Robert Campbell, an author, poet, and artist, collaborated with musician Marty Coyle of the North West Folk Collective on Wains o Dál Riata: A Sensory Reawakening of an ancient World. The project uses Ulster Scots, Irish, and English languages with music to show connections between Ireland, Scotland, and the Hebrides through the ancient Gaelic Kingdom of Dál Riata.

Campbell stated that the piece developed from his own illustrations for another project and focused on human experiences of life and survival in ancient times. The work now centers on a video installation with his fineline ink drawings and paintings on fabric.

The premiere occurred at the New Gate Arts Centre in the Fountain area of Derry on Thursday. It included the first performance of the song Ale the Ewes, translated into Irish by Cara Mooney. The song presents a story of a young woman and her sheep in a trilingual question-and-answer format.

Campbell noted that Mooney translated the words to fit the tune. Audience members joined the performance as participants in the narrative. Nikos Petsakos played Greek bouzouki with Coyle and the North West Folk Collective.

Coyle said the project grew from mandolin lessons Campbell took at the North West Folk Collective. Campbell's descriptions of landscapes and human themes shaped the music, starting with small motifs and expanding into larger pieces. The installation combines spoken word, soundscape, and mandolin rhythms.