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Thousands gathered in Warrenpoint, County Down on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August to watch Fionn mac Cumhaill, the centrepiece of Newry, Mourne and Down’s Wake the Giant Festival, return to the town in spectacular fashion.
Hundreds of shoreside spectators followed the giant Fionn on his epic journey to Warrenpoint onboard the Carlingford Lough Ferry where he greeted the crowds at Rostrevor, Greencastle, Greenore, Carlingford and Omeath along the way.
The imposing giant Fionn then wowed crowds as he rode into Warrenpoint on top of his gigantic motorcycle coming to rest in the Giants Arena where two giant shows ‘Enchanted’ and ‘The Hex Factor’ took place over the festival weekend.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, “Everything about this year’s festival was giant, a visual treat at every turn. However, the real wow factor was of course the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill as he made his sensational return across Carlingford Lough before entertaining visitors all weekend.”
Cllr Harte continued, “Crowds were also treated to two days of spectacular fun at The Land of Giants which featured Giant Family Activities, a Giant Craft Village, Giant Workshops, and a Giant Food Village.
Some of the incredible music from The Unholy Gospel band, Ursula Burns and Stephen Rafferty got people up on their feet singing along and dancing to the beats at the beautiful bandstand in the Municipal park.
Local businesses added to the event’s resounding success, joining in on the weekend’s fun with incredible offers to treat the many visitors that came to town.
We are especially proud this year that the landscape underpinning our Giant Adventures is part of the recently designated Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Geopark.
Departing Warrenpoint for another year, Fionn’s lasting legacy will be felt for years, with his tree planting ceremony, beach clean, street performances and the Giant Craft Village.”
The Wake the Giant festival is part of the Giant Adventures events programme including the Eats and Beats festival on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September in Newcastle, Co Down. Following its successful launch last year, food enthusiasts and music lovers will come together to celebrate the area's culinary delights, while talented artists create an electric atmosphere with live music performances.
The popular Footsteps in the Forest festival will also make a welcome return to Slieve Gullion Forest Park from Wednesday 25 to Monday 30 October. Families and thrill-seekers will encounter enchanting characters, spine-tingling surprises, and immersive storytelling.
In addition to the Giant Adventures festivals there will be an exciting programme of summer events that will also celebrate the district’s culture and heritage. These events will add to the fantastic offering already in place for both locals and visitors enjoying their summer in Visit Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion. Full details on www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
