derry travel guide

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Derry (Londonderry)

Northern Ireland's second-largest city continues to flourish as an artistic and cultural hub. Derry's city centre was given a striking makeover for its year as the UK City of Culture 2013, with the construction of the Peace Bridge, Ebrington Sq, and the redevelopment of the waterfront and Guildhall area making the most of the city's splendid riverside setting.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

People's Gallery Murals

The 12 murals that decorate the gable ends of houses along Rossville St, near Free Derry Corner, are popularly referred to as the People's Gallery. They…

Derry's City Walls

The best way to get a feel for Derry's layout and history is to walk the 1.5km circumference of the city's walls. Completed in 1619, Derry's city walls…

Standing just outside the city walls, the neo-Gothic Guildhall was originally built in 1890, then rebuilt after a fire in 1908. Its fine stained-glass…

Tower Museum

Head straight to the 5th floor of this award-winning museum inside a replica 16th-century tower house for a view from the top. Then work your way down…

St Columb's Cathedral

Built between 1628 and 1633 from the same grey-green schist as the city walls, this was the first post-Reformation church to be erected in Britain and…

Museum of Free Derry

Just off Rossville St, this excellent museum chronicles the history of the Bogside, the Civil Rights Movement and the events of Bloody Sunday through…

Hands Across the Divide

As you enter the city across Craigavon Bridge, the first thing you see is the Hands Across the Divide monument. This striking bronze sculpture of two men…

St Columba's Church

Outside the city walls to the southwest is Long Tower Church, Derry’s first post-Reformation Catholic church. Built in 1784 in neo-Renaissance style, it…

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Life In Pleasantville

Food, Travel, Life

A Day in Derry: Your Ultimate 24-Hour Guide

You’ve got a day in Derry, a mere 24 hours to absorb as much culture, history, and cuisine as you can. Ack! Where to even begin? Derry (aka Londonderry or The Walled City) has so much to see and do, you’ll definitely find yourself wishing you had more time. But alas, a day in Derry is all you’ve got, so let’s make the most of it. Here’s your 24-hour Derry itinerary, packed with enough cool experiences and local gems to make your friends back home jealous and leave you itching to come back for more.

Before You Go to Derry

There’s two things you need to ensure you do before you go. First, Derry is a highly walkable city, so invest in a really good pair of walking shoes . You will thank me later. Second, buy a Visit Derry Pass online before you leave so that you’re not fussing upon arrival or spending more money than you need to. Reasonably priced at £25.00, it’s more than worth it and will get you into many of the attractions listed below.

Starting Your Day – Getting a Lay of the Land

You’re going to start your day with Martin McCrossan Walking Tours . You do not need to book this in advance but you do need to show up promptly at 11 Carlisle Road for the 10am tour. From here your guide will walk you through the gates of the Walled City and give you a history lesson that spans from the 6th century up to present. Having very little knowledge of Derry prior to my visit, I can honestly say that our guide Charlene McCrossan gave us just the right amount of context so that when we went deeper into the history in our next few stops, we didn’t feel likes such rubes.

I’m positive every tour guide with McCrossan Walking Tours is stellar, as it’s the only 5 star tour operator in Derry, but if you’re lucky enough to end up with Charlene, do ask her to do her impression of Aunt Sarah from Derry Girls . Brilliantly on point!

Deeper into Derry History

Derry’s history is so rich and complex, it must be approached several different ways in order to absorb it all. From understanding why a wall was built around it in the early 1600s to U-boats being sunk in the River Foyle at the end of WWII to the start of The Troubles, you are going to need to visit three museums, but don’t worry, you’ll have a stop for sustenance in between. Let’s go!

Tower Museum

After you leave your walking tour, you’ll want to head straight to the award-winning Tower Museum . The Tower Museum covers Derry’s history from it’s prehistoric origins right up to a special Derry Girls exhibit with memorabilia from the show. Filled with interactive multimedia and historic artifacts, the Tower Museum is just big enough to give you a firmer grasp of Derry’s history, but small enough that it won’t consume most of your day.

Lunch at Stitch & Weave

Once you leave the Tower Museum, it’s time to fuel up at Stitch & Weave located in Ebrington Square. Stitch & Weave offers up delicious seasonal and local food with stunning views of the Foyle. Because we’re jamming in a lot here, your short 11 minute walk over from the Tower Museum, is also an an excellent opportunity to take in the city views and learn the history of The Peace Bridge , a walking/cycle bridge that connects the waterside, where a largely unionist population still lives to the cityside where nationalists largely reside.

After you’ve filled up, walk off a bit of your lunch on your 16 minute walk over to the Museum of Free Derry.

Museum of Free Derry

The Museum of Free Derry is an absolute must when visiting Derry, particularly if civil rights are of interest to you. Covering Derry’s intense history from 1968 to 1972, this interactive museum allows guests to walk through at their own pace and learn about The Battle of the Bogside (widely accepted as the catalyst for the over 30 years of civil disobedience and violence known as The Troubles) to Bloody Sunday, when 14 men and boys were killed by British soldiers.

Curated with protest signs, weapons, letters, photographs, newspaper clippings, and audio and video recordings, the Museum of Free Derry provides a comprehensive overview of an incredibly tumultuous time in Derry and a window into why this city continues to stand staunchly for civil rights globally. Word to the wise: if you’re a crier like me, you may want to bring tissues for this one, or risk leaving with mascara-stained shirt sleeves. Yes, I did that.

Derry Peacemakers Museum and Gasyards Centre

Located just down the road from the Museum of Free Derry, The new Derry Peacemakers Museum and Gasyards Centre picks up where Free Derry leaves off, from August 1972 to May of 2007. Like Free Derry, this museum uses archival footage and interactive media to tell the story of how peace finally came to Derry after decades of turmoil.

Not opening until July 2024, I was able to take a hard hat tour of the project when I visited for a sneak peek. I was incredibly moved without seeing a single exhibit and only having it explained to me, so I anticipate this museum to be as moving as the Free Derry Museum. Worth noting, the Derry Peacemakers Museum also has an exhibit that focuses heavily on the impact female activists had in moving the peace process forward.

Get a Different Perspective

The River Foyle is a superstar both historically and in the here and now. A quick boat tour with Foyle Adventures is a must. The Foyle served as a border of sorts between Northern Ireland (unionists) and the Republic (nationalists) for many years. It’s also the resting place of many German U-boats which were surrendered here at the at end of WWII and subsequently sunk. Today however, the River Foyle allows for a unique view of a city at peace. (hot tip: watch for seals in the water)

Time to Freshen Up

Okay, your feet are tired and you need a breather before a travel debrief with your companions over dinner. There is no better place to do this than at The Ebrington Hotel , located in the historic Ebrington Square , your accommodations for the evening. So take another stroll over The Peace Bridge and if time permits, try to book yourself a massage in their spa or take some time to unwind in their hydrotherapy pool before dinner.

