derry places to visit

23 Best Things To Do In Derry City And Beyond

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

There are plenty of things to do in Derry, once you give it a chance.

However, many people exploring this corner of Ireland often pass it by.

County Derry is home to countless historical sites, walks and a glorious stretch of coastline.

In the guide below, you’ll discover what to do in Derry City, first, before seeing the wider county’s main attractions.

Table of Contents

The best things to do in Derry City

Photos via Shutterstock

We’re going to tackle the various things to do in Derry City first. The city is home to an absolute wealth of things to do and places to see.

There are also some great spots for food that we’ll be recommending you nip into.

1. Derry City Walls

Derry is officially the only completely walled city in Ireland and it’s one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe.

The walls, which were built between 1613-1618, were used to defend the city against early 17th century settlers.

Still beautifully intact, they now form a walkway around Derry’s inner city and offer a unique promenade to check out the layout of the original town.

Standing at an impressive 19-20 feet high, the mile-long oval comes complete with watchtowers, battlements, gates, bastions, and big aul cannons.

2. Bloody Sunday and Bogside Tour

Photos via Google Maps

If you’re wondering what to do in Derry that’ll give you a good insight into the city’s past, this tour (affiliate link) is worth considering.

Over the course of 1.5 hours you’ll learn about what happened on Bloody Sunday . You’ll also be taken to Derry’s most prominent murals in the Bogside area.

You’ll be given an insight into the partition of Ireland , the seperation of the 6 counties of Northern Ireland and plenty more.

3. The Peace Bridge 

The now-iconic Peace Bridge is one of the more popular places to visit in Derry. It opened in 2011 and has won a clatter of awards since.

The bridge connects the old army Barracks in Ebrington to the city centre and was intended to end a 400-year-old physical and political gap by bringing the largely unionist east side of Derry closer to the largely nationalist west.

You can take a wander across it and get a good eyeful of both sides of the city’s ‘skyline’ or you can admire it from afar from either side of the river.

4. The Museum of Free Derry

Photo left courtesy of Visit Derry. Others via Museum of Free Derry on FB

If you’re looking for places to visit in Derry that’ll educate and enlighten, then this should tickle your fancy.

The Museum of Free Derry opened back in 2007. It exists to tell the turbulent story of what happened in Derry from 1968 to 1972.

The story is told from the point of view of the people that were most involved in and affected by the events that took place.

For those of you with little to no familiarity with the city’s past, you’re in for an enlightening experience.

This is one of the more popular things to do in Derry when it rains for good reason!

5. The Guildhall

The Guildhall tends to conquer many guides on what to do in Derry, and it’s not hard to see why.

This beautiful neo-gothic style building was built in 1887 and can be found just outside the city walls, near the Peace Bridge.

In 2013, a £9.5m restoration was completed which introduced a new multifaceted tourism experience to the building.

Those that visit the Guildhall can expect:

• An interactive Tourist Information Point
• A new dedicated exhibition exploring how the Plantation shaped our history
• Cultural spaces
• A cafe area
• Interpretation panels that bring the buildings features to life

6. The Derry Girls mural

Derry Girls is one of the most popular Irish shows to hit our screens in years.

In a nutshell, it’s a show set in Derry during the Troubles in the 1990s that follows a group of friends (4 girls and one English lad) as they get themselves into all kinds of mad situations.

The mural is painted on one of the walls of Badger’s Bar in Derry. The owner was contacted by the creators of the show and asked whether they could use the wall at the back of the pub.

The mural depicts the main cast members and was masterfully created by UV Arts, a group that uses street art as a tool for social change.

7. Trad music at Peadar’s

Photos courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

Peadar O’Donnell’s is arguably one of the best pubs in Ireland . It’s my favourite in Derry (and probably in Northern Ireland) for good reason.

This is, in my opinion, what every great Irish pub should strive to be like – it has a beautifully maintained old-school interior, it holds regular trad sessions and they do a solid pint of Guinness.

If you’re in the city and you’re looking to chill after a busy day exploring, you won’t go wrong here.

8. St. Columb’s Cathedral

St. Columb’s Cathedral is one of Derry’s oldest buildings.

This beautiful cathedral dominates the city’s skyline from many an angle and dates back to 1633.

Standing at an impressive 221 feet, St. Columb’s current tower and main building are that of the original Cathedral.

