An Armagh mother is turning the pain of losing her son into a new dog-friendly community space, with Daly Danders Adventure Centre set to launch on Drumilly Road.
Julie, the mother of Ryan Daly, has created the adventure centre with her daughter Lucy, Ryan’s only sibling. The pair hope it will become a family-friendly place where people can talk while their dogs exercise and play.
The launch is planned for Saturday, October 17, with Ryan’s memory at the centre of the venture. The source does not specify a year for the launch date, while it records Ryan’s death as having taken place on January 17, 2025.
A lasting tribute to Ryan Daly
Ryan died in Thailand aged 26 after what his family described as a “devastating accident”. He had been travelling the world on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and volunteered at a dog sanctuary during the trip, reflecting his lifelong love of dogs.
Julie told Armagh I that the new centre is intended as an extension of Ryan’s legacy. Before travelling, Ryan had run his own successful business, Express Cleaning, and continued operating it remotely while away.
“It is somewhere to channel that pain and I feel like Ryan is there, it’s him. For me, it’s Ryan’s business. He had his own successful business called Express Cleaning and he was still running it remotely when he went away so for me this is an extension to his business. It’s a continuation of his legacy.”
Julie said Ryan’s friends had provided strong support ahead of the opening, with many already booking for the first day. Donations made instead of funeral flowers were also given to the dog sanctuary where Ryan volunteered.
The family’s tribute extends throughout the site. A shipping container has been named “Daly’s Den”, while Julie’s two cocker spaniels, Megan and Shirley, were with her as she discussed the project.
What visitors can expect at the Drumilly Road centre
Daly Danders includes tunnels, climbing frames, weave poles, a sandpit and a ball pit. Part of the field is on an incline to provide additional exercise, while another section has been left open for dogs to run freely.
Owners will be able to get tea and coffee, and Daly’s Den provides a dry area so the centre can operate in wet weather. A hygiene station at the entrance and exit includes hand sanitiser and a “Mud Daddy” for cleaning muddy paws.
Julie has already held several soft launches with dogs known to her. She said watching them run, jump and play had brought happiness to the family, and she hopes the centre will bring similar enjoyment to dogs and their owners.
The centre is currently intended to open six days a week, closing on Tuesdays so Julie can clean the equipment. Visitors are advised to bring wellies.
Booking and safety information
A one-way system and signage will guide drivers to the car park. Dogs must remain on leads until they are safely inside the double-gated enclosure and must be put back on leads when leaving, to reduce the risk of incidents around moving vehicles.
Reactive-dog sessions are also planned. Visitors are asked to follow the lead guidance when arriving and departing, and to observe a ten-minute wind-up period before leaving their 50-minute free-run session.
Julie intends to make Daly Danders her full-time focus. She has also offered herself as someone owners can speak to, saying she will be available if people want to talk. Bookings for Daly Danders Adventure Centre can be made through the Booksy app.