A STATUE of mythological giant Finn McCool has been installed on the shores of Lough Neagh.
The Protector of the Lough sculpture, which stands at eight metres tall and is illuminated at night, celebrates the lough, land, folklore and heritage.
Specially commissioned by Antrim and Newtownabbey borough council, it has been erected in Antrim Lough Shore in a nod to the legend that the lough was created when Finn McCool scooped up a piece of earth to throw at his enemy in Scotland and missed.
The hole left in the earth filled up with water and is known today as Lough Neagh, while the remains in the middle of the two regions is now known as the Isle of Man.
Mayor Billy Webb said "this impressive sculpture is an exciting attraction for our residents and visitors".
"It is particularly breath-taking in the evening when it is lit up beautifully against the shoreline," he said.
"This, along with our other digital plans for the area will grow our tourism offering bringing more visitors and supporting our local businesses."
The sculpture is one of several developments at Antrim Lough Shore, with plans for virtual reality seasonal trails, taster sessions with local restaurants, festivals and guided tours.
