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Last weekends Footsteps in the Forest at Slieve Gullion Forest Park has been proclaimed a 'spooktacular' success. The event sold out within minutes of going on sale and it was the final event in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's Giant Adventure series.
The unique geological landform with its ring of low, rugged hills and its associations with myths and legends has given Slieve Gullion a mysterious reputation. Celebrating this rich mythical heritage, Footsteps in the Forest has been hugely popular with locals and visitors alike since its inception in 2016 and this year saw a phenomenal response from the public with the event booking out in record time within minutes of going live.
Speaking about the event which took place from 27-31 October, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said, “Slieve Gullion Forest Park provided the perfect location for the final Giant Adventure of 2022. The interest in the Giant Adventures series, from Wake the Giant in Warrenpoint and Eats & Beats in Newcastle to Footsteps in the Forest in the Ring of Gullion, demonstrates that people are ready to fully embrace the many engaging and fun events held across the destination, bringing increased spend from visitors and creating recreational and leisure opportunities for residents.”
The immersive Halloween experience celebrated the Gaelic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Directed by writer, performer and Newry native, Rozlyn Sheridan, visitors took part in a journey into the ‘otherworld’ to experience the Celtic origins of Halloween.
Visitors were thrilled by the sight of the spooky costumed characters who guided them along a series of trails encountering giants and mythical creatures along the way. Autism friendly and Irish language trails were also made available to visitors to enhance everyone’s enjoyment of the event.
Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage continued. “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is now planning next year’s Giant Adventures and looks forward to building upon the success 2022 has seen. These free flagship events give people something to look forward to and are hugely anticipated throughout the year. I’d like to thank all those involved and to everyone that has supported them.”
