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About
The Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail consists of three innovative, unique yet linked artworks commissioned by Recycle Artist Thomas Dambo and are installed at key locations within the Sperrins region. Stunning walking trails and dramatic driving and cycle routes can be used to travel between the sculptures to immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the Sperrins.
The Giants of the Sperrins will take you on a journey back to the Celtic and Neolithic myths of giants, multiple dimensions and ancient history, bringing back to life magical tales amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Sperrins.
The Stargazer- Ceoldán
At Davagh Forest, the place where astronomy meets archaeology, you will find Ceoldán, the Stargazer. Kneeling on a newly constructed timber boardwalk, Ceoldán (named after the Irish words ‘Ceol’ which means music and dán which means poem) is trying to capture the brilliance of the night sky, ‘The Seven Sisters’, in his spiral. The Seven Sisters refers to a star formation and the seven trees of Ireland, Oak, Apple, Hazel, Ash, Yew, Alder and Elder. These trees were planted in the area surrounding the giant by local school children as part of the project to promote engagement and cross-community activities.
The formation of the stones within the Giant’s spiral alludes to the standing stones which were uncovered within Davagh Forest, and the Adjacent Beaghmore Stone Circles.
Nowanois (The Storyteller ) are located at the Sperrin Heritage Centre in Cranagh and Darach (The Guardian) can be found at summit of Mullaghcarn Mountain.
The Three Giants and the Campfires in the Sky
Met himself somewhere along the road
Down he sat, had a chat, passed on a wooden note
A little story about the now, the time that always slipped
you can’t catch it; only remember and, at times, predict
Listened closely; a composition in the whispers
High in the sky sang a choir of the seven sisters
The melody, a nod to each note within his spiral
and as day turns to night, he sings the song so vital
Daughter of a wicked hill
slashed a hole in the day, bend time by her will
the cane of kings and all above, she swiftly swung the staff
and from the past, she passed apple, oak, and ash
This is the act of balance; future memories being made
All rising to the challenge in bright sunlight and shade
we see a glimpse, here, now there, the river winds along
you take one step, then two, and three, and thus forever on
Getting There
Ceoldán Location: Situated at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Davagh Forest, 155 Davagh Road, Omagh BT79 8JQ. Parking, toilets and additional visitor services are available. Click on the link below for additional information including opening times:
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory
Now Anois Location: 274 Glenelly Road, Omagh, BT79 8LS (Site of the former Sperrin Heritage Centre) Parking on site. Follow gravel path from car park. Note toilets are available in the nearby village of Cranagh.
Find it here on Google Maps
Darach Location: Situated at the peak of Mullaghcarn Mountain. Access is on foot from Gortin Glen Forest Park. Parking, toilets and additional visitor services are available at Gortin Glen Forest Park, Glen Park Road, Gortin, County Tyrone, BT79 7SU. Click on the link below for additional information and opening times.
Gortin Glen Forest Park
www.thomasdambo.com
