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Glenelly Valley

5
·1 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover colossal wooden giants in the wild beauty of Glenelly Valley, part of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail. A unique blend of art and nature.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Summer mornings

Best light for sculptures & trails

CrowdLow
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Glenelly Valley - Image 1

Glenelly Valley

Best Time

Spring and Summer mornings

Best light for sculptures & trails

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover colossal wooden giants in the wild beauty of Glenelly Valley, part of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail. A unique blend of art and nature.

5
(1 reviews)

"Awe-inspiring giant sculptures in a stunning, wild landscape – a must-see!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Follow the Giant Trail

Visit all three giant sculptures in the Sperrins for the full experience!

🚗 Car is Essential

A car is highly recommended for exploring the Glenelly Valley and surrounding areas.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

5 · 1 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nowanois: The Storytellers

Nowanois: The Storytellers

Glenelly Valley near Cranagh

Massive, whimsical wooden giants crafted from recycled materials, telling ancient stories.

Sperrins Sculpture Trail

Sperrins Sculpture Trail

County Tyrone

A collection of impressive giant sculptures scattered across the scenic Sperrin Mountains.

Glenelly Valley Landscapes

Glenelly Valley Landscapes

Sperrin Mountains

Experience the wild, ancient beauty of this protected landscape, praised by National Geographic.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Giants of Glenelly Valley

Discover the awe-inspiring 'Nowanois: The Storytellers' sculptures by Thomas Dambo, nestled in the ancient Glenelly Valley. Plan your visit to this unique art installation within the Sperrins' wild beauty. Instagram

Sperrins Sculpture Trail Adventure

Glenelly Valley is part of the larger Sperrins Sculpture Trail, featuring other giant sculptures. Consider visiting Darach on Mullaghcarn and Ceoldan in Davagh Forest for a complete art and nature experience. Instagram

Best Times

When
Spring and Summer mornings
Why
Best light for sculptures & trails
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌄 The Glenelly Valley – 500 Million Years in the Making. The Glenelly Valley in the heart of the Sperrins is one of Ireland’s most precious landscapes — shaped over half a billion years and praised by National Geographic for its wild beauty, ideal trails, and dreamy villages. Now, all of that is at risk. 🌬️ RES wants to industrialise Mullaghclogher, part of the panoramic ridgeline overlooking the...
save_the_moat
0 likes • 1.3K views

🎯 Follow the Giant Trail

Visit all three giant sculptures in the Sperrins for the full experience! Instagram

🚗 Car is Essential

A car is highly recommended for exploring the Glenelly Valley and surrounding areas. Reddit

Nowanois : The Storytellers Amazing giant sculptures located in the Glenelly Valley near Cranagh, part of the Sperrin sculpture trail, alongside Darach on Mullaghcarn and Ceoldan in Davagh forest. Created by the talented @thomasdambo #northernireland #sperrins #giants #mygiantadventure #explore #spring #amazingplaces
tyrone_skies
125 likes • 3K views
Discover the charm of Lesser Spotted Ulster! Join Joe Mahon in the Glenelly Valley of County Tyrone as Joe McGurk shares tales of distinctive names. This particular clip is a popular one in our work with the Rural Support’s Plough On project. Plough On is a program that works with retired farmers, enhancing their social experiences and giving them a space to share stories and reminisce. We are...
northernirelandscreen
37 likes • 2.2K views

📸 Drone Photography

Consider bringing a drone for unique aerial shots of the giants and valley. Instagram

🌦️ Weather Preparedness

Be prepared for changeable weather; rain is common but doesn't diminish the giants' charm. Instagram

In the heart of Northern Ireland’s Sperrin Mountains, where the rugged Glenelly Valley carves through ancient landscapes, Thomas Dambo’s Nowanois sculptures stand as silent sentinels. Crafted from recycled wood, these two figures—an elder and his younger self—rest within a stone circle, echoing the Neolithic ringforts and cairns that dot the Sperrins. This region, shaped by glacial forces and stee...
ryjaoh
0 likes • 199 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Follow the Giant Trail

