Alastair Donaghy Walks and Talks

17/12/2024

Tonight's reading . . .

13/12/2024

Just finished reading this great book (recommended by fellow tour guide Janet Wray) . . .
If you are interested in the outdoors, or hill walking or the mountains, this is a 'must read' book

13/12/2024

Ballymena Walking Tours - the story of the 'Seven Towers'

Every Sunday afternoon in January & February!

Come join us for an exciting history and heritage walking tour exploring the history and tales behind the iconic 'Seven Towers'.

Discover the rich heritage and secrets of our town, as we visit a number of historic landmarks.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of our town's past!

All tours are available now on Eventbrite

12/12/2024

Great addition to the Flamingo mural in Greenvale Street . . .

11/12/2024

Coffee and a read . . .

06/12/2024

Radical history walking tour . . . some spaces still available for next Sunday (15 Dec).

1798 United Irishmen Rebellion in Randalstown

Come join us for a historical journey back to the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion in Randalstown!

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) for a wee cup of tea/coffee to warm us up.

We will then dander around the town, and 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!

We will start with a wee cup of tea/coffee before we dander around Randalstown with a focus on the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion

05/12/2024

Coffee and some reading . . .

04/12/2024

Another great tour around the 'pot walloping' town!

Book your place on the Eventbrite link below!

We will start with a wee cup of tea/coffee before we dander around Randalstown with a focus on the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion

04/12/2024

Great to see more emerging street art in town . . . If it stopped raining a while, it might get finished!

01/12/2024

We will start with a wee cup of tea/coffee before we dander around Randalstown with a focus on the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion

26/11/2024

This morning's reading . . .

24/11/2024

Always a pleasure working (walking) with Stephen McCracken

15/11/2024

A few pics from a few days 'out whest' in Mayo . . .

15/11/2024

New Year offer!

2025 Walking Tours of Ballymena now available to book on Eventbrite!

I will be offering a 'Sunday Afternoon' tour during January and February - these tours have been very popular and would make a nice Xmas present?

Come join us as we start our tour at the Harmony Hub in Ballymena, for an exciting history and heritage walking tour exploring the history and tales behind the iconic 'Seven Towers'.

Discover the rich heritage and secrets of our town, as we visit historic landmarks and forgotten locations around the town.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of our town's past!

The tour lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours covering just over a mile! So not too strenuous!

I am also happy to accommodate under 16s (accompanied by a paying adult) for free!

So why not get in touch and join us!

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/alastair-donaghy-77832418653

14/11/2024

Did you know!

There is a Napoleonic war hero buried in Ballymena.

Joseph Dyas, originally from County Meath, he joined the 51st Light Infantry, eventually became Captain and when he reached 'Half Pay' (pension) he arrived in Ballymena where he became a local magistrate!

It was during the Siege of Badajoz that Ensign Joseph Dyas greatly distinguished himself, with great gallantry.

On three occasions he led the storming party (the 'forlorn hope') against the fort in the face of almost certain death. This gallant feat is still commemorated in the Regiment by the toast of "Dyas and the stormers."

Want to find out more, and visit his grave?

Come along on one of my Walking Tours of Ballymena every Sunday afternoon in January and February . . .

Message me if interested.