From Grain to Glass at Walled City Brewery

You’re almost at the finish line of your day in Derry and now it’s time to let loose and commit all you learned about Derry today to memory over drinks and dinner. It’s also time to maybe throw on some fancy shoes, because you’re not going far. The Walled City Brewery and Kitchen is your next stop and is conveniently located beside The Ebrington Hotel.

If beer is your beverage of choice, be sure to book the Grain to Glass Experience before dinner. The taproom located at the back of this historic 1872 building, is where brewmasters will walk you through the process of how they make their beer before allowing you to pull a flight for yourself. After your brewing experience head on over to their gastropub for more storytelling over incredible food.

Sweet Dreams of Derry

It’s been a day, so head back over to your room at the Ebrington Hotel to drift into a peaceful slumber. Be sure to take advantage of their extraordinary breakfast offering included with your stay before heading out the next day.

And there you have it—a whirlwind day in Derry that’s packed with history, culture, and delicious food. From the moment you set foot on the historic streets, to the emotional depths of its museums, and the vibrant flavours at the Walled City Brewery, Derry offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re gazing out over the River Foyle or walking the Peace Bridge, this city leaves a lasting impression. Trust me, one day is just the beginning—you’ll be planning your return trip before you know it. So, lace up those walking shoes, grab your Visit Derry Pass, and get ready to fall in love with the Walled City.

Disclosure: I was invited by Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, and Northern Ireland Tourism to learn more about Ireland. All opinions expressed in this article are my own.

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About Candace Sampson

Candace is founder and editor-in-chief of Life in Pleasantville which isn’t half as fancy as it sounds. You can find her sharing travel stories on What She Said Radio and on CTV Ottawa Morning Live.

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• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Walled city
• 4.2 Bogside
• 4.3 Elsewhere
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 11 Stay safe

Derry or Londonderry (Irish: Doire ) is the second city of Northern Ireland , with a population of 85,000 in 2021. It's on the estuary of the River Foyle and historically within County Londonderry , which has been abolished as a unit of governance so the city is now part of Derry and Strabane District. It's on the border with County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, and its city walls reflect its frontier status. Derry is a fascinating destination with in-your-face history.

Understand [ edit ]

Accept at the outset that you will occasionally use the wrong name, or rather a right name in the wrong company, and be thunderously corrected. The multiple names of this city reflect its deep layers of history.

Doire is Irish for "oak grove". Glaciers gouged out the fjord of Lough Foyle, and as they retreated the Atlantic lowlands became carpeted in oak forest. Oak was essential so it's a common place-name element: Edenderry, Durrow, Kildare, Adare, and so on. Oak timber was needed for ships, carts, houses, furniture, fences . . . but even more it was needed to make charcoal to fire furnaces for metal-working and glass-blowing. (Coal was too dirty, and coke hadn't been invented.) A monastic settlement grew up at Doire at the head of the lough, while the forests were felled at a rate worthy of a Brazilian cattle tycoon. Meanwhile this northwest region of Ireland remained under Gaelic rule, rebuffing the Vikings, the Normans and the Tudors, until in 1603 Gaelic power was broken by the Nine Years War - almost. But in 1608 a diehard Gaelic noble rebelled, and the city was burned. The rebels were soon hunted down but the government were determined to prevent any repeat. Their astonishing solution was to outsource the place to a London business consortium - how come Nicosia or Sarajevo never thought of this?

Londonderry is the city they ringed with stout walls, soon put to the test. The consortium, "The Honourable The Irish Society", divvied up the area between their twelve leading merchant companies, and colonised it with loyal Protestant settlers mostly from Scotland. The walls were first tested in 1641 in the Civil Wars when Gaelic insurgents were repulsed. In 1649 Londonderry supported Cromwell and parliament, and withstood a siege by the Royalists. In "The Glorious Revolution" the city supported the Protestant King William but was attacked by Jacobites: on 7 Dec 1688 thirteen Apprentice Boys famously locked shut the city gates with a slam that echoes yet throughout Northern Ireland. On 18 April 1689 King James and his army began a siege that lasted 105 terrible days - "No Surrender!" - until relief ships broke through up the Foyle. And thus Londonderry was "the maiden city", never taken, and with an uncompromising tradition to uphold.

Derry remained in common use, and was the name of its Protestant and RC bishoprics. The big sectarian divide came in 1921, when Ireland was partitioned - six counties including Londonderry remained in the UK, while 26 including Donegal became part of the Republic. A "hard" border suddenly appeared at the west edge of the city, blighting both sides, while cultural borders hardened within it. "The Troubles" escalated in the 1970s, especially after the massacre of Bloody Sunday. In 1984 the city changed its name back to Derry, insofar as it was empowered to do so, but its Royal Charter of 1662 trumps this. The name you uttered became a badge of allegiance.

Stroke City was one mocking term for the hybrid "Derry / Londonderry", as used on transport and other facilities that were trying to be even-handed; it was also a nod towards Ulster's unhealthy lifestyle. Really, is this the most important thing for this city to obsess about? Unemployment, rust-belt industry, paramilitary crime, dysfunctional politics, drug misuse... The turning point was the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. Peace and investment gradually returned and Derry, like Belfast, was able to relaunch itself as a tourist destination. "Splodgederry" is the place you might approach by road, as "London-" is often daubed out on signs. To avoid ambiguity these pages mostly use "Derry" for the city and "Londonderry" for the county, but note the opening sentence above. The county name was never changed, and since these have been abolished as units of governance it must remain County Londonderry.

Watch [ edit ]

Derry Girls (2018-2022, available on Channel 4/Netflix) is a dark coming-of-age sitcom set in 1990s Derry during the late Troubles and Good Friday referendum. Following the lives and families of five teenagers, who all attend a Catholic girls' school, it intersperses teen chaos and '90s nostalgia with poignant historical moments.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

You could also fly into Belfast City or International Airport, or Dublin, all with car hire and public transport. The Airporter bus runs hourly from Derry bus station direct to International then City Airport. The bus from Dublin to Derry stops at Dublin Airport, but there are only 3 per day. Another option, albeit a strenuous and complicated one, is to go through Knock/Ireland West airport, located in County Mayo. There is a bus (line 64) that connects the airport to Derry, but it takes nearly 4 hr. Driving takes roughly 2 hr 30 min.