Visit all three giant sculptures in the Sperrins for the full experience! Instagram

🚗 Car is Essential

A car is highly recommended for exploring the Glenelly Valley and surrounding areas. Reddit

📸 Drone Photography

Consider bringing a drone for unique aerial shots of the giants and valley. Instagram

🌦️ Weather Preparedness

Be prepared for changeable weather; rain is common but doesn't diminish the giants' charm. Instagram

What Travellers Say

5
(1 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by the unique 'Nowanois: The Storytellers' sculptures in Glenelly Valley, praising their artistic merit and the stunning natural setting. The free access and the opportunity for creative photography are major draws. Some visitors note the limited facilities and the need for a car, but overall, the experience is highly recommended for its blend of art, nature, and adventure.

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Brendan Mccorriston

What People Like

Unique giant sculptures
Beautiful natural landscape
Free outdoor art

What People Dislike

Limited facilities
Requires a car

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Glenelly Valley is best accessed by car. It's located in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The nearest major town is Omagh. The specific address for 'Nowanois: The Storytellers' is 274 Glenelly Road, Omagh, BT79 8LS. Instagram+1

Public transport options are limited for reaching the more remote parts of Glenelly Valley. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility and ease of access to the sculptures and scenic routes. Reddit

A car is essential for the Sperrins Sculpture Trail. The three main giant locations (Glenelly Valley, Mullaghcarn, and Davagh Forest) are spread out, and driving between them offers the best experience. Instagram

Parking is generally available near the sculpture sites, though it can be informal. Arriving earlier in the day can help secure a good spot. Instagram

Yes, it's possible to visit Glenelly Valley as a long day trip from Belfast, but it will be a substantial drive. An overnight stay in the Sperrins region would allow for a more relaxed exploration. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to see the 'Nowanois: The Storytellers' and other giants on the Sperrins Sculpture Trail is free. These are outdoor art installations accessible to the public. Instagram+1

Glenelly Valley and the sculptures are accessible at any time, as they are outdoor installations. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility. Instagram

The Sperrins Sculpture Trail, including the giants in Glenelly Valley, is free to visit. It's an open-air art experience celebrating the landscape. Instagram

Yes, the sculptures are accessible in all weather conditions. While rain is common in Northern Ireland, it doesn't prevent viewing the giants, though appropriate clothing is advised. Instagram

No booking is required to visit the Glenelly Valley giants or any of the sculptures on the Sperrins Sculpture Trail. It's a self-guided experience. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The 'Nowanois: The Storytellers' sculptures themselves are the main photo attractions. Try different angles, especially with the natural landscape as a backdrop. The surrounding valley also offers scenic views. Instagram+1

Yes, drone photography is popular for capturing the scale of the giants and the vastness of the Glenelly Valley. Ensure you follow all drone regulations. Instagram

Absolutely! Even in the rain, the giants have a dramatic presence. The moody atmosphere can create unique and striking photographs. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. However, the giants are impressive at any time of day. Instagram

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, always be respectful of the art and the environment. Instagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

Allocate at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the 'Nowanois: The Storytellers' sculptures and explore the immediate surroundings. If visiting other giants, factor in travel time. Instagram

Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, as you'll be walking on uneven terrain. Layers of clothing are advisable due to the unpredictable weather. Instagram

Facilities are limited directly at the sculpture sites. It's advisable to use restrooms and purchase refreshments before heading to the Glenelly Valley. Instagram

The terrain can be uneven and sometimes muddy, especially after rain. Visitors with mobility issues may find it challenging. Comfortable footwear is a must. Instagram

These giants, created by Thomas Dambo, are made from recycled wood and celebrate the ancient past and storytelling traditions of the Sperrin landscape. Instagram+1

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