Derry – Grianán of Aileach

The mysterious ancient fortress known as Grianán of Aileach may be just six miles from the historic walled city of Derry but it feels like another world. Built entirely of stone with outer walls sixteen foot high, Grianán of Aileach sits atop a prominent hill with breathtakingly, panoramic views over counties Derry, Donegal, and Tyrone. This Iron Age hillfort is steeped in legends and folklore which your guide will share with you from inside its ancient walls.

Grianán of Aileach to the Ulster American Folk Park

Your route offers the chance to see and hear how the Northern Conflict affected rural communities and country towns on both sides of the border. The towns of Lifford and Strabane for example are separated by just one bridge across the River Foyle. The scenic landscapes on this day tour from Derry/Londonderry are a more pastoral mix of deep river valleys and lofty emerald green fertile hills.

Ulster American Folk Park

For anyone with an interest in Irish history and the past, the Ulster American Folk Park has it all. The open-air museum tells the story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries and provides visitors with a “living history” experience on its outdoor site. The sights, smells and sounds of life over a century ago have been faithfully recreated with demonstrators dressed in historic costume.

The Ship and Dockside Gallery features a full-size reconstruction of an early 19th century sailing ship of the type which carried thousands of emigrants across the Atlantic. You board the ship in Ulster, experience life on board as an emigrant passenger and then disembark onto the docks of a port in the ‘New World’ of America.

Facilities

The on-site café provides freshly prepared light lunches for visitors. There is also a gift shop and toilets in the visitor centre.

Ulster American Folk Park to Derry

The return journey will take a more direct route through the Tyrone and Derry countryside and along the southern banks of the River Foyle for a different perspective of Derry/Londonderry’s historic walls.

Due to the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic, our tours may be changed on a daily basis. Please contact us (028 7151 1690) for updates on the tour.

There can be times when we will need to walk to specific attractions. Please come dressed appropriately for the season but keep in mind, the weather in Northern Ireland can be cold at any time of the year.

• Warm clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• A print out of your boarding ticket/voucher

• Discounts for some events and attractions

• Admission fees into attractions
• Lunch at The Ulster American Folk Park

• Online tickets are valid for up to 1 year after purchase

Cancellation policy

• Free cancellation of booking up to 72 hours before departure date, no admin fee imposed.
• Free change of date up to 12 hours before departure date, no admin fee imposed. Change of date can be within 1 year of purchase.
• Anything cancelled within 12 hours will not be refunded.
• Cancellation of some attractions may not be accepted. These are set forth by the attractions themselves and not City Sightseeing Derry.

• You can present the voucher either through print out or on your device (i.e mobile, tablet)