Alastair Donaghy Walks and Talks

30/08/2024

30/08/2024

🎉🚶‍♂️ Back by Popular Demand: “Around Our Town” Walking Tour - 2nd Edition! 🚶‍♀️🎉

We’re excited to announce the return of the “Around Our Town” Walking Tour, a joint venture between Ballymena BID and Alastair Donaghy Walks & Talks Tours! If you missed the first one, here’s your chance to explore Ballymena’s rich history and vibrant culture. 🌟

🗓️ Date: Friday, 6th September 2024
🕒 Time: 1:30pm - 5:00pm
📍 Starting Point: Follow Coffee
💷 Tickets: £25.00

Join us as we journey through Ballymena’s past, making stops at some of the town’s most beloved spots:

• Follow Coffee ☕ – Start your tour with a warm welcome and a great brew.
• Treats in Camerons 🍰 – Indulge in delicious local treats.
• Sweets from Diamonds 🍬 – Delight in some classic local sweets.
• Drink of Choice and Barrs Stew at The Front Page Bar 🍲 – End the tour with a refreshing drink of your choice and a hearty bowl of traditional Irish stew.

This tour offers more than just a walk—it’s a chance to experience the essence of Ballymena through its stories, flavors, and community spirit.

Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out! Secure your ticket on Eventbrite and be part of this special Ballymena experience. ⏳🔗 BUY TICKETS NOW: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/around-our-town-ballymena-bid-walking-tour-of-the-town-tickets-1002057209087?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2fPL8KygXQ6OLXS0Ls55BmnkZ2v6zL7EoV2a248HRZeTZg10QSHNyuWUU_aem_s60ONi9hrC8I5jSAP_FljQ

Let’s make more memories together! 🌟🏙️

29/08/2024

While leading a tour of The Gobbins this morning we were privileged to cheer on a swimmer starting her swim from the coast of Ireland / County Antrim to Scotland!

Fairplaytilya!

29/08/2024

"Around Our Town" Ballymena BID Walking Tour of the town

Join us on Friday 6 September for an unforgettable stroll through our town’s rich history and a nostalgic walk down memory lane.

Stephen Reynolds (Front Page Bar) and Roy Smyth (Outdoor Adventure) will accompany local historian and qualified tour guide Alastair Donaghy (Tour Guides NI) as we explore Ballymena’s historic streets, uncovering stories of bygone eras and iconic landmarks, in the ‘City of The Seven Towers’.

Enjoy food and beverage tastings during short stops at a range of well-established local venues.

Our starting point is Follow Coffee on Greenvale Street.

Limited spaces and tickets available!

Book here: https://facebook.com/pending_collaboration_invites/61554467945342/100063560710751/?ref=copied_link_from_comet_post_composer

27/08/2024

A wee dander through Hillsborough and the fort

27/08/2024

A bite of lunch . . .

27/08/2024

Great wee GOT tour . . . "Winter is coming"

27/08/2024

"Around Our Town" Walking Tour of Ballymena

📅 Friday 6th Sept
⌚ 1:30pm - 5pm

Ballymena is renowned for its rich history, vibrant heritage and has always been regarded as a premier retail, hospitality and tourism destination within Northern Ireland.

Ballymena BID will be accompanied by local historian and tour guide Alastair Donaghy as he journeys through time exploring some historic locations, buildings and landmarks that tell the story of Ballymena’s past, and samples some great local food and refreshments along the way!

Book your place on this tour here 👉 https://bit.ly/475uDLt

"Around Our Town" Ballymena BID Walking Tour of the town

25/08/2024

After the success of our Ballymena BID Walking Tour, we are planning a second even better event!

Date for your diary, Friday 6 September.

Further details and booking information will be posted very soon!

24/08/2024

"The Four of Us" intimate acoustic gig . . .

24/08/2024

A few pints in Johnny's . .
.

24/08/2024

A few pints of stout, and a bite to eat . . . Great wee spot!

22/08/2024

A wee dander around the old church in Glynn (St.John's CoI)

20/08/2024

After the success of last Friday's Food & Drink Walking Tour of Ballymena - in partnership with Ballymena BID - we are exploring a series of follow up tours.

We will also be offering a range of other tours of the town on request.

Please get in touch if you, or anyone you know, is interested!

18/08/2024

On the way home . . .

17/08/2024

So, after yesterday's hugely successful walking tour of Ballymena, its back to the coast today . . .
Heading to The Gobbins!

16/08/2024

Great wee tour today with Ballymena BID.

If you are interested in a future tour please get in touch!

15/08/2024

Wow!

Our Ballymena BID Walking Tour of Ballymena tomorrow is now sold out!

Ballymena is renowned for its rich history, vibrant heritage and has always been regarded as a premier retail, hospitality and tourism destination within Northern Ireland.

So tomorrow our first group of guests, led by our local historian and tour guide Alastair Donaghy, will walk through time exploring some historic locations, buildings and landmarks that tell the story of Ballymena’s past.

We are in discussions with the Ballymena BID team about making this tour a regular event, so watch this space for details!

