About
Wake the Giant Festival on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August in Warrenpoint.
Wake the Giant Festival, Warrenpoint.
The return of the Wake the Giant Festival, is the perfect reason to visit the charming town of Warrenpoint, located in the recently designated Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Geopark!
Nestled on the picturesque shores of Carlingford Lough, Warrenpoint is a town steeped in history and culture, and the annual Wake the Giant Festival is the perfect opportunity to experience it all.
This unique, vibrant festival celebrates the town's heritage and legends and offers visitors a weekend full of exciting events and activities. From live music and performances, to Giants food feasts and children’s activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
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 2023, 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. Follow Fionn on his epic journey to Warrenpoint as he takes to the seas aboard the Carlingford Lough Ferry. Stopping off at Rostrevor, Greencastle, Greenore, Carlingford and Omeath.
One of the festival's most popular attractions is The Giants Parade, where visitors can witness enormous puppets of the legendary giant and other local folklore characters come to life. It's a truly unforgettable experience!
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.
With its stunning natural scenery, rich culture and friendly locals, Warrenpoint is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation. So why not plan your trip around the Wake the Giant Festival, and experience the magic of this enchanting town for yourself? We can't wait to see you there!
For more information, click here.
Event Details
What is the Wake the Giant Festival?
The Wake the Giant festival is a family-friendly event that takes place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August in Warrenpoint, County Down.
Fionn mac Cumhaill, the towering centrepiece of the festival, will make a spectacular return this year 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 to Warrenpoint as he takes to the seas aboard the Carlingford Lough Ferry before disembarking at Warrenpoint for the start of the festival weekend.
What is happening at Wake the Giant festival?
Taking place on 19 and 20 August in Warrenpoint, County Down, the Wake the Giant festival is a weekend of music and storytelling amidst a bustling festival atmosphere.
There are several activities on offer across the festival weekend for visitors to enjoy, including ‘The Giant Landing Point’, ‘The Giant Parade’, ‘Giants Arena’, ‘The Land of Giants’, ‘The Giant Funfair’, ‘Sensory Area’, ‘Irish Currach Championship’, and the ‘Giant Beach Clean’.
Click here for the programme of events
Do you need to buy a ticket for Wake The Giant?
The Wake the Giant festival is free to attend.
What times will Fionn arrive in Warrenpoint?
Fionn the giant will make a spectacular entrance to the festival this year aboard the Carlingford Lough Ferry. Spectators can follow Fionn on his epic journey to Warrenpoint as he takes to the seas aboard the Carlingford Lough Ferry. Fionn will greet shore side spectators in passing.
The ferry arrival and departure times are as follows:
Departing Greencastle at 10:35
Arriving in:-
Greenore 11:00 departing 11:05
Carlingford 11:45 departing 11:50
Rostrover 12:30 departing 12:35
Omeath 13:00 departing 13:05
Warrenpoint 14.00
Accompanying Fionn on his spectacular sea journey will be a flotilla of 40 boats with the assistance of the Carlingford Yacht Club.
Fionn will finish his journey disembarking the ferry at the ‘The Giant Landing Point’ (Warrenpoint Slipway) at 2pm on Saturday 19 August.
Click here for the programme of events.
What is the Giant Parade route this year and when does it take place?
The Giant Parade will take the following route:
Saturday 19 August
Arrival Parade
Giants Arrival Point – Old Town Dock (Opposite Lough and Quay)
Turns Right to Havelock Place
Osbourne Terrace
Seaview
Turns Left onto Queen Street
Church Street
Turns left into the Square/Giants Arena
Sunday 20 August
Final Parade
Giants Leaves the Giants Arena (Warrenpoint Square)
Turns Right onto Dock Street
Turns Left to Havelock Place
Osbourne Terrace
Seaview
Turns Left onto Queen Street
Church Street
Leaves Warrenpoint on the A2
Click here for the programme of events
What time do the Giant shows start?
In addition to the Giant Parade, Fionn will take part in two performances over the weekend. The first show ‘Enchanted’ is at 8pm on Saturday 19 August at the Giants Arena. The second show ‘The Hex Factor’ will be held at 2:30pm on Sunday 20 August with a leaving parade at 4pm, again at the Giants Arena. Please click here for the programme.
What is happening at The Land of Giants?
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 magical 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 for a weekend of live music. Please click here for the fetival map.
What food will be available at the festival?
There will be a food village with 21 vendors in ‘The Land of Giants’, located at Warrenpoint Municipal Park. Warrenpoint town also has a range of independent restaurants, coffee shops and food outlets to suit a range of needs. Check out the food trail listed on the programme where you can get your hands on some delicious Giant Specials over the weekend. Please click here for the food trail.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are permitted, but we ask that they always remain on a lead.
Planning Your Trip
Where is the Wake the Giant festival being held?
The Wake the Giant festival is being held in Warrenpoint, County Down. Directions on getting here can be found below.
How do I get to Warrenpoint?
Warrenpoint is just 45 minutes’ drive from Belfast and a little over an hour from Dublin, offering easy access to Warrenpoint, situated south of Newry City.
What is the closest bus or train station?
Newry train and bus stations are within easy reach of Warrenpoint. The bus stations in Downpatrick and Newcastle have direct routes to Newry as well as from the Europa Bus Station in Belfast, making travelling in and around here all that easier.
If you’re travelling from Dublin it couldn’t be easier, with regular train and bus routes operating daily to Newry city and then take a connection to Warrenpoint.
For more information on Translink timetables and fares please visit www.translink.co.uk or call the Contact Centre on (028) 90 66 66 30.
I’m travelling by car, where can I park?
Street parking is available in Warrenpoint. Details of charged and non-charged car parking can be found here.
Will there be accessible parking?
Accessible street parking is available.
Is there accommodation nearby?
There are a range of accommodation options available from family friendly hotels and B&Bs to self-catering and caravan parks. Click here for more information.
Accessibility
Is the festival accessible and wheelchair friendly?
Yes.
Will there be toilets and changing places onsite?
Public toilets are located The Park, Queen Street, Warrenpoint and Warrenpoint Square.
There is a changing places facility located beside the Seaview Nursery School, Great Georges Street, Warrenpoint, Newry BT34 3NF.
Is there a sensory area?
There is a sensory area located at Seaview Nursery School, Great Georges Street, Warrenpoint, Newry BT34 3NF, which will provide a safe and relaxing space for children to enjoy over the weekend and the changing places nearby.
What is your environmental policy?
We’re committed to running a sustainable event that minimises any negative impact on the environment, and we encourage visitors to help too! Brought to life through the street performances, compostable food packaging, beach clean, tree planting ceremony and the traditional craft village, Fionn mac Cumhaill plays an important role in sharing our environmental messaging during the festival weekend. Read more about the Council’s Sustainable Development here.
Social Media
Follow us on #Wakethegiant Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages for updates.
Sign up to our Newsletter here for up to date information.
Facilities
Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