By train [ edit ]

Trains run hourly, daily between 7AM and 9PM from Belfast Great Victoria Street via Lanyon Place and other Belfast stations, Antrim (for International Airport), Ballymena , Coleraine , Castlerock and Bellarena, taking two hours to Derry; an adult single might be £13. The last stretch of line along the coast from Castlerock is very scenic. Change at Coleraine for trains to Ulster University and Portrush , and for buses along the Antrim coast to Bushmills , Giant's Causeway and Ballycastle .

By car [ edit ]

From Belfast the direct route is M2 / A6, but there are several scenic alternatives depending on how much of the Antrim Coast you want to take in.

From Dublin take M1 to the N33 for Ardee, then N2 north via Monaghan to the border, then A5 via Omagh and Strabane.

Road signs south of the border read "Derry". Those north of the border call it "Londonderry" but are often vandalised. It's as much mischief as political, so don't be surprised to encounter a sign for London Zoo.

By bus [ edit ]

Ulsterbus Goldline 212 runs from Belfast Europa station to Derry every 30-60 min daily, taking two hours. Bus 273 takes a longer route south of Lough Neagh via Dungannon , Omagh and Strabane .

Goldline 234 runs from Coleraine , taking 75 min via Limavady , Ballykelly and Eglinton (for LDY airport). There are 7 M-F, 4 Sa and 2 Su.

Bus X3 / X4 runs 3 times a day from Dublin Busáras and Airport, taking 3 hr 30 min either via Monaghan and Omagh or via Armagh , Dungannon and Cookstown .

Expressway 64 runs every two hours from Galway via Tuam , Knock , Sligo , Ballyshannon , Donegal Town and Letterkenny (the transport hub for County Donegal), then another 30 min brings it into Derry.

The bus station is 54.997 -7.318 3 Foyle Street Buscentre at the foot of city centre.

Get around [ edit ]

East of the River Foyle is the district of Waterside, predominantly Unionist. The railway station is here and to reach city centre you either take the hourly Bus 2d, or walk across Craigavon Bridge which carries the main road, or take a longer walk via the Peace Bridge downstream.

The main city, bus station and areas of most interest are Cityside, west of the Foyle and mostly nationalist. The city has some steep streets but is compact and walkable; burbs and industry stretch out beyond.

Taxis wait at the bus and railway stations but you're unlikely to need one. You need your own wheels to explore the countryside, such as Grianan of Aileach prehistoric fort or the Donegal coast of Lough Foyle.

See [ edit ]

Walled city [ edit ]

Londonderry is the only city in Ireland with its walls intact, and one of the finest examples in Europe. They were built 1613-1618 by "The Honourable the Irish Society" to defend settlers from England and Scotland. They're 1.325 km (0.823 mi) in circumference, ranged over the crag that rises from Guildhall to St Columb's. They're mostly over 12 ft (3.7 m) high and wide, with a walkway giving great views over the city, free to stroll with multiple access points. Originally there were four gates: Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate and Shipquay Gate, with Magazine Gate, Castle Gate and New Gate added later.

• 54.99742 -7.3209 1 Tower Museum , Union Hall Place BT48 6LU ( At foot of walled city ), ☏ +44 28 7137 2411 . Daily 11AM–4PM . The city's main museum covers prehistory, the 6th-century monastery, the Spanish Armada and siege of 1689, the Great Famine, the partition of Ireland, the Troubles of 1969-1994, and present times. Adult £4, student £2.60, child £2 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 54.99543 -7.32394 2 Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall ( Siege Museum ), 13 Society Street BT48 6PJ , ☏ +44 28 7126 1219 . M-Sa 10AM–5PM . This is primarily the fraternity house of Apprentice Boy societies worldwide. Since 2015 it's also housed the Siege Museum detailing the history of the Boys and their prominent role in the 1689 Siege. Adult £5, conc £4 . ( updated Aug 2021 )
• First Derry Presbyterian Church is an imposing building by the Memorial Hall.
• 54.9951 -7.3192 4 Derry Girls Mural , 18 Orchard Street, BT48 6EG ( on the gable end of Badgers Bar ). 24 hours daily . Large and colourful wall painting of the five protagonists from hit sitcom Derry Girls - from right: Clare, Orla, Erin, Michelle and James. Free . ( updated Mar 2024 )

Bogside [ edit ]

This is the valley immediately west of the heights of the walled city, then the ground rises again onto the Creggan estate. A couple of miles further across the fields is the Irish border. Night after night during the Troubles the Bogside was the stuff of newsreels, with protests, vehicles on fire, shootings, and makeshift barricades against police and army trucks. It's an essential part of visiting Derry and the area of interest is within a short walk of the centre, and safe in daylight.

• 54.997 -7.326 5 Museum of Free Derry , 55 Glenfada Park BT48 9DR , ☏ +44 28 7136 0880 . Th-Sa 10AM–4PM . Excellent museum of the Northern Ireland conflict, the march of civil rights, Bloody Sunday and its long aftermath from the republican side. Takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to go through the exhibit. Three different tour groups start their tours of the Bogside from here. Adult £8, student £7, conc £6 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 54.996 -7.327 6 Free Derry Corner is the junction of Rossville Rd / Lecky St with Creggan Rd. A monument marks the bounds of "Free Derry", the fiercely nationalist quarter of town during the height of the Troubles. Building gable-ends around are painted with the "Bogside Murals" of political art, and another monument commemorates the peaceful protestors gunned down by the British army on Bloody Sunday. Today, it is co-opted for various political movements and memorials via permit at various times of the year, such as for LGBTQ2+ rights and Palestinian solidarity.

Elsewhere [ edit ]

• 55.02 -7.502 11 Burt Castle is a Z-plan turret built in the 16th century, a stronghold of the O'Doherty clan. In 1608 it was the seat of the rebellion that led to the burning of Derry. It's on private farmland and in 2021 there was no access.

Do [ edit ]

• Millennium Forum has the city's largest auditorium, with music, theatre and panto.
• The Playhouse by St Columb's Cathedral has theatre and music.
• Waterside Theatre and Arts Centre is on Glendermott Rd near the railway station. They host theatre, film and an art gallery.
• Cinema: Omniplex is in Quayside Shopping Centre.
• Institute FC also play soccer at Ryan McBride Stadium. They were relegated in 2020 and now play in the NIFL (Blue Fin Sport) Championship, the game's second tier in Northern Ireland, playing Sep-Apr.

• Gaelic games: Derry GAA play Gaelic football and hurling. Their usual home ground is Celtic Park (capacity 18,000) on Lone Moor Rd but home games are also played at other grounds.
• Golf: nearby courses are Faughan Valley on A2 northeast, City of Derry on A5 south, and Foyle on A2 north along the west river bank.