The spire was added later in 1821. Interestingly enough, the building is constructed from the same stone as the city’s walls and boasts an ample number of artefacts for you to check out during your visit.

9. Tower Museum

It’s from the top of the Tower Museum that you’ll get access to the only open-air viewing facility in Derry City.

Translation: there’s a pretty damn good view from the top of this place.

There are also some excellent exhibitions inside:

• The Story of Derry : This exhibition takes visitors through the dramatic history of the city, from the earliest prehistory to the present.
• An Armada Shipwreck : The second exhibition tells the story of one of the largest ships in the Spanish Armada, ‘La Trinidad Valencera’. This ship sank off the Donegal Coast in 1588 and was only discovered by divers from the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971.

What to do in Derry County

The next section of our guide looks at what to do in Derry across the wider county.

Derry’s coastline in particular often gets missed. You’ll discover why it’s well worth exploring below.

1. Benone Strand

Benone Strand in Limavady is a peach of a beach. Here you’ll have a massive 7 miles of golden beach to saunter along while soaking up a mixture of interesting sights.

On a clear day, you’ll see everywhere from Lough Foyle and Benevenagh to he mighty Mussenden Temple.

It’s around a 50-minute spin from Derry City and it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle for a while.

2. The Benevenagh hike

The Binevenagh hike is one of my favourite things to do in Northern Ireland . This is a tough trail that can take 4.5 – 5 hours to complete, but it’s well worth it.

The trail begins near Limavady, around a 45-minute drive from the city, and there are several start points, depending on which direction you come from.

This is a relatively strenuous hike but, when the weather’s clear, you’ll be treated to glorious views of Lough Foyle and the surrounding countryside.

If you’re looking for active things to do in Derry, this is well worth tackling!

3. Ness Country park

One of the more unique things to do in Derry is to head to Ness Country Park in Killaloo, a short 25-minute spin from the city.

This is one of those places to visit in Derry that people tend to miss. You’ll find Ness Country Park in the wooded Glen of the Burntollet River, south-east of Derry.

This park boasts 55 hectares of woodland, open parkland, and riverside walks. Oh, and the biggest waterfall in Ulster.

4. Mussenden Temple

The Mussenden Temple is one of those places that looks like it’s been whipped from a movie.

Located in the stunning surroundings of Downhill Demesne in Derry, the temple is perched dramatically on a 120-foot high cliff overlooking the ocean.

Bizarrely enough, the temple was originally built to act as a summer library for those that owned the estate that temple sits within.

It was constructed in 1785 and its architecture was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome.

Make sure this is on your list of places to see in Derry during your visit.

5. Portstewart Strand

Nestled between the town of Portstewart and the River Bann lies the golden sands of Portstewart Strand.

It’s around a 50-minute drive from the city and it’s a good stop-off for those of you doing the Causeway Coastal Route .

Arguably one of the best beaches in Northern Ireland, Portstewart Strand is the perfect spot for a long ramble without any inclines.

It’s also one of the few beaches that you can still drive onto.

6. Seamus Heaney HomePlace

Photos via Ireland’s Content Pool

Now, it’s time for a bit of culture. A visit to the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy (50-minute drive from the city) will take you on a journey through the life and literature of Seamus Heaney, the renowned poet and Nobel Laureate.

You’ll find everything from personal stories and artefacts to dozens of family photographs and video recordings over a packed two floors.

If you’re in search of things to do in Derry when it’s raining, then this indoor attraction is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.

7. Mountsandel Wood

Photos by Gareth Wray © Tourism Ireland

Our next stop is very interesting altogether. I’d never heard of Mountsandel Wood up until recently.

Which is crazy as it’s here that the earliest known settlement of man in Ireland was based between 7600 and 7900BC.

Flint tools were found on the grounds of Mountsandel, which indicates that Stone Age hunters camped here and fished for salmon in the nearby weir (a low dam built across a river).

You can head off on a forest walk here that’ll take you around this historic little chunk of Derry.

8. Roe Valley Country Park

This tranquil park offers stunning riverside views and woodland walks to those that chisel out some time in their itinerary to visit.

The river in Roe Valley Country Park plunges through stunning gorges and its banks are clothed in mature lush woodland.

Grab a cup of coffee in Ritters Tea Room (located on the left bank upriver of the Dogleap Centre) and head off for a stroll.

