DERRY GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Walking the Old Ways: Ritual Landscapes of West Tyrone and East Donegal
A 5-hour guided walking tour led by expert local guide Martin that traces healing wells, sacred trees, stone circles and the folklore that has survived for millennia.
Walking the Old Ways: Ritual Landscapes of West Tyrone and East Donegal.
On the borderlands of West Tyrone and East Donegal, a short-day walking tour reveals a stitched landscape of votive sites, primeval bogs and ritual trees. Led by local guide Martin, this outing interweaves ecology, archaeology and Celtic mythology to bring to life the festivals, stories and habitats that have endured in these largely undiscovered parts of Ireland.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Primeval Bogs and Sacred Woods
The route threads through habitats that have held ritual significance for centuries — primeval bogs and ancient trees that form the living framework of local myths and seasonal festivals.
Standing Stones, Stone Circles and Votive Sites
You visit a concentration of archaeological features — standing stones, stone circles and votive sites — each tied to long-lived ritual practice and the material traces of prehistoric observance.
Folklore, Festivals and Living Myth
The guide traces the calendar of Celtic festivals — Beltane, Mid‑Summer, Lughnasadh and Samhain — explaining how stories and practices connected to healing wells and fairy trees have persisted for over two thousand years.
What the day feels like
A measured day on uneven ground, guided by local knowledge
This is a five‑hour walking experience composed of a series of short walks punctuated by stops at ritual habitats and a cafe lunch break. The pace is interpretive: Martin pairs storytelling with close observation of archaeology and ecology, moving from wells and sacred trees to stone settings while situating each place within centuries of legend.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should make different arrangements.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Participants should wear hiking boots and bring suitable outdoor clothing for walking across uneven terrain.
The outing involves a moderate amount of walking on uneven ground and a series of short walks between sites.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts five hours.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is the North West Transport Hub, Duke Street, Derry.
Are there age restrictions?
Participants must be aged 18 or over.
What is the group size limit?
This private experience runs with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 participants; for groups up to 10 contact the operator.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear hiking boots and bring outdoor clothing appropriate for uneven terrain and variable weather.
Is there a lunch break?
Yes — the itinerary includes a cafe stop for lunch during the sequence of short walks.