Events [ edit ]

• St Patrick's Day is celebrated on 17 March whenever that falls in the week. It's a public holiday, with parades and general hoop-de-hoop.
• Foyle Film Festival is held throughout April, but dates for 2023 are tbc.
• City of Derry Jazz Festival is in late April.
• Celtronic is a dance festival in late June. but tbc.
• Foyle Maritime Festival has tall ships, clipper races and shore events, in July.
• Maiden City Festival commemorates the siege of 1688, after the Protestant apprentice boys slammed the city doors against James II. It is held in mid-Aug.
• Halloween Carnival is on the last weekend of October when the clocks change.

Learn [ edit ]

• Magee College is a campus of the University of Ulster in the city. The main campus is just north of Coleraine .

Buy [ edit ]

• Foyleside is the large retail mall just south of the bus station, and Richmond Centre is a block northwest.
• Walled City Market is held in Guildhall Square 11AM–5PM on the first Saturday of the month.
• Cross-border shopping is sometimes a feature, whenever pound/euro rates or sales tax differences draw shoppers from the Republic.

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

• 55.000978 -7.32278 1 Fiorentini's , 67-69 Strand Rd, BT48 7BW , ☏ +44 28 7126 0653 . M–Sa 9:15AM–5:15PM, Su 11AM–5:15PM . Popular Italian cafe serves great value meals and ice-cream. Try the Knickerbocker Glory. Helpful friendly staff. ( updated Dec 2020 )
• Guapo , 69 Strand Rd BT48 7AD ( next to Fiorentini's ), ☏ +44 28 7136 5585 . M–Sa noon–9PM, Su 2–9PM . Burrito bar with great selection of tasty and affordable Mexican food. Takeaway or small sit in area available. £4 – £8 . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• Saffron between Fiorentini's and Guapo serves Indian food Tu-Su 4:30-10PM.
• 54.997785 -7.322628 2 Doherty's Home Bakery , 23 William St, BT48 6EP , ☏ +44 28 7126 9376 . M–Sa 7AM–5:30PM, closed Su . A true greasy spoon cafe, there are a number of bakeries around the town all run by this local chain, but their cafe on William Street is the best place to go after walking around the walls and Bogside area for a cheap and tasty lunch. The cafe is located in the back behind the main bakery. ( updated Dec 2020 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 55.000885 -7.321508 3 Danano Forno , 4 Lower Clarendon St, BT48 7AH , ☏ +44 28 7127 7500 , [email protected] . Daily 4–10:30PM . A really nice Italian that is relatively cheap but great food. £4 – £11 . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• Mandarin Palace , Lower Clarendon Street BT48 7AW ( next to Danano Forno ), ☏ +44 28 7137 3656 , [email protected] . M–Th 4–11PM, F Sa 4PM–midnight, Su 1–11PM . Long-established Chinese restaurant with excellent service and value. Mains £15 . ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.995253 -7.319134 4 Badgers Bar and Restaurant , 18 Orchard St, BT48 6EG , ☏ +44 28 7136 3306 . Daily midnight–1AM . A great port of call for lunch while shopping. Can be crowded and cramped at busy times. ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 55.002895 -7.321404 5 Quaywest , 20A Queens Quay, BT48 7AS ( off Strand Rd ). By the Waterfront, quite near the Mandarin Palace. Serves light and sumptuous cuisine with an array of alcoholic drinks. Relatively cheap. £6 – £18 . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 54.998363 -7.320222 6 The Exchange , Queens Quay, BT48 7AY , ☏ +44 28 7127 3990 , [email protected] . M–F noon–2:30PM & 5–10PM, Sa noon–10PM, Su 3–9PM . The best restaurant in Derry in the opinion of many, try the duck. £8 – £20 . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 54.996358 -7.321043 7 Siam Thai , 12A Shipquay St, BT48 6DN , ☏ +44 28 7128 1111 . F–W 4:30–9:30PM, closed Th . Traditional Thai restaurant in the city centre, dishes are prepared by authentic Thai chefs and are packed with flavour. ( updated Dec 2020 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 54.993233 -7.319736 8 Cedar , 32 Carlisle Rd, BT48 6JW , ☏ +44 28 7137 3868 . W–Sa 5–9PM . Lebanese restaurant run by a local lady and her Lebanese chef husband. Great selection of fresh, Lebanese cuisine (good for vegetarians). Very small restaurant so booking is advised. It is also bring your own alcohol (£2 corkage charge) as they do not sell wine or beer themselves. £15 – £30 . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 54.99786 -7.310747 9 Walled City Brewery , 70 Ebrington St, BT47 6FA , ☏ +44 28 7134 3336 , [email protected] . Th 5–8PM, F 1–3PM & 5–9:30PM, Sa 1–3PM & 5–10PM, Su 1–4PM & 5–7:45PM, M–W closed . Microbrewery with attached restaurant. Fantastic food. £3 – £20 . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 55.005916 -7.320078 10 Timberquay Restaurant & Wine Bar , 100 Strand Rd BT48 7NR , ☏ +44 28 7137 0020 . M–Th noon–2:30PM & 5–9PM, F Sa noon-8PM, Su 1–9PM . Pleasant modern restaurant on the quay. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.993221 -7.311853 11 Brown's Bonds Hill , 1 Bonds Hill, BT47 6DW , ☏ +044 028 7134 5180 , [email protected] . Tu 5–9PM, W Th noon–2:30PM & 5–9PM, F noon–2:30PM & 5–10PM, Sa 5–10PM, Su M closed . Now under new management, with multi-award winning chef Ian Orr. Certainly one of the North West's finest restaurants and first champagne lounge. Also has a sister restaurant in the city centre, Browns in Town. £4 – £45 . ( updated Dec 2020 )

Drink [ edit ]

