Coille Dhoire Cycle Tour

Our latest tour, new for 2024 – Coille Dhoire – or the ‘Derry Woodland’ Cycle Tour, is a culinary biking adventure following the trail of the famous Oak Tree that gives Derry its ancient name. This 2 hour experience is a pleasant 10 mile round trip with inputs on ecological heritage en-route and relaxing bespoke refreshments at the half-way stage in the Arboretum area of Brookhall Estate.

Our expert local guide will accompany you from St Columbus Park in the heart of the Derry’s buzzing centre along the Foyle Greenway. You will cycle across the Peace Bridge and along the River Feabhail (or Foyle in English), an estuary with a celebrated legacy of Atlantic Salmon which forms the basis of native food progeny.

The river provides the context for the settlement of Doire or Derry, a wooded island whose settlement dates from pre-christian times and which derives its name from the totemic oak tree, or Dair  in the Irish language. After a 20-30 easy cycle downriver to Brookhall Estate, you will visit some of the most unique trees in the river’s catchment. In the Arboretum, light refreshments including a hot beverage and a finger buffet with a range of local artist foods are on offer as part of the tour.

On your return cycle back to the city you will cross back from the west to the east bank of the river, learning about the inspiring and memorable foundation myth which gives the river is name. Derived from the Celtic and Irish Sea- God, this origin myth tells the story that brings the Coille Dhoire, or Derry Woodland to life.

Enjoy 2hrs of sightseeing, stories, laughter and fine food on our Coille Dhoire Cycle Tour.

Meet Our Instructors

Lorcan McBride

Director

I have been making the outdoors both my work and passion for over 10 years now- and every activity brings new people, new places, and new discoveries. What keeps me smiling is discovering the depth of Ireland’s natural heritage- and how people take to it so positively. I have been working with community leaders in Aotearoa/New Zealand for years to understand our own indigenous identity.

Darren Thompson

Adventure Guide

Born in the city, Darren spent 12 years working in Scotland leading water and land based expeditions. Living in Inishowen since 2018, he is happiest when rock-climbing and kayaking around our beautiful coast-line

Michelle McLaughlin

Adventure Guide

Hiya I’m Michelle. I’ve been coaching Outdoor Education for over 30 years. As well as teaching I avidly do Outdoor Pursuits for my hobbies. It’s an amazing feeling empowering people to get out of their comfort zone and find a buzz that will stay with them for a long time

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