Fancy learning about the industrial and natural heritage of the area? Nip into the museum on-site.

Things to do near Derry City

Now that we have the various things to do in Derry out of the way, it’s time to explore some of the best things to do near Derry.

And there’s some stiff competition! Derry is close to  endless  things to see and do, as you’ll discover below!

1. Grianan of Aileach (20-minute drive)

Grianan of Aileach in Donegal is a hillfort that sits right at the beginning of the glorious Inishowen Peninsula.

Now, although it sits on top of a mountain (Greenan Mountain) you can drive very close to the top and it’s a short walk from there.

On a clear day you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and peninsulas. 

2. Inishowen Peninsula (25-minute drive)

The Inishowen Peninsula is arguably one of Ireland’s finest. If you follow the Inishowen 100 Drive, you’ll be taken to its best bits.

Some of the highlights along the route include Malin Head , Mamore Gap and some of the best beaches in Ireland .

3. The Causeway Coast (1-hour drive)

The Causeway Coastal Route is a great way to spend a day (although 2 days would be ideal, if you have the time!).

Over the course of this spin, you’ll see the likes of:

• Dunluce Castle
• Giant’s Causeway
• Old Bushmills Distillery
• Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge

4. Glenveagh National Park (55-minute drive)

A visit to Glenveagh National Park is another of the more popular things to do near Derry.

You can rent a bike and peddle around it, saunter along one of its many trails or take a tour of Glenveagh Castle.

What places to visit in Derry have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant things to do in Derry from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about things to see in Derry

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What to do in Derry when it rains?’ to ‘Where’s best for a stroll?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best things to do in Derry?

In our opinion, it’s hard to beat Ness Country park, the Benevenagh hike, Benone Strand, Tower Museum and Derry City Walls.

What is there to do in Derry City?

There’s endless things to do in Derry City, from the mural tours and the City Walls to the Guildhall, St. Columb’s Cathedral, the Walled City Brewery and much more.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Vincent Harkin

Tuesday 29th of August 2023

Brilliant guide to the county, another thing worth mentioning is the Sperrin mountains and the Carntogher hike! 👍🏻

Friday 8th of May 2020

Keith, Absolutely wonderful guides of Ireland.

I have returned to Ireland after time in Australia,

I am looking forward to when it lifts so i can explore some of your hidden gems!!

Website is fantastic!!!

Keith O'Hara

Saturday 9th of May 2020

Cheers Kiera! Appreciate you taking the time to comment! I'm sure coming back home now must be a bit strange given everything that's going on! mind yourself!

Getty Images/Moment Open

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.

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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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Things to do in Derry – Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Written By: The Planet D

Northern Ireland

Updated On: June 25, 2023

Looking for things to do in Derry? We have you covered. We have visited the city of Derry twice before, and finally had the chance to really dig into exploring Londonderry on our latest trip to Northern Ireland this past summer.

Located in County Derry, Londonderry always seemed to be a quick stopover on our Irish road trip as we were on our way to explore places like the Causeway Coastal route or Belfast . But after a stay this past summer we realized that we never gave this underrated Irish city the time that it deserved.

Table of Contents

Top Things to do in Derry

Officially, the city of Derry is named Londonderry. Derry Londonderry is often used to cover all bases. If you are British you most likely will use the official name of Londonderry. However,

After a beautiful day’s drive from Belfast, we arrived at our hotel The Hotel Maldran Derry which is located directly beside the walled city.

This was one of our favorite places we stayed in all of Ireland with a perfect view of the Peace Bridge and River Foyle. We were within walking distance to all the main attractions in the city of Derry, so after parking our car, we set out on foot to explore Derry.

The London Derry Attraction Pass is an excellent pass to purchase in advance of visiting Derry. It offers access to 10 derry attractions letting you see the best the city of Derry has to offer. The pass includes entrance to the Saint Columba Heritage Centre, Siege Museum, St Augustine’s Church, St Columb’s Cathedral, St Eugene’s Cathedral, The Guildhall, The Museum of Free Derry, and the Tower Museum plus a Bogside History Tour, or a Martin McCrossan City Walking Tour. See more details here .

1. Walk The Derry Walls

The City Walls date back to 1613 and surround the Old City. A walk along the Walls of Derry is a great way to start your stay in Derry as it offers views of the entire city from all angles. It is an easy walk around the walls and they are not to be missed. The still intact City Walls are one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in all of Europe and Derry is the only completely walled city in Ireland. https://youtu.be/08SMJ1ftBKQ

It is 1.5 km walk all around the entire inner city with seven gates in total. Take a stroll to see the cannons and beautiful lookout points. The Walls of Derry have never been breached which is astounding with all of the troubles they have seen. They were regularly under siege from 1649 – 1689, and during the troubles, they were used as a divider in the city. A great place to start you walk on the Derry Walls is at Butcher’s Gate, 6 Magazine Street Upper, Londonderry, Ireland.

This Highly Rated Private Walled City Tour takes you on a guided tour dating back six thousand years through Derry’s past. The 1.4 km walk goes along the walls where you’ll hear stories of how the walled city came to be, why the name Londonderry is still contested and you’ll learn about the Siege of Derry, The Apprentice Boys and more.

2. Peace Bridge

We had a beautiful view of the Peace Bridge spanning the River Foyle from our hotel room and couldn’t wait to get down to the waterfront to go for a stroll. Opened in 2011, the Peace Bridge is a pedestrian link between the city centre to the old army barracks at Ebrington Square on the Waterside. You can cycle across the Peace Bridge as well and during sunset, it is a bustling place with locals walking home.

On either side of the river, there is a lovely River Walk to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and it is just a short walk to the Manor House at St Columb’s Park from the Peace Bridge.

3. Bogside Murals

The People’s Gallery in Bogside is definitely one of the top things to do in Derry. A walk through the Bogside area takes you on a visual journey recounting the conflicts and injustices that took place during the troubles. Today, there are also murals of social injustices around the world.

Located by Free Derry Corner outside the walled city, the Bogside artists consist of brothers Thomas and William Kelly and their friend Kevin Hanson who spent a decade painting murals on walls of buildings in the Bogside area. The murals depict important moments from the civil unrest that took place across six counties in Northern Ireland for more than 30 years.

They not only pay tribute to the people of Derry City but other human rights activists like Nelson Mandella, Martin Luther King Jr, and Mother Theresa. It is a sobering display of just how difficult the times were with paintings depicting the horrors of war. The Derry Murals Tour gives a good overview on a guided tour sharing what the murals are about and the history of Derry.

4. Bloody Sunday Monument

One of the most significant events of the time was Bloody Sunday which took place on January 30, 1972, when British paratroopers opened fire on protesters. 14 civilians were killed that day by British Soldiers and more were injured. There is a monument dedicated to those who died where you can pay your respects.

One of the most significant murals depicts a young schoolgirl who was killed on that day. Anette McGavigan was only 14 years old when she was gunned down. She was still in her school uniform and the objects that she was collecting for a school project are at her feet. Her killing marked the 100th civilian death in The Troubles.

We highly recommend taking a Bloody Sunday Bogside Tour to learn of the modern history of Derry. There has been a lot of unrest and conflict from the separation of Ireland to the Battle of the Bogside, The Bloody Sunday massacre and the Civil Rights period. A tour gives insight to Derry’s history and how things are today.

5. Free Derry Corner

As you enter the Bogside Area, the first thing you will see is the mural stating, you are now entering Free Derry. This is Free Derry Corner. From 1969 to 1972, this area was a self-declared autonomous region that acted outside the government. It was the location for the Battle of Bogside and Bloody Sunday. While the troubles have settled, the walls and murals remain.

As you walk along Lecky Road you’ll come across many monuments depicting Derry’s turbulent history. There are photographs of activists that were shot showing how they had no way to survive and how they were left by the police to suffer with their wounds until their death. There is a monument dedicated to the hunger strike victims who died in jail. The Irish Republican Prisoners were protesting the fact that the British government struck down the provisionary status that they were not prisoners of war but criminals.

6. Hunger Strike Monument

One hunger striker was elected during his 66 days. Bobby Sands eventually died of starvation along with nine other protestors. To read the stories and see the photos from these times is truly astounding. We had heard very little about it in Canada at the time but to visit the memorials in Derry puts faces to those who suffered. Their stories are told and they will be remembered. I

We found that we could spend hours at the memorials and murals of Derry. As we read each memorial, we reflected on the times we are living in today and see that the human race has this uncontrollable pattern of repeating its cycle of hate and violence. I only hope that one day we will find our way.