• 54.9962 -7.3175 1 Sandinos , Water St, BT48 6BQ ( near the bus terminal ), ☏ +44 28 7130 9297 , [email protected] . M–Th 12:30PM–1AM, F Sa 12:30PM–1:15AM, Su 1PM–12:30AM . Perhaps the most interesting bar in Derry. Named after Augusto C. Sandino, the bar has very strong Central/South American vibe. The walls are decorated with posters and paraphernalia of leftist movements form Cuba and Nicaragua amongst others. There are also images from the city's own past and struggle through the Troubles, including the battle of the Bogside. This is where you will find Derry's intelligentsia and one or two local celebs, a must for a pint when in the Walled City. Decent selection of bottled beers. ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 54.9965 -7.3183 2 Blackbird , 24 Foyle St, BT48 6AL , ☏ +44 28 7136 2111 . M–Sa 11:30AM–1AM, Su noon–midnight . Very popular city centre bar, has a great selection of craft beer and cocktails, also serves pub food. Live music on most evenings. ( updated Dec 2020 )
• Guildhall Taphouse ( Dopey Dick Brewing Co. ), 4 Custom House St BT48 6AA ( north side of Guildhall ), ☏ +44 28 7136 4888 , [email protected] . M–Th noon–1AM, F Sa noon–1:30AM, Su noon–12:30AM . Gastropub and craft beer bar in Guildhall. DJ sets or live music on the weekends. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.9975 -7.3218 3 Peadar O'Donnell's , 63 Waterloo St, BT48 6HD , ☏ +44 28 7137 2318 . M–Sa 11:30AM–1:30AM, Su 12:30PM–12:30AM . If you are looking for traditional Irish folk music sessions, this is the best place in Derry. Such sessions are held nearly every day of the week, and both locals and visitors create a nice atmosphere. Drinkers can access Gweedore Bar through an interior door. ( updated Dec 2020 )
• Gweedore Bar , 61 Waterloo St, BT48 6HD ( next to Peadar O'Donnells ). M–F 6:30PM–1:30AM, Sa 11:30AM–1:30AM, Su 12:30PM–12:30AM . Geared purely to live music but with a more contemporary band nature than Peadar O'Donnells. Here you can listen to line ups of all ages strutting their stuff giving their interpretations of all the favourites and some original self penned music. Upstairs is in a nightclub-style, with disco nights. ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 54.9967 -7.3195 4 The Metro , 3-4 Bank Pl, BT48 6EA , ☏ +44 28 7126 7401 . You'll find this charming bar in the shadow of the imposing city walls. The décor is interesting, with intriguing bric-a-brac collected from around the world, and lots of alcoves provide an intimate atmosphere. The pub grub here is of a high standard and features every thing from soup and sandwiches to a hearty beef stew in Guinness. A night the upper level transforms into ad hoc dance area, filled with a young crowd. Complete with a roof-top smoking area, great on a sunny day. ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 54.992 -7.3262 5 Oakgrove Bar , 88 Bishop St, BT48 6QE , ☏ +44 28 7126 0856 , [email protected] . M–F 11:30AM–1AM, Sa 11:30AM–2AM, Su 12:30PM–1AM . Located close to the Brandywell Stadium, this bar is busiest on Derry City FC matchdays. ( updated Dec 2020 )
• The Quiet Man Whiskey is blended on Rossdowney Road on Waterside, but construction of their own distillery was abandoned in 2018.
• Northbound Brewery is on Campsie Industrial Estate next to the airport, no tours. You can buy online but they only deliver within the city area.
• Otterbank Brewery is on the border at Muff, no tours.

Sleep [ edit ]

• 55.014002 -7.376389 1 Groarty House And Manor , 62 Groarty Rd, BT48 0JY , ☏ +44 28 7126-1403 . Check-in: 17:00–20:00 , check-out: 8–10:30AM . Bed & Breakfast with pitches for 3 tents or motorhomes. Groarty Manor is a newly built house, set in its own one acre site surrounded by trees, and is tastefully furnished in warm relaxing colours. Has disabled access and disabled bathroom facilities on the ground floor. It offers a great base for touring County Londonderry, Donegal, and Derry City itself with its historic walls, museums and various other tourist attractions. £48–64 . ( updated May 2021 )
• 55.001265 -7.324155 2 The Merchant's House , 16 Queen St, BT48 7EQ , ☏ +44 28 7126 9691 . A wonderful old house with B&B. Nice and clean, good breakfast. No en suite bathrooms. Closed in 2021 . ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.99598 -7.32266 3 Maldron Hotel , Butcher Street, BT48 6HL , ☏ +44 28 7137 1000 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: noon . Modern four-star hotel, centrally located inside the city walls, 200 m (660 ft) from Guildhall. Underground parking provided. £66–124 . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 55.014544 -7.312471 4 Da Vinci's Hotel , 15 Culmore Road, BT48 8JB , ☏ +44 28 7127 9111 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 11AM . Modern 4-star hotel. 65 spacious bedrooms, award winning traditional Irish bar, grillroom restaurant, Spirit Bar night club, Style Bar function space and meeting rooms. All guests can avail of complimentary car parking, unlimited wi-fi and weekend entertainment. £56 – £114 . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 55.010022 -7.279741 5 Waterfoot Hotel , Caw Roundabout, BT47 6TB , ☏ +44 28 7134-5500 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: noon . 5 km (3.1 mi) north of the city centre on the east bank of the river (Waterside). Free car parking. £58 – £99 . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 54.999283 -7.320386 6 City Hotel Derry , Queens Quay BT48 7AS , ☏ +44 28 7136 5800 , [email protected] . Slick modern hotel on the quay with spacious guest rooms, conference and event venues and dining. B&B double £120 . ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 55.03 -7.219 7 Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel , 68 Clooney Rd, Campsey BT47 3PA ( 2 miles west of airport ), ☏ +44 28 7186 0606 . Comfy efficient hotel on A2 near airport. B&B double £80 . ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.994777 -7.323044 8 Bishop's Gate Hotel , 24 Bishop Street, BT48 6PP , ☏ +44 28 7114 0300 . Check-in: 16:00 , check-out: 11AM . A boutique hotel in the city centre. Nice bar and restaurant on site as well. £99–165 . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 54.981874 -7.336996 9 Everglades Hotel , 41-53 Prehen Road, BT47 2NH , ☏ +44 28 7132 1066 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 11AM . Four-star hotel, 2 km south of the city centre on the east bank of the river (Waterside). Free car parking. £76–120 . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 54.969229 -7.270137 10 Beech Hill Country House Hotel , 32 Ardmore Road, BT47 3QP , ☏ +44 28 7134-9279 , [email protected] . Five-star hotel that Bill and Hilary Clinton stayed in. Small hotel in a converted country house, in large grounds 5 km east of the city centre on the east bank of the river (Waterside). Free parking. £85–154 . ( updated Dec 2020 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Derry was scarred by the late 20th century Troubles, and it remains an "interface area" where Republican and Loyalist communities co-exist and occasionally kick off. But it's become a normal city by British and Irish standards, and hasn't seen the need for the kind of "Peace Wall" that still separates neighbourhoods in Belfast. There are down-at-heel districts where you have no reason to go, and aggressive drunks whose politics you need not debate, same as anywhere else. Safeguard your valuables and vehicle, beware traffic, and use your commonsense, you'll do fine.

Connect [ edit ]

To call a number in Northern Ireland from the Republic, use area code 048 with no country code. The +44 28 versions given above will work but incur international rates.

As of Aug 2021, Derry has 4G from all UK carriers, which extends some miles into the Republic, especially along Lough Foyle west shore.

