Fionn Rocks the Lough for the Return of Wake the Giant
Fionn mac Cumhaill, the towering centrepiece of the eagerly anticipated Wake the Giant festival, will make a spectacular return to Warrenpoint again this year.
Taking place on 19 and 20 August, visitors will witness the legendary giant Fionn rising from the depths of Carlingford Lough to overlook a weekend of music and storytelling amidst a bustling festival atmosphere.
Hailed to be the largest moving and speaking giant in the UK and Ireland, spectators can follow Fionn on his epic journey.
He travels from to Warrenpoint as he takes to the seas aboard the Carlingford Lough Ferry.
Fionn stops off at Rostrevor, Greencastle, Greenore, Carlingford and Omeath along the way, greeting landbound spectators in the passing.
Accompanying Fionn on his spectacular sea journey will be a flotilla of 40 boats with the assistance of the Carlingford Yacht Club.
Wake the Giant is major feature of Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Giant Adventures series.
It is part of a year-long programme of unforgettable visitor experiences featuring captivating folklore, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling adventures.
Highlights of the festival include the Giant’s Arena, Fionn’s resting place for the weekend, and where the street performances and shows will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
There will also be a Giant Funfair on Warrenpoint Promenade and families can avail of the new Sensory Area at Seaview Nursery School which will provide a safe and relaxing space for children to enjoy over the weekend and the changing places nearby.
Warrenpoint Municipal Park will be once again transformed into The Land of Giants, featuring Giant Family Activities, a Giant Craft Village, Giant Workshops, and a Giant Food Village.
Visitors can also take the Poetry and Art Trail around the Park’s exterior, stopping at each gate to explore the magic and mystical world of the giants.
Each gate depicts a fantastical poem, to spark the imagination into lands of mystery inspired by gigantic tales of legend and mythical folklore.
Throughout the weekend, musicians will take to the stage of the Park’s beautiful bandstand.
Kicking off Saturday’s lineup is Newry-based Casino Jazz Band with No Oil Paintings, an Americana folk group bringing things to a close.
Visitors can also enjoy the likes of local singer Sophie Lennon from Junior Eurovision fame as well as instrumental duo String Ninjas and The Unholy Gospel band.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said: “Wake the Giant is one of the Council’s flagship events and I am delighted that it is returning to Warrenpoint this year.
“Since 2016, we have worked to establish and grow the Giant Adventure festivals to position the Newry Mourne and Down and South Armagh area as one of the premier tourism destinations in Ireland.”
Councillor Harte added: “Everything about this year’s festival promises to be giant, a visual treat at every turn.
“However, the real wow factor will of course be the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill as he makes a sensational return across Carlingford Lough to this year’s festival entertaining visitors all weekend.
“We are especially proud this year that the landscape underpinning our Giant Adventures is part of the recently designated Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Geopark.”
On the first day of the festival, crowds will be wowed as the giant Fionn makes his way to the heart of Warrenpoint before entertaining visitors with the street performance of the show ‘Enchanted’ before resting up for the evening.
On the second and final day, festivities will continue at The Land of Giants in Warrenpoint’s Municipal Park before the giant Fionn will awaken again from his sleep for the ‘Hex Factor’ show that afternoon.
Before he bids the crowds farewell for this year, Fionn will share his desire for us all to look after our environment better.
Fionn’s message is brought to life through the street performances, compostable food packaging, beach clean and the Giant Craft Village.
It is about looking after the area and thinking about our surroundings for the future. It will see the return of the tree planting ceremony at Clonallon Park in the town with local schools St. Dallan’s and Dromore Road Primary School.
For the latest information and ideas of where to stay, eat and for even more things to do during your time here in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion and for Giant event details go to:
www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/giant-adventures
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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 & Ring of Gullion.
Full details can be found at:
