Giant Adventures in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

The Giant Adventures series of events returned in 2025 with three spectacular Giant Events that promised to entertain both locals and visitors alike. This trio of immersive festivals celebrate the region's rich heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, these events are designed to captivate both locals and visitors, offering unique experiences that blend mythology, music, culinary delights, and outdoor adventures.

Wake the Giant Festival

The adventures began for 2025 in Warrenpoint, with the awe-inspiring Wake the Giant festival in June. The legendary giant Fionn mac Cumhaill welcomed his two Giant Guardians named Carley and Wee Binnian to the area and Fionn made a welcome return to Warrenpoint, where he shared the tale of his temporary retreat to Cooley Mountain. The weekend was filled with live street theatre, music performances, artisanal food markets, sensory and craft workshops, and vibrant parades. With the sun shining, a magical energy of enchantment was created - where old legends met today’s vibrant festivities.

Eats and Beats Festival

Next on the calendar of Giant Events was the Eats and Beats festival in Newcastle County Down on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September 2025, a celebration that married the region's burgeoning food scene with its rich musical heritage. Festival-goers indulged in a diverse array of culinary delights from local vendors while enjoying live performances that spanned various musical genres. The festival created a lively ambiance where food enthusiasts and music lovers came together to revel in the best that Mourne Gullion Strangford has to offer.

Footsteps in the Forest

As the crisp autumn air settled in, the Footsteps in the Forest festival at Slieve Gullion Forest Park offered a perfect Halloween adventure. This festival returned from Monday 20 October to Sunday 26 October 2025, and offered an immersive experience that delved into the ancient festival of Samhain, featuring eerie entertainment, storytelling sessions, and interactive installations set amidst the forest's natural beauty. Footsteps in the Forest is an event that invites participants to explore the mystical aspects of the region's heritage in a setting that is both captivating and educational.

Sustainable Tourism in Mourne Gullion Strangford

Each event within the Giant Adventures Series is designed and delivered under the Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism, ensuring every activity is conducted with respect for the environment and local communities.

Visit Us in Mourne Gullion Strangford

Find out more event information, accommodation options, dining spots, and other activities here during your visit to Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion.

Check back soon for more information so you can mark your calendars for more Giant Adventures in 2026 and prepare for a journey through the mythical, the musical, and the magical Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. Join us to create memories that will last a lifetime!

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Family Events in Mourne Gullion Strangford

For days out with the whole family, the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion offers a busy calendar of events to suit all ages. Throughout the year, our towns and villages are hubs of activity and fun for the whole family.
Family Experiences in Mourne Gullion Strangford

Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland offer a range of family experiences, from outdoor adventures to hidden gems.
What's On

There’s very rarely a dull moment in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. Its calendar is so packed full of family fun, fabulous festivals and vivacious events that you’ll never be stuck when it comes to celebrating life. There’s a whole host of annual events to choose from, all year round. There are festivals for families and festivals for friends, through tracks, trails and windy bends.
Explore the Best Forests & Parks

Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is home to expansive woodlands and dedicated parks. Whether you want to escape to the forest, or spend a fun family day out in one of our many adventure play parks, you’ll be well catered for in Down and Armagh.

Where sleeping Giants lie...

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Accommodation in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion

Sleep in towering castles, in quaint cottages, or camp under the stars. The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has plenty of places for you to rest your weary head before going on your next giant adventure.
Things to Do in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion

No matter how long your visit, there’s so many things to do and much to see in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. Discover the land where the Mourne Mountains sweep down to the sea.
Food & Drink

Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is the heartland of fresh produce. Our rolling pastures sweep down to an abundant coastline. As the home of Northern Ireland’s largest fishing fleet and some of the country’s most experienced farmers, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Plan your Trip

Luckily for visitors, Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has lots for you to see. Planning ahead can make your visit to our region that little bit easier. We can give you the best advice, maps, and guides to help you get the most out of your trip.
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With everything close by, the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is plentiful in quaint towns, incredible scenery, ancient forests, and stately homes. Explore the vastness of our landscapes and receive a giant welcome from all you encounter here.
Budget Family Friendly Things To Do

Everyone knows that the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion area is really just one giant adventure park. There are surely few better places on earth for outdoor fun and your kids are sure to love it here. Should it rain, and that can happen on occasion in these parts, there are plenty of budget-friendly things to do indoors too.