It also picks up an Irish 4G signal from Eir and Three, and a mobile signal from Vodafone. Neither side has 5G.

Go next [ edit ]

• The County Londonderry coast is scenic: Castlerock has the ruin of an eccentric mansion and "temple". Portstewart is the main beach resort.
• The Antrim coast east of Portrush has the big attractions of Bushmills Distillery, Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Bridge. It's very touristy on summer weekends.
• County Donegal has a rugged coastline and marks the start of the Wild Atlantic Way : you pick up the signposts for this as you cross the border at Muff.

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Things to do in Derry the ultimate guide

Visiting Derry or Londonderry Northern Ireland as it’s “officially” known is something I do quite often. The historic walled city of Londonderry is often overlooked and extremely underrated for folks visiting Ireland and yet it is one of my favourite cities in the country. I’ve put together an itinerary for visiting Derry that you can do in one day and it includes 16 things to do in Derry (Londonderry) that you shouldn’t miss.

Derry is the second biggest city in Northern Ireland and is located in County Derry which borders Donegal and has close ties to the County. Its name Derry comes from the Irish word  Daire  which means oak forest. Derry is the only remaining intact walled city in Ireland. The old city which is walled is on the west bank of the Foyle River and is spanned by two bridges for vehicles and the pedestrian bridge named the Peace Bridge.

There is a lot to see and do in Londonderry Ireland, the city holds a lot of history from the ancient oak forests that were plundered by the British to the Troubles and Civil Rights marches and the best city walls in Ireland.

Is it Derry or Londonderry?

A brief derry history, derry tourist map, londonderry ireland, getting to derry (londonderry), touring the city of derry cemetery, free derry corner, bloody sunday memorial, free derry museum, derry city walls, visiting the guildhall in derry, the craft village of derry, the derry peace bridge, tower museum derry, check out the gold teapot, guildhall taphouse – artisan brewers of dopey dick beer, the story of dopey dick, siege museum of derry, the heritage tower – former derry gaol, derry girls mural, derry halloween events, tourist information centre londonderry, where to stay in derry.

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101 Landmarks in Northern Ireland

Is Derry worth visiting? Derry is one of those Northern Ireland cities that everyone should visit. Smaller than Belfast it is rich in history and culture and there is some mighty craic to be had in the pubs. From Derry you can also take the ferry across to the fabulous Inishowen Peninsula , Donegal’s wild untamed northern Wild Atlantic Way Coast .

Is Derry Catholic or Protestant? Although Derry was originally an almost exclusively Protestant city, it has become increasingly Catholic over recent centuries. The 1993 census of Derry said that nearly 70% of Derry’s citizens were Catholic.

Is Derry a friendly city? Derry has been named as the eighth friendliest city in the UK, with Newcastle coming in at number one. Thousands of tourists flock to Derry for events such as Halloween celebrations.

What are the top attractions to visit in Derry? Derry Attractions include the Derry City Medieval Walls, the Bloody Sunday Memorial, The Derry Murals, the Peace Bridge and of course the Derry Girls Mural.

What should I not miss in Londonderry? Take a guided tour of Bogside – which will include the Free Derry, Murals, and the Bloody Sunday Memorial. These tours will teach you a lot about the ‘Troubles’ and how the citizens of Derry are moving into a peaceful future.

I should say a word or two here about the Derry Londonderry naming issue. Nationalists favour Derry and Unionists use Londonderry. The name of the city didn’t use to be contentious but in the ’60s at the start of the Troubles, it was politicized by the Republicans to drive home the fact that Ireland should be united and not under the control of London .

The argument to change the official name from Londonderry to Derry has gone back and forth for years. Hopefully with a much younger voting group coming up and the Peace Accord going strong eventually the name will become in law Derry which is its original Irish name.

Derry is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Ireland whose earliest records stretch back to the 6th century. A monastery was founded here by Saint Colmcille who came to Derry from Donegal to help convert the occupants to Christianity.

Derry is famous for its old intact city walls which surround the old city which lies on the banks of the River Foyle. This one mile of city walls are known as one of the best examples of a walled city in Europe.

1609-1613 : After the de-population following the Nine Years War and the Flight of the Earls, the Plantation of Ulster begins. Derry is renamed Londonderry due to the involvement of the Guilds of London in its development. With its imposing walls and new Protestant Cathedral (1633), Londonderry was intended to be a bastion of British power.

1688-1689 : Siege of Derry. Thirteen Protestant Apprentice Boys close the gates on the Catholic King James, with a bitter 105-day siege following. There is a great loss of life before the siege is lifted.

1968 onwards : Outbreak of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, with Derry at its centre. Civil Rights demands by the city’s Catholic majority lead to violence, with Bloody Sunday, on  30 Jan 1972 , seeing 14 unarmed Catholic civilians shot dead by British Paratroopers, an event which remains emotive to the present day. During this time, the city sees a great exodus of the Protestant population to the East of the river . In Your Pocket

60 Best Northern Ireland tourist attractions

Fancy a visit to Ireland? Well here is everything you need to know about visiting Ireland

If you are touring the Causeway Coast then your itinerary will probably end up in or near Derry. Visiting Derry is an easy trip from Belfast . The train takes about 2.5 hours, a bus via Translink is around 2 hours (that depends on stops) or by car which is around 90 minutes.

Getting to Londonderry from Dublin by driving takes around 3 hours. Translink UK operates a bus from Dublin to Derry every 3 hours.

You can also fly into Derry Ireland Airport from the UK  or into Belfast where you can rent a car. The George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport both take flights from the UK and of course, the international airport takes flights from the US and other areas of the world. 

Since we live in Donegal we recommend flying into Donegal Airport, which has been voted as the most scenic landing in the world and it means that you can add Donegal to your itinerary.

We wanted to take the Derry Hop On Hop Off bus but when we made it to the visitor’s centre we learned that it only runs in season…sigh… from mid-March until the end of October. So, the Centre recommended a tour with a cab and arranged it for us right then and there. The cost was pretty much the same as the Hop on Hop off bus around £25 for the two of us. Our tour guide was Adrian Callan who was absolutely brilliant and made us forget everything about doing a bus tour.

Adrian was born in the Bogside and was an actual witness to events during the “troubles”, Bloody Sunday and all the horrific times that nearly destroyed this city. Adrian is an absolutely superb guide and raconteur – he knows his history and tells you stories that are not one-sided and cover the gamut from the good to the bad to the ridiculously funny.

Adrian Callan [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 7793525478 the best guide in Derry.

