Nowanois the Storyteller, Giant of the Sperrins - 4 Oct 2026 - v1

Nestled within a ringfort or rath, sculpted into the landscape, the giants rest amidst stone boulders offering a place for contemplation. Visitors are encouraged to sit and reflect upon the myriad of stories of the Sperrins. This rath pays homage to the six raths within a 3km radius, particularly southwest toward the Glenelly Valley, and the numerous raths found across Ireland, dating back to 500-1100 AD. These sculptures celebrate myth and legend through the art of storytelling, conjuring images of ancient holy figures, noble families, heroic battles, long-lost warriors, loyal hounds, and mournful banshees. They evoke the haunting melodies of the Sperrin people, a music that stirs, celebrates, remembers, and laments. You can find these giants at the former Sperrin Heritage Centre, 274 Glenelly Road, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, BT79 8LS, approximately 1.5 miles from Cranagh village along the B47 road. Parking is available on-site, and you can access the sculptures via a gravel path. For restroom facilities, visit the nearby village of Cranagh. Raths Circular earthen enclosures that served as forts and farmsteads for local chieftains in the early Christian period and for a scatter of Bronze Age monuments: wedge tombs, stone circles, portal tombs and stone rows. Nowanois the Storyteller “The two giants, aptly named Nowanois (Nownow), draw their identity from the English word ‘now’ and the Irish ‘anois,’ both signifying the present moment. These sculptures symbolize the unifying essence of time, bridging past and future, where memories and stories converge. One giant represents the past, while the other embodies the future, together encapsulating the eternal ‘now.’ Nowanois is a heartfelt tribute to the tradition of storytelling and the custodians of our rich heritage. The elder Nowanois points to the sky, sharing tales with his younger self about the stars and ancestors who marvelled at the heavens, evident in local prehistoric features like Goles Stone Row (Stone Row / Alignment, Latitude: 54.796727N 6.959499W). This depiction mirrors the age-old tradition of passing folklore, songs, and heritage through generations by word of mouth. Nowanois is a monumental wooden sculpture created for Derry City & Strabane District Council by the 44-year-old internationally renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo from recycled materials, typically wooden pallets however the 60 year design life requirement required a new approach. Design ID provided the technical advice on the selection of a suitable wood species, recommended oak heartwood and worked closely with Swedish oil preservative specialists to achieve the 60 year design life. The oak was sourced from offcuts from Danish furniture makers and rope for the iconic hair and beard from salvaged shipping rope from the Danish harbour beside Dambo’s Copenhagen workshop, in keeping with Dambo’s sustainable roots. The three sculptures, including Nowanois the Storyteller, were officially unveiled as part of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail launch on 4 July 2023. The Sperrins The Sperrin mountains (from the old Irish word ‘speirín’ meaning 'little pinnacle’) stretches from Strabane and Mullaghcarn (542 m or 1778 Ft) in the west, to Slieve Gallion (528m or 1,732 Ft.) and the Glenshane Pass in the east, in the counties of Tyrone and Londonderry. The landscape is mostly moorland and blanket bog. The natural asset of the mountain range mixed with the unspoilt landscape of winding rivers, sun swept valleys and scenic lakes all translate into a region recognised as one of the most idyllic in Ireland. The Sperrins provide the perfect backdrop for the visitor to experience a more relaxed pace of life or an adrenalin filled adventure. Options vary and include scenic driving and cycling routes, gentle walks, secluded rivers and lakes for anglers to enjoy and a multitude of truly giant experiences.