7. Free Derry Museum

Once you have seen the murals of Bogside, The Free Derry Museum is a good place to make your way to next. The Museum opened in 2007 and focuses on the civil rights era of the 1960s and the Free Derry troubles of the 1970s. Located in the area where the  Battle of the Bogside, Internment, Bloody Sunday, and Operation Motorman took place. The Free Derry museum tells the story from the point of view of those who were there and lived through troubling times. Entry to the Free Derry Museum is included in a Londonderry Attraction Pass

8. Guildhall

Make sure to go inside Guildhall. We nearly didn’t as there was a private event the day we arrived. Luckily, we went back the next day and went upstairs as it is beautiful. But not only that, upstairs on the second floor is where the Bloody Sunday hearings took place.

I expected to walk through the hall and snap a few photographs of its rooms but it was while there that I learned this was where testimony was heard for four years from 2000 – 2004. I watched the videos of the hearings that took place so many years later. While the military was found to be at fault, nobody has been officially held accountable and to this day, the victim’s families have not seen justice.

Guildhall stands on Guildhall Square which is a lovely square in just outside the walled city. There is a lovely view looking down from the Derry Walls,

9. Siege Museum

We may know a lot about the IRA troubles between the Catholics and Protestants in Derry, but this city has had a long history of war and violence. The Siege Museum tells the story of the Siege of Derry in 1689. The siege lasted 105 days but they held their ground against the Jacobites who supported the deposed King James II. Entrance to the Siege Museum is included with your Londonderry Attraction Pass

10. Derry Girls Filming Locations

Derry Girls is a popular TV show about growing up in Derry in the 1990s which were the final years of The Troubles. It has gotten more attention since the premier of Bridgerton (at least that’s how it caught our eye) as it stars Nicola Coughlan who plays Penelope Featherington.

While most of the show is filmed in Belfast, exterior scenes are shot in Derry and of course, all of the locations referenced are located in Derry. You can take a walking tour of Derry to see such places like Bishop’s Gate, Long Tower Church, and Dennis Wee Shop. Don’t miss the Derry Girls Mural, they even have their own mural in Derry city.

The Derry Girls Tour to some of the show’s most iconic filming locations, such as Bishop’s Gate, Long Tower Church, Dennis Wee Shop, and the Derry Girls mural located on the side of Badger’s Bar.

11. Tower Museum

Located within the Derry City Walls, the Tower Museum cannot be missed. Meaning, that you literally can’t miss it. The museum has two permanent exhibits, The Story of Derry and An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera. The Spanish ship sank off the Donegal Coast in 1588.

The Tower Museum also has the only open-air viewing platform in the city located on the fifth floor. Entry to the Tower Museum is included in the Londonderry Attractions Pass

12. St. Columb’s Cathedral

No tour of an Irish city would be complete without mentioning its cathedrals. We sauntered into the grounds of St Columb’s Cathedral and when inside found a pleasant surprise. Volunteers welcomed us with open arms and told us the story of the cathedral pointing out interesting pieces within. It was the friendliest cathedral we’ve ever stepped foot in.

It is a must-see as it was the first protestant church built in Britain or Ireland following the Reformation. It is one of Derry’s oldest buildings dating back to 1633 which is saying a lot as it survived the Siege of Derry and The Troubles.

13. St Eugene’s Cathedral

We didn’t go inside St Eugene’s Cathedral, but we saw it at every turn from the city walls. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral dating back to 1873.

14. Craft Village

We had the hardest time finding the Craft Village and it was located just down the street from our hotel. But it is so well hidden. We finally had to ask someone where to sneak into the unassuming alleyway but once inside we were so glad we searched for it. When we left from the other side, we noticed it wasn’t hidden at all we just entered from the back.

Anyway, this lovely alley is filled with gift and craft shops leading to Village Square in Derry city centre. The village square is covered and a great place to pull up a seat and have a pint. There is an unmissable thatched cottage in the village that is very picturesque and perfect for your Instagram moments.

15. St Columb’s Park

If you are looking for a little greenspace or a spot to have a picnic, St Columb’s Park is located just across the Peace Bridge from the Old City on the right bank of the River Foyle. You can cycle or walk to it to see st Columb’s Park House, an 18th-century manor house and a walled garden. There’s a cafe, pathways, and even a running track.