Things to do in Derry in 2 days

We began our tour of Derry with Adrian from the Londonderry Tourist Centre (which is very easy to find and located right across the road from where the Derry Peace Bridge begins) and we crossed the Foyle over to Waterside where we toured some of the Republican and Unionist areas. You can still see the markings on the curbs in the Unionist areas and on the telephone poles for the red, white and blue of the British flag. In the Republican areas, these painted curbs and poles are becoming less and less common and we rarely saw one.

I noticed that the flags all seemed to be at half-mast and asked Adrian why that was. Adrian in typical Irish fashion wove a tale of the flags being at half-mast because they couldn’t be picked out and destroyed by snipers. Laughingly he then told us the basic truth of the matter – the flags were at half-mast because that was how high the ladders could reach.

We spent around an hour and a half with Adrian and he provided us with insights and information on everything from the Spanish Armada, the division of Derry from Donegal, and the ancient civil wars and early days of the founding of Derry.

Adrian was by far the best guide we have ever met and we would highly recommend you give him a shout when you are in the area. He also does a wide range of tours into Donegal, the Causeway Coast , and the Glens of Antrim to name just a few. I can’t say enough good things about his experience and tours.

Crossing over to Waterside with Adrian we had a quick tour around the area and checked out the views from Eskaheen. Which gave some scope to the area with the Peace Bridge in the distance and Adrian gave us some great history lessons on how Derry came into being and how the divide was made between the north and south. He told us that Derry got its name from the fact that it was a huge swathe of oak trees that used to cover the area.

During Elizabethan times, Derry was a highly prized area for the London merchants who salivated over the oaks, which would be used to build the British naval fleets to defeat the Spanish for Queen Elizabeth. The biggest prize in Ireland was the ability to make money for the British from these magnificent and now long-gone forests.

From Waterside and the striking views of Derry from this higher vantage point, we then visited the Cemetery.

The cemetery is on a hill with views over the Foyle River and Derry city itself. There were IRA graves there, victims of Bloody Sunday, Hunger striker memorials and graves as well as just ordinary folk. We were very surprised to see graves belonging to Canadians from WWI and WWII decorated with little Canadian flags in memoriam. It was a really quiet, peaceful place to be with magnificent views over the city.

From the cemetery, we then took a drive back over the Foyle to visit and tour the Bogside area of Derry. Adrian our guide grew up in this area, was incredibly knowledgeable, and freely shared his experiences of growing up here.

A tour of Bogside – Free Derry, Murals, Bloody Sunday Memorial

We began by taking in some of the murals that are on the gable ends of houses in Bogside .  The Bogside Artists have painted all these murals and there are 12 of them in total over time these murals have become known as The People’s Gallery.

Painted between 1997 and 2001 the murals are a commemoration of the events of the troubles in the Bogside. The murals include Bloody Sunday, Battle of the Bogside, Operation Motorman, and the hunger strike that took place in 1981.

First painted by teenager John Caker Casey in 1969 on the gable end of terraced houses which have now gone. The name ‘Free Derry’ was given to those areas barricaded off from the security forces from 1969 -72. The barricades were removed during Operation Motorman. This street art is often added to with slogans relating to current events.

A simple granite obelisk is surrounded by a small cast iron fence and a plaque that explains the Bloody Sunday massacre that took place here in 1972. Piles of flowers are left daily in remembrance of the event and the victims.

We have all heard the U2 song but it just doesn’t capture the pathos of standing at that monument and realizing most of the killed were young boys aged between 16 and 21.

This was a civil rights march that started out peaceful and ended up with 14 dead and many more wounded. British soldiers were essentially told to gun down innocent civilians, the majority of those killed and wounded were shot while running away from the soldiers, and others were shot trying to help the wounded. Army vehicles ran down some protestors, others were hit with rubber bullets and even more beaten with batons.

My personal favourite was, however, the Che Guevara mural. Apparently, Che’s father, whose full name is Ernesto Guevara Lynch, was proud of his Irish roots and how his family built a business in Argentina after fleeing Ireland during Cromwell’s era.

Years later when Che was Cuba’s transport minister, he made an unscheduled stop off in Limerick and wrote a letter to his father, who he thought would be pleased to hear that he was visiting a country of his ancestry

Jim Fitzpatrick an Irish artist created the famous print of Che that appears around the world on t-shirts to posters. Jim was also the graphic designer for all of Thin Lizzy’s album covers. Recently Adrian told us that since Jim never received a penny for the Che graphic he has now copyrighted the graphics and created a fund that gives all the profits from the sale of the image back to Cuba.

This mural is dedicated to the Women of Derry. Countess Markievicz, carrying a flag of Cumann na mBan, and Ethel Lynch, carrying a flag of the Derry IRA. Markievicz is famous for her role in the Easter Rising of 1916 Lynch died in December 1974 of injuries sustained when a bomb exploded prematurely.

The Free Derry Museum concentrates on the Battle of Bogside, Bloody Sunday, and Operation Motorman which tells the story of the civil rights movement that began here. There are over 25,000 artefacts within the museum.

Derry City centre is surrounded by ancient walls that were completed in 1619. The Derry Walls are 8 metres high and 9 metres thick. These are the only walls in Ireland to survive virtually intact today. The walk around the walls is approximately 1.5 kilometres long.

Derry’s nickname, the Maiden City, derives from the fact that the walls have never been breached by an invader. However, as Adrian, our guide put it “these walls have divided us and will continue to do so until we deal with pulling down the parts that have been added to them”.

We learned from Adrian that a large part of the issue of division is down to the fact that kids from protestant and Catholic families still divide themselves educationally by these so-called loyalties.

An integrated education system is desperately needed in N. Ireland. Most citizens feel that with an integrated system, the old lines of Protestantism and Catholicism will be breached and overcome and peace will then be long-lasting and not as temporary as they feel it is now.

Adrian dropped us at the Guildhall and encouraged us to visit the building to learn about the Plantation of Ulster and the Guildhall’s history in Derry.

Standing just outside the city walls, the neo-Gothic Guildhall was originally built in 1890, then rebuilt after a fire in 1908. Its beautiful stained-glass windows were presented by the London livery companies, and its clock tower was modeled on London’s Big Ben.

You will see a statue of Queen Victoria in the entrance hall, notice the hands are missing and the marble base has some cracks and gouges this occurred during the bombings of the Guildhall in 1972.

Inside, there’s a historical exhibition on the Plantation of Ulster and a tourist information point. The organ in the Guildhall is absolutely magnificent it was built in 1912 and refurbished in the 2000s.  You can actually rent the main hall here for £1000 pounds for your wedding and get married on the stage where Liam Neeson had his first acting job.

This is a little haven in the centre of Derry, which is a reconstruction of an 18th-century street and square. There is a central canopy in the square and it provides a wonderful arena for local performers and displays. The village itself is full of eclectic little shops and cafes with over 100 crafters operating out of the various stores.

