagh and Slieve Gullion to be precise.

If you go into the woods this Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August be prepared to meet some strange and unusual characters including Trolls, woodland fawns, the Birdman of Slieve Donard, Finn McCool, the Fairy Queen and the legendary witch Cailleach Bheara, as they descend on Slieve Gullion Forest Park for their Annual Magical Meeting.

Some of the folk you are likely to encounter at Footsteps in the Forest.

As part of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s summer of #GiantAdventures Slieve Gullion Forest Park will play host to this gathering of mythical, magical creatures who have been created by local writer Declan Carville.

Production Company Footsteps were tasked with developing Declan’s stories into eye catching, enchanted characters to enthral visitors to the forest during the Footsteps in the Forest Festival.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Chair Cllr Gillian Fitzpatrick said: “The beauty of Slieve Gullion Forest, steeped in myth and legend, is an ideal backdrop for this magical new festival. Footsteps in the Forest is a two day event which will bring the forest alive with drama, comedy and the art of storytelling as families meet over 20 characters on their enchanted tour of the Forest.”

Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Cllr Gillian Fitzpatrick meets some of the characters.

There is so much to do at Slieve Gullion Footsteps Festival. Visitors can book an hour long tour with a (mainly) well-behaved Troll by logging onto the link www.ringofgullion.org/events/lunasa-festival

 The event will run from 10am to 7.30pm daily. 

Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Cllr Gillian Fitzpatrick with author Declan Carville and daughter Grace.

The event will also incorporate a food market, a Taste Junction initiative as part of NI Year of Food and Drink 2016, highlighting the best local produce. Visitors can also enjoy a live ‘forge-in’ by local Blacksmith, Gerard Loughran, who will show off his considerable skills.

This is a free event delivered by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council supported by the Arts Council Challenge Fund Initiative. The event will run from 10am to 8pm daily (tour lasts approx. 1 hour). A park and ride will operate as is currently in place for Slieve Gullion Forest Park. There will be no public parking on the site for the two days of the festival.

For more information visit www.ringofgullion.org OR www.visitmournemountains.co.uk

Download a programme below