Ness Country Park

Another tranquil park just outside of Derry Londonderry is Ness Country Park. Ness Country Park consists of 55 hectares of parkland where you can do some riverside walks and a hike to a waterfall.

16. Browns in Town

We ate at Browns in Town and it had a great ambiance. It is a trendy casual restaurant located in the heart of Derry. Prices are reasonable and besides being a wine bar, it has fantastic cocktails and serves local craft beer.

17. Walled City Brewery

If you are looking for something unique to do in Derry, make your way to the Walled City Brewery. The Walled City Brewery doesn’t offer tours, but you can enjoy an interactive experience where you will learn about the 9000 year olf history of brewing. All while tasting 10 craft beers that are paired with snacks. You can book tours and tastings on their website.

When looking for Derry Nightlife, make your way to Waterloo Street and go pub hopping. It runs along the Derry walls. We strolled from our hotel at Butchers Gate and followed the sound of live music down to the river.

18. Europe’s Biggest Halloween Celebration

Ireland is where Halloween originated and when visiting Londonderry Ireland during Halloween, you can count on the biggest Halloween celebration in Europe. When it originated, Halloween was not the celebration it is now. Instead it was a day that the ancient celts dressed up in animal skins to ward off evil spirits and avoid being taken away.

In late October get a chance to experience the country’s largest all hallow’s eve festival in Derry. The Londonderry Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival offers a spooktacular four-day celebration during the last week of October every year. It features parades, bonfires, and of course, people of all ages dressed as their favorite ghosts, ghouls, and monsters. Dublin still celebrates Samhain. Places to Visit For Halloween – Around the World

Where to Stay in Derry

We stayed at the Maldron Hotel right in the city centre. It had beautiful views of the River Foyle and is located right next to the Butchers Gate by the Derry City Walls. There is a fitness center with sauna and there is parking on site. For parking, make sure to arrive early as it is available on a first come first serve basis. There is a parking lot nearby if the hotel lot is full.

• Address Butcher St, Londonderry BT48 6HL, UK

How to Get to Derry

Derry Londonderry is located in County Derry and is just a three-hour drive from Dublin and just under two hours from Belfast.

When you visit Derry, chances are you will come touring from Dublin or Belfast on an Irish Road Trip so you will probably enter county Londonderry by car. Derry City does have an airport, The Derry Ireland Airport. Flights arrive from the UK but we drove from Belfast where we rented a car. We have also driven to Derry from Dublin and it is also a very nice scenic drive.

Day Trips from Derry

Derry-coleraine railway.

The Derry Colerain train journey is often touted as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. The Derry Colerain Railway travels between Derry~Londonderry and Coleraine passing long sandy beaches, mountains, and seacliffs. A highlight is most certainly the long sandy beach of Benone Strand. We actually crossed under the train tracks to walk along this beach which is considered one of Ireland’s most beautiful and unspoiled beaches.

The journey isn’t long, but during it, you’ll pass through two of Ireland’s longest tunnels and it ends at Colerain where you can carry on your journey through the Causeway Coast.

Causeway Coast

The Causeway Coast is a spectacular scenic drive with plenty of stops including the Giant’s Causeway, several Game of Thrones Filming Locations, The Dark Hedges, Bushmills Distillery and The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This is much more than a day trip and even though it can all be driving in one day, we suggest at least 4 days to explore the Causeway Coast. It can be done on a bus tour if you aren’t ready to drive on the other side of the road.

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Overlooking Benone Strand is Mussenden Temple. The temple is located on the cliffs of Castlerock also overlooking Downhill Strand. It is operated by The National Trust and you can tour its grounds including the manor house. Downhill House was once a grand Italian-inspired villa built by the Earl Bishop of Derry. It was devastated by fire in the 1800s but there are still remnants of its grandeur.

How to Get Derry

To get to Londonderry (also known as Derry City), you have several transportation options depending on your starting point. Londonderry is located in Northern Ireland and is well-connected to the rest of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Here are the most common ways to reach Londonderry.

By Air: The nearest airport to Londonderry is the City of Derry Airport (LDY). It is a small regional airport with limited flight options. If you can find a suitable flight, you can fly directly to City of Derry Airport from select cities in the UK or Ireland. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the city center. Alternatively, you can fly into Belfast International Airport (BFS) or George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) in Belfast, Northern Ireland. From there, you can take a bus or a train to Londonderry. The journey takes approximately two hours by road.

