Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to everything you need to know about Wake the Giant in Warrenpoint, one of Northern Ireland’s most enchanting family festivals. This FAQ page is your go‑to guide for Wake the Giant 2026 dates, event schedules the Giant's trail route, parking, accessibility, and family-friendly activities in Warrenpoint. 

1. What is Wake the Giant?

Wake the Giant is a unique, family‑friendly festival held in Warrenpoint, County Down. Inspired by local folklore, Warrenpoint comes alive each year with a dynamic programme of live music, outdoor activities and interactive experiences for all ages. Wake the Giant is one of three Giant Adventures events in Mourne Gullion Strangford.

Throughout the festival, visitors can discover a diverse range of entertainment and activities, with plenty of opportunities to get involved and try something new. Bringing together families and visitors alike, Wake the Giant offers something for everyone, creating memorable experiences set against the beautiful shores of Carlingford Lough.

2. When and where is Wake the Giant held?

The Wake the Giant festival takes place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August 2026.

Wake the Giant takes place in Warrenpoint, County Down. Warrenpoint is approximately a 45-minute drive from Belfast and 1-hour from Dublin, offering easy access to the town. Mourne Gullion Strangford is very well connected by road and rail, so don’t worry if you don’t have a car. We have our train and bus station in Newry City, bus stations in Downpatrick and Newcastle, all with direct routes from the Grand Central Station in Belfast City. Coming from Dublin City? Trains and buses stop in Newry City, so there is plenty of transportation to stop by for a visit. More information is available on our Getting to page.

3. What time does the Wake the Giant festival open and close?

Warrenpoint Municipal Park is open from 10am to 6.30pm during the festival weekend.

4. Are there any age restrictions at Wake the Giant?

Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

5. Do I need to buy tickets for Wake the Giant?

Wake the Giant is free to attend, and as such, you may experience queues when entering the site. Entry will be managed carefully to ensure we stay within capacity limits and maintain the health and safety of all visitors. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Please be aware that tickets are required for selected activities, including the Green Craft workshops and sensory sessions. Tickets must be purchased in advance, please visit our Ticket page for more details.

6. Will food and drink be available to be purchased at Wake the Giant?

Yes, there will be a fantastic range of food available throughout the Wake the Giant festival. Visitors can explore the Food Village in Warrenpoint Municipal Park, featuring a variety of food vendors serving delicious street food and sweet treats with options to suit all tastes.

You can also enjoy the Giant Food Trail, which invites you to discover local cafés, restaurants, and eateries across Warrenpoint, offering special menus inspired by the festival. Please be advised that alcohol is not permitted to be brought on the Wake the Giant festival site.Find out more on our Wake the Giant Food page.

8. What else can I do during the Wake the Giant festival weekend?

Beyond the main festivities, Warrenpoint offers unique experiences that capture the spirit of this vibrant coastal town.  From scenic walks along the shores of Carlingford Lough to browsing local shops, there’s plenty to explore at a relaxed pace.

As the day continues, Warrenpoint comes alive with a lively mix of bars, pubs, and restaurants, from welcoming eateries to stylish cocktail lounge, perfect for enjoying good food, great company, and a memorable night out.

Find out more on our Explore Warrenpoint page.

9. Is parking available at the Wake the Giant festival?

Street parking is available in Warrenpoint. Details of charged and non-charged car parking can be found on the Newry, Mourne and Down Car Parking page (link opens in new window).

Accessible parking is available for blue badge holders throughout Warrenpoint:

• Mary Street (0.2 miles (5-minute walk) to Warrenpoint Municipal Park)

• Havelock Place (0.2 miles (5-minute walk) to Warrenpoint Municipal Park)

• The Square (0.3 miles (6-minute walk) to Warrenpoint Municipal Park)

• Kings Lane (0.3 miles (6-minute walk) to Warrenpoint Municipal Park)

Public Transport

Newry City train and bus stations are within easy reach of Warrenpoint and the bus stations in Downpatrick and Newcastle have direct routes from the Belfast Grand Central Station, 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 (link opens in new window) or call the Contact Centre on (028) 90 66 66 30. More information on getting around the Mourne Gullion Strangford area is available on our Getting Around page.

10. Are there any accessibility services at the Wake the Giant festival?

We welcome everyone to Wake the Giant. We’re delighted to have you join us and are committed to ensuring an accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone. From 10am – 12.30pm, enjoy a gentler Wake the Giant experience, with no queues, no loud music, and fewer crowds, perfect for visitors with sensory or access needs. Please refer to our Wake the Giant Access page for more information.

11. Are there accommodation options nearby?

Yes, there is a variety of accommodation options available, including family-friendly hotels, B&Bs, self-catering properties, and caravan parks. For more details on nearby accommodation, please visit our Where to Stay in Warrenpoint page.

12. Can I bring my dog to the Wake the Giant festival?

Dogs are permitted at Wake the Giant, but we ask that they always remain on a lead.

13. What happens in case of inclement weather?

The safety and enjoyment of our visitors, staff, and performers are our top priorities. In the event of inclement weather, such as heavy rain, lightning, or severe storms, we may temporarily suspend activities or, if necessary, evacuate the area to ensure everyone's safety.

We closely monitor weather conditions leading up to and during the festival and will communicate any changes through our official website, social media channels, and onsite announcements. Please check these platforms regularly for updates. In cases where the weather leads to a cancellation on one of the festival days, we will provide updates through our official website and social media channels visitmournegullionstrangford.com/wakethegiant and social media channels @visitmournegullionstrangford #wakethegiant.

14. What security measures are in place at the festival?

We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all visitors. Our comprehensive security plan includes:

• Security personnel and Child Protection Officers will be stationed throughout the festival grounds to help and respond to any security concerns or emergencies.

• Emergency medical staff and facilities are available onsite to manage any health-related incidents. Additionally, clear signage will guide you to these facilities.

15. Is there a lost and found at the Wake the Giant Festival?

In case you lose personal belongings or find lost items during the Wake the Giant Festival, head to our designated Lost and Found area for assistance. The Lost and Found area will be located in the Pavilion building in Warrenpoint Municipal Park.

16. Will there be toilets onsite?

Public toilets are located at Warrenpoint Municipal Park and Warrenpoint Square. View our handy map here. 

17. Who can I contact for more information?

Visit our Contact us | Mourne Gullion Strangford page

Email: visitorservices@nmandd.org

Telephone: +44 (0) 33 0137 4046

18. What is your sustainability policy?

Wake the Giant is designed to showcase the unique assets within the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. It is designed and delivered under the Geopark Code of Practice for sustainable tourism that promotes the safeguarding and respectful engagement with local communities.

We’re committed to running a sustainable event that minimises any negative impact on the environment, and we encourage visitors to help too!  More information can be found in our Sustainability blog.

19. Is there an official Wake the Giant Festival website for updates and information?

For more information on the festival, go to visitmournegullionstrangford.com/wakethegiant

Follow us on @visitmournegullionstrangford Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages for updates and sign up to our newsletter here.