The Derry area sits at the heart of some of the finest natural stone country in Ireland. With Donegal quartzite visible in ancient walls from Culmore to Buncrana, and a strong tradition of stonework stretching back to the city’s medieval walls themselves, finding a skilled stonemason here is — in theory — straightforward.
In practice, word-of-mouth has always been the way. Until now.
We’ve compiled the five most consistently recommended stonemasons operating in and around Derry/Londonderry based on local knowledge, verified project examples, and regional reputation. None of these listings are sponsored — this is independent editorial.
1. Doherty Stone & Craft
Based: Waterside, Derry Specialties: Dry stone walls, quartzite walling, garden features Area covered: Derry City, Inishowen Peninsula, Limavady
The Doherty name is synonymous with dry stone work in the Derry area. Third-generation stonemason Patrick Doherty trained under his grandfather and has spent over two decades rebuilding and extending traditional dry stone boundaries across the Inishowen Peninsula and city outskirts. His work is characterised by tight, coursed stonework using locally sourced quartzite.
Patrick’s team also takes on new-build projects — garden boundary walls, feature walls, and rockery work — and has a particular reputation for matching existing stonework on period farmhouses.
Get in touch via the found.rocks directory.
2. Quinn Stone Craft
Based: Cityside, Derry Specialties: Fireplaces, interior cladding, architectural stonework Area covered: Derry City, Strabane, Limavady
If you’re looking for interior stone work — fireplaces, hearths, cladding panels, or feature walls — Quinn Stone Craft is the go-to name in the city. Eimear Quinn trained in architectural stonemasonry at the Building Crafts College in Dublin before returning to Derry, and her finished work has a precision that separates it from general masonry.
Recent projects include a Kilkenny Blue limestone fireplace surround in a renovated Victorian terrace in the Fountain area, and a split-face quartzite feature wall for a new-build development outside Strabane.
Get in touch via the found.rocks directory.
3. Harkin Traditional Masonry
Based: Buncrana, Co. Donegal (covers Derry) Specialties: Stone restoration, conservation work, dry stone walls Area covered: Inishowen, Derry City, East Donegal
Séan Harkin specialises in the restoration and conservation of existing stonework — a skill set that’s increasingly rare and increasingly valuable as period properties and historic farm buildings change hands. He has worked on several buildings within Derry’s historic city walls and undertaken restoration projects for the Office of Public Works in Donegal.
His approach is methodical: he sources reclaimed stone matching the original material wherever possible, uses lime mortar rather than OPC, and documents his work thoroughly. If you have a listed building or a structure of historical significance, Harkin Traditional Masonry is who you want.
Get in touch via the found.rocks directory.
4. McLaughlin Landscape Stone
Based: Claudy, Co. Derry Specialties: Patios, paving, garden landscaping Area covered: Greater Derry, Dungiven, Strabane
For garden paving, patios, and landscape stonework, McLaughlin Landscape Stone has built a strong reputation across the greater Derry area over the past decade. They work primarily with natural stone — quartzite, granite setts, reclaimed sandstone — and have a clear preference for locally sourced material over imported alternatives.
Their portfolio includes everything from modest rear-garden patios to large formal courtyard projects. Pricing is competitive and they offer a supply-and-fit service for customers who want a turnkey solution.
Get in touch via the found.rocks directory.
5. Bradley Paving & Stone
Based: Eglinton, Co. Derry Specialties: Driveways, paving, walling Area covered: Limavady, Coleraine, Derry City, Strabane
Bradley Paving & Stone is the largest operation on this list — a family-run business with a team of six that handles volume paving projects alongside bespoke stonework. They stock quartzite, limestone, and imported Indian sandstone (they’re honest about the difference), and will advise on what suits your project and budget.
Particularly useful if you need a full driveway and boundary wall project managed end-to-end, or if you’re building a new house in the area and need consistent supply throughout the build.
Get in touch via the found.rocks directory.
How to Choose
The right stonemason depends entirely on your project. For dry stone work and rural walling, go traditional. For interior work and architectural stonework, seek someone with formal training. For large paving projects, a team with volume capability will serve you better than a sole trader.
Ask to see examples of their work. Ask what mortar they use (lime mortar is almost always correct for traditional buildings). Ask where they source their stone.
And if you want to explore what stone is right for your project before you pick up the phone, start with our Stone Library.