By Train: Londonderry is well-connected to the rail network in Northern Ireland. You can take a train from various locations in Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Coleraine, and Portrush, to Londonderry. The train journey offers scenic views of the countryside. The train station in Londonderry is called “Londonderry Waterside Station.”

By Bus: Several bus companies operate services to Londonderry from various cities in the UK and Ireland. You can check with providers like Translink or Bus Éireann for bus schedules and routes. The main bus station in Londonderry is located at Foyle Street.

By Car: If you prefer driving, you can reach Londonderry by car. The city is accessible via the A6 road from Belfast or the A5 road from Dublin. The journey time will depend on your starting point and traffic conditions.

It’s worth noting that there are different names for the city depending on the community. The Catholic and nationalist community generally refers to it as Derry, while the Protestant and unionist community typically uses the name Londonderry. Both names are commonly used, but you may notice a preference depending on the context.

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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

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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.

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15 Best Things To Do in Derry, Ireland

• By Stephen Smith
• July 11, 2020
• Category: Northern Ireland

The huge variety in the things to do in Derry make it somewhere all visitors will enjoy. Derry (Londonderry) is located in the province still part of the United Kingdom and its success in establishing peace after conflict is something that will surely impress every visitor.

Derry, like many Irish cities, benefits from the character of the Irish people and the way history has fashioned it into what visitors will experience today. 

By day, there is plenty to see in its main landmarks and by night its bars and restaurants will satisfy even the most discerning traveller.

Activities in Derry include visiting museums and cathedrals, admiring the great architecture and colourful murals — and more! History greeted me at every turn during my stay, while the countryside that surrounds the city was beautiful.

My background in history and politics led me to locations that illustrated the troubling times starkly indeed. However, the things to do in Derry go far beyond such matters and the genuine hospitality of locals during my time there made it difficult to imagine there was ever serious religious conflict .

Many of the best things to see in Derry are all within walkable distance of each other, and even if you just visit on a weekend , you’ll be able to experience much of the city. This post lists 15 things to do in Derry that you should not miss during your visit!

15 Best Things to Do in Derry

In This Post:

1. Walk the Impressive Walls of Derry

2. drink guinness while enjoying live music at peadar o’donnell’s, 3. learn more in the tower museum, 4. visit the beautiful guildhall , 5. admire derry’s oldest monument, 6. pay your respects at st. eugene’s catholic cathedral, 7. walk across the award-winning peace bridge, 8. understand the meaning of “free derry”, 9. check out the street art at people’s gallery, 10. see film locations of the derry girls  , 11. go for a walk in ness country park, 12. take a history lesson — with a hanging or two, 13. enjoy clifftop views at a game of thrones film site , 14. visit homeplace of poet seamus heaney, 15. eat at pyke ‘n’ pommes, now you know what to do in derry.

Derry’s Walls have never been breached in the four centuries that they have surrounded what is now the inner city. They were built to protect the city from English and Scottish ”invaders” and they even withstood a 105-day siege during the struggle between William’s supporters and the Jacobites.

The Walls stand around 5 metres high and stretch for 1.6 kilometres. I walked the walls past towers, cannons and bastions, looking down on the layout of the inner city.

It is a great way to start your visit to Derry because you can get your bearings before moving on.

You can walk the walls day and night for free although walking tours are available. Click here to learn more and to book online.

You should not leave sampling Ireland’s famous stout, Guinness to last. I had a pint as soon as I reached Ireland! Irish hospitality and friendliness are famous; forget the former problems in Derry while enjoying a pint.

The best place I found in Derry for a drop of the ”black stuff” while enjoying live entertainment was Peadar O’Donnell’s. Located in Waterloo Street, it offers both traditional and contemporary music and you will enjoy the classic, if fairly quirky, surroundings.

Having a pint of Guinness is one of the best things to do in Derry — and Ireland as a whole.

Even if you are only in Derry for a short time, it is likely to become your local as it did for me. Monday to Saturday, opening hours are 11:30am – 1:30am, while Sunday is 12:30pm – 12:30am. Click here to find Peadar O’Donnell’s on the map.

Whilst at the Walls, I got my first lesson about the origin of Derry, its history