15/08/2024

Absolutely delighted to be working with Ballymena BID on a great new initiative to showcase our wee town!

The "Ballymena Improvement District's" vision is to create a safe, welcoming, cleaner, accessible and distinctive location for all to shop, visit, experience and enjoy.

So here is our event!

*Step Back in Time with Ballymena's "Around Our Town" Walking Tour!* 🚶‍♀️🎉

Join Ballymena BID on *Friday, 16th August 2024* for an unforgettable stroll through our town’s rich history! 🌟

Guided by local historian and qualified tour guide Alastair Donaghy (Tour Guides NI), this tour will take you through Ballymena’s historic streets, uncovering stories of bygone eras and iconic landmarks. 🏛️✨

From bustling markets to iconic businesses like Caulfield’s Fish & Chips and Sammy Barr’s Flamingo Ballroom, experience the charm and evolution of Ballymena first hand. 🏙️💭

🍽️ Enjoy tastings from beloved local spots such as Dougie's Goodies, Gwen’s Café and McGroggan’s Ice Cream. Learn to pour the perfect pint of Guinness in The Front Page Bar, and earn your exclusive Guinness Certificate! 🍻🎓

📅 *Date:* Friday, 16th August 2024
🕑 *Time:* 2pm - 5pm
📍 *Starting Point:* Harmony Hub Bandstand
💷 *Tickets:* £20.00 (includes tour, tastings, and refreshments)

Limited tickets available!

Click the following link to secure your spot and be part of Ballymena’s living history. ⏳🔗

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/around-our-town-walking-tour-of-ballymena-tickets-977810416277?aff=oddtdtcreator

Don’t miss this chance to connect with the past and celebrate our town’s vibrant heritage! 🌟🏘️

15/08/2024

14/08/2024

What's the Ballymena connection with Sean Bean and the Battle of Waterloo (1815)

The battle that changed the face of Europe. An Allied army under the Duke of Wellington defeated Napoleon Bonaparte and the French!

Wellington proclaimed it was “the nearest run thing you ever saw in your life”.

But what is the link with our wee town?

Come on our tour this Friday afternoon and find out!

Some places still available:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/around-our-town-walking-tour-of-ballymena-tickets-977810416277?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

12/08/2024

Today's office . . .

10/08/2024

🎉🚶‍♂️ Step Back in Time with Ballymena's "Around Our Town" Walking Tour!🚶‍♀️🎉

Join Ballymena BID on Friday, 16th August 2024** for an unforgettable stroll through our town’s rich history! 🌟 Guided by the knowledgeable Alastair Donaghy, this tour will take you through Ballymena’s historic streets, uncovering stories of bygone eras and iconic landmarks. 🏛️✨

From bustling markets to iconic businesses like Caulfield’s Fish & Chips and Sammy Barr’s Flamingo Ballroom, experience the charm and evolution of Ballymena firsthand. 🏙️💭

🍽️ Enjoy tastings from beloved local spots such as Dougies Goodies, Gwen’s Café and McGroggan’s Ice Cream. Learn to pour the perfect pint of Guinness and earn your exclusive Guinness Certificate! 🍻🎓

📅 Date: Friday, 16th August 2024
🕑 Time: 2pm - 5pm
📍 Starting Point: Harmony Hub Bandstand
💷 Tickets: £20.00 (includes tour, tastings, and refreshments)

Limited tickets available! Click the following link to secure your spot and be part of Ballymena’s living history. ⏳🔗 [ https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/around-our-town-walking-tour-of-ballymena-tickets-977810416277?aff=oddtdtcreator]

Don’t miss this chance to connect with the past and celebrate our town’s vibrant heritage! 🌟🏘️

06/08/2024

06/08/2024

Out for a dander and some fresh air after an appointment at Antrim Hospital.

06/08/2024

Working on a new project as a member of Tour Guides NI

In discussions with local business leaders on a food and drink walking tour!

'Watch this space' in the next couple of days for an update!

31/07/2024

“Army of Ulster, tomorrow we march on Antrim - drive the garrison of Randalstown before you, and haste to form a junction with the Commander-in-Chief.”

“1st year of liberty, 6th day of June, 1798.”

Come join us this Sunday evening for a historical journey back to the 'pot walloping' borough of An Dun Mor, later named after Randal MacDonnell and once known as the 'foot of the bed' town of Randalstown!

Our focus will be on the events in the town during the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion.

This is an Ulster Walking Tours event, and your guides will be Stephen McCracken and Alastair Donaghy.

We will meet at the Old Congregational Church (Portglenone Road) where we will take you back to 1798.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn about the significance of the rebellion that shaped the course of our history.

See you there!

A walking tour of Randalstown with a focus on the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion, a pivotal moment in Irish history!

30/07/2024

Our next walking tour of Ballymena, with a focus on the story of 'The Seven Towers' is this Thursday evening:

2 hour walking tour! Come hear all about 'The Seven Towers' and the fascinating history of Ballymena town in one exciting event!