The Derry Peace Bridge has become an integral part of Derry City and has changed the way local people use and view their city with over 3 million people having crossed it so far and many of the locals using it daily. It is a universal symbol of peach that joins the two sides of a once terribly divided city.

The Derry Peace Bridge is a walking bridge over the River Foyle. It was built in 2011 to symbolize the unification of the Protestant Waterside and the Nationalist Bogside. The bridge was designed to symbolize the bridging of the 400-year-old political and physical gap between the two communities of Derry. It stretches from the Guild Hall to Ebrington Square and St Columb’s Park on the far side of the River Foyle. 

The Tower Museum houses two permanent exhibitions.

• “The Story of Derry,” tells the colourful and dramatic history of the city from its earliest prehistory to the present.
• “An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera,” tells the story of one of the largest ships in the Spanish Armada, La Trinidad Valencera, which sank off the Donegal Coast in 1588 and was rediscovered by divers from the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971.

The top of the Tower Museum (level 5) provides the only open-air viewing facility in the heart of the city centre with stunning panoramic views of the inner city and river Foyle.

The gold teapot first appeared in 1866 and it advertised a new grocery business. This striking golden teapot apparently spouts steam every hour on the hour during the day. The teapot, itself weighs 74kg and it was previously hung in the city for over 100 years. It has had an eventful history and the fact that it has survived so long is remarkable

When visiting Derry you have to find some artisanal beer and the Guildhall Taphouse has one of the best. Housed in a wooden-beamed, 19th-century building brightened with fairy lights, the Taphouse is a cosy place to sample an excellent selection of local and international craft beers or a sophisticated cocktail.

There’s regular live music including trad sessions every Wednesday. The Guildhall brews its own artisanal beer in-house and the beers are called Dopey Dick after a rather unique story about a whale in the Foyle River. Oh and by the way the Dopey Dick beers are excellent.

In 1977 golfers, walkers, and those just watching the Foyle river flow by noticed a rather large beast swimming upriver. They could not believe their eyes when they figured out it was a whale that was over 20 feet in length.

The whale was identified as a “killer whale” and Operation Rescue was launched to herd the animal back out to the open water, but apparently, it didn’t want to go. Numerous efforts failed to encourage the whale and eventually Derry folk just got to calling it a “dopey Dick” the name stuck. Eventually, the whale tired of the Foyle and headed back to open waters on its own terms. In 2015 Dopey Dick was spotted off the coast of Scotland alive and well.

This new museum celebrates the role of the 13 apprentice boys who in December 1688 locked the city gates against the approaching Jacobite army. Derry was surrounded and during the 105-day siege, no supplies could reach the city, its starving citizens resorting to eating dogs and rats until English ships brought relief.

This is the last remaining tower of a former gaol, the remainder of which was demolished in 1973. While the original gaol was built in 1791, the towers were an 1824 addition with this one being a hanging tower.

The prison’s most famous inmate was Theobald Wolfe Tone, one of the leaders of the failed 1798 United Irishmen rebellion. Tone was imprisoned here prior to his trial and execution in Dublin. Also held here was, then rebel, Eamon de Valera, later to be President of Southern Ireland.

The tower now houses a small World War I museum, which is only open by appointment.

A worldwide hit TV series Derry Girls this sitcom has been an inspiration for a new generation of Irish folks that grew up during the Troubles. The reality of British Army checkpoints, bomb warnings and peace walls are all exposed in the show along with the Catholic nuns and schools attended. The Derry Girls make us laugh at the absolute absurdity of the past. 

A mural of the show in the tradition of Irish murals in Derry was commissioned by Channel 4 and designed by the Derry-based social enterprise group UV arts. You can find the mural on the side of Badger’s Bar and Restaurant right in the heart of Derry with perfect views from the City walls of Derry. The address is 18 Orchard Street and features the cast of the hit show. 

If you get the opportunity the best place in the world to spend Halloween is in Derry. USA Today voted Derry the Best Halloween Destination in the World and it is the truth. 

Halloween was invented by the Irish and originated in the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain – which is pronounced sow win. This is the time of year when the walls between the worlds are thin and the spirits of the dead come back to walk the earth. Derry is the centre of some phenomenal celebrations like the Awakening of the Walls which is a trail you can walk along the ancient Derry walls full of supernatural installations and some outstanding performances. There are drummers, magicians, giant puppets, and the Return of the Ancients Parade. Everyone in Derry gets dressed up and involved in the celebrations. 

We highly recommend that you stop by the Tourist Information Centre they were incredibly knowledgable and helpful and this was where we got the recommendation to book Adrian as our tour guide and we couldn’t have been happier. They also have a little gift shop there with some really interesting items to pick up and take home with you.

Don’t forget to visit the Glens of Antrim while you are touring N. Ireland – it’s a true don’t miss 

We had a fantastic two days in Derry and would go back again in a heartbeat. We had a brilliant dinner at the Quay West Winebar and because it was a Monday night, it was 30% off. Our total dinner bill with 4 Guinness, 1 cocktail, 2 steak dinners, 2 pasta dinners was a grand total of £44 now that can’t be beaten.

We discovered some lovely little cafes just up the road from our hotel and for breakfast, we paid around £4.50 for a full Irish with tea.

City Hotel Derry

We stayed in the ideally located City Hotel Derry which is very close to the Derry City Centre and we were very pleased with the location it was absolutely perfect for walking around Derry. The hotel has private parking below and we were able to leave our car there for the whole time we were there.

The hotel is a bit run down and in desperate need of some refurbishment, however, the staff were lovely and friendly and the place was immaculately clean. We can’t speak for the food because, to be honest, the reviews on that put us off so we didn’t eat there at all. But, for all of around £70 a night for the two of us it was great value.

Bishops Gate Hotel

If you want the ultimate in luxury take a look at the Bishop’s Gate Hotel the epitome of Edwardian elegance right in the Cathedral quarter. There is a lounge, fitness area, fine dining restaurant, and a Champagne bar.

Derry is a vibrant and historic city that offers visitors a wide range of activities and experiences. From exploring the ancient walls to enjoying traditional Irish music in local pubs, there is something for everyone in this charming town. Whether you’re interested in history, or culture, or simply want to relax and soak up the atmosphere,

Derry has it all. So why not plan your next trip to this beautiful part of Ireland and discover all that Derry has to offer? We guarantee you won’t be disappointed! All in all, it was an experience not to be missed and we can wholeheartedly recommend that you visit Derry – it’s a must-do when visiting Northern Ireland .

Here’s another not-to-be-missed experience – this is your guide to a self-drive Game of Thrones Tour you can even start in Derry.

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.