Hidden in the heart of Northern Ireland, the Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail is a unique way to step into Celtic mythology, ancient history, and stunning natural landscapes. Created by the renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these three amazing giant sculptures celebrate the rich heritage, culture, and mystery of the Sperrins region.
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What is the Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail?
The Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail is an innovative tourism project. It aims to bring the myths and legends of the Sperrins to life through art. The sculptures are inspired by the region’s geology, archaeology, and ancient stories. They offer a visual journey about both the past and future of this spectacular part of Northern Ireland.
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The trail features three monumental sculptures designed by Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist known for his sustainable art made from recycled materials. These monumental figures are located at key sites throughout the Sperrins and allow you to immerse in both the breathtaking scenery and their powerful narratives.
The sculptures represent the past, the present and the future of the Sperrins area, and they are:
- Nowanois – The Storyteller
- Darach – The Guardian
- Ceoldán – The Stargazer
Each of these figures carries deep symbolic meaning and connects visitors to the ancient tales and timeless Celtic traditions of the Sperrins.
Nowanois: The Storyteller
Nowanois stands as a tribute to the tradition of storytelling. The two giants, one representing the past and the other the future. They are inspired by the Irish words “now” and “anois” (meaning “present”). Together, they embody the eternal “now“, a moment where stories, memories, and generations converge.
The giants Nowanois invite you to sit among the stones and reflect on the tales passed down through the ages. Here, you can imagine the haunting melodies and stories of the Sperrin people. These figures are guardians of the oral traditions, evoking myths of ancient heroes, noble families, and lost warriors.
Darach: The Guardian of the Land
Next on the trail is Darach, a towering figure who represents the spirit of the land itself. Darach encourages visitors to reflect on the deep connection between the people of the Sperrins and the land they call home.
Surrounded by a circle of stones she carried herself, Darach stands proudly at the summit. He’s paying homage to the ancient tradition of placing stones on mountaintop cairns. This practice has been part of the region’s culture for over a thousand years.
Darach also celebrates the region’s rich archaeological history. Throughout the Sperrins, you can find over 90 stone circles. I visited the Beaghmore Stone Circles at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, near Ceoldán.
The sculpture of Darach invites you to rest on the stones, appreciating the timeless beauty of the landscape, which has shaped the lives and stories of the people who have lived here for generations.
Ceoldán: The Stargazer
Ceoldán is my favourite. Rounding off the trail is Ceoldán, a mesmerizing figure who gazes upward toward the night sky, contemplating the mysteries of the universe.
Known as “The Stargazer”, Ceoldán is deeply connected to the region’s astronomical history. Situated within the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Ceoldán’s design is inspired by celestial events. It aligns with the Seven Sisters, a star formation that has held significance in Irish mythology for centuries.
Surrounded by a ring of poles referencing the 13 zodiac constellations, Ceoldán reflects the ancient belief systems that connected the heavens with the earth.
The Sperrins region is renowned for its stunning, unpolluted skies. Here, you can experience the wonders of the night sky in all its glory. With over 27 historic sites and monuments within a 3 km radius, this sculpture offers a unique intersection of archaeology, astronomy, and art!
The Artist: Thomas Dambo
The Giants of the Sperrins were created by Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist well known for his work with recycled materials. Dambo’s mission is simple: he wants to show the world how to transform waste into something beautiful.
Through his sculptures, he encourages people to connect with nature, be mindful of their environment, and embrace creativity. Trolls are Dambo’s best-known work, and you can find them worldwide. If you’re seeking trolls, check out his Trollmap!
His philosophy of sustainability and imagination has taken him to over 20 countries. Today, you can see his stunning art installations from discarded materials in many countries. By working closely with local communities, Dambo ensures that his pieces are not just works of art but also meaningful cultural contributions.
The Giants of the Sperrins: Myth, History, and Nature
The Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail celebrates the region’s myths, legends, and natural beauty. These fantastic sculptures offer you the chance to engage with the land and the stories that have shaped it for centuries.
The Sperrins themselves boast breathtaking beauty, featuring winding rivers, tranquil valleys, and hidden lakes scattered throughout the landscape. The sculptures add an enchanting element to your trip. You can blend into the environment and explore the deep cultural significance behind each piece.
How to Reach the Giants of the Sperrins
You can walk along the sculpture trail, but luckily, the Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail is accessible by car. Unfortunately, the GPS systems may not work in many areas between the sculptures. The Sperrins are isolated, so you can drive without GPS for half an hour without knowing where you are!
For this reason, I recommend planning your trip in advance. You should be able to download Google Maps or your GPS Maps. Here’s the address where you can find each sculpture.
Nowanois
274 Glenelly Road, Omagh, BT79 8LS
Darach
Glen Park Road, Gortin, County Tyrone, BT79 7SU
Ceoldán
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory
155 Davagh Road, Omagh BT79 8JQ
The Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail offers an unforgettable journey through a region rich in myth, beauty, and history. They are also a powerful reminder of the deep connection between art, nature, and culture. I loved discovering these incredible sculptures, and I hope this article inspired you to find them in the heart of Northern Ireland, too! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment; I’ll be happy to read what you think and answer your questions.
