Giant Adventures

We might be a small part of the world, but we know how to throw giant events. Visit Mourne has so many festivals and celebrations you will be spoilt for choice. 

Giants play a role throughout Irish mythology, and this area hosts some of the most important locations from the tale of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the most famous giant of them all. Visit Mourne is home to a giant spirit, and our varied calendar of festivals and events are no different.

The Giant Adventures festivals namely, Wake the Giant, Footsteps in the Forest, and new for 2022, Eats & Beats, will take place in various locations across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area.  The festivals will highlight the region’s mountains, coastline and unique stories of legend and lore to bring each adventure to life.  Find out more here about the Giant Events for 2022.

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 greatly add to the fantastic offering already in place for both locals and visitors enjoying their summer in Visit Mourne.

First up, Fionn Mac Cumhaill!  

The Giant Adventures programme will kick off with the Wake the Giant festival on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 August in Warrenpoint. Inspired by the ancient myth of the sleeping giant in the Cooley Mountains, see if you can stir the giant from his slumber. Every year, Fionn Mac Cumhaill, Ireland’s most famous giant, makes his epic journey from the Giant’s Causeway to appear in Warrenpoint. 

There will be something for all the family to enjoy with live street theatre, free children’s activities, and performances all around the town.  Locals and visitors come out in force to create a truly cacophonous celebration.

Eats and Beats Festival in Newcastle

New to the Giant Adventures line-up is the Eats and Beats Festival on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September in Newcastle, Co. Down.  Bringing you the best in local and world food and music, the Eats and Beats Festival weekend will see five music stages providing 70+ free performances.  There will be two homegrown and world food villages with over 80 unique and locally produced food and beverage outlets.  Visitors can experience food trails, cooking demos and food sampling, as well as a host of family fun and wellness activities. Save the date as this is going to be a weekend not to be missed.

Feel the Magic in the Air at Slieve Gullion 

The popular Footsteps in the Forest Festival will make a return to Slieve Gullion Forest Park at the later date of Thursday 27 to Monday 31 October.  Having grown in popularity with families since 2016, this year Footsteps in the Forest will celebrate the ancient traditions which mark the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter. The new halloween-themed festival will have something for all the family.  Visitors will have an opportunity to encounter mythical people, hear their stories of a world that has been forgotten and explore their woodland realm through the magical living storybook tour.

This magical annual Giant Adventure takes place at one of Ireland’s premier visitor attractions, Slieve Gullion Forest Park in the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Armagh.

Explore the Lecale Peninsula with the help of DownTime Festival. An exciting celebration, DownTime has horse racing, music, and culture to be absorbed. Family activities, music events, and guided walks help you understand more about this magnificent area.  

Castlewellan has the wild scenery of the Mourne Mountains in its background, so there is no better place to revel than the Soma Festival. The Soma Festival is an arts and music festival that has hosted global talents like David Gray, Martha Wainwright, and many others. A perfect celebration for culture vultures who want to listen to the world’s best music with some of the most scenic backdrops around. 

Fiddler’s Green International Festival celebrates every part of Irish heritage. Held in Rostrevor, it encapsulates every facet of Irish Arts and Culture. With live music, sports events, a music school, walking tours, literary tours, and open mic events, there is something to get everyone involved. Come and see what your favourite part is! 

What's on in Visit Mourne?

Click here to download the Giant Adventures programme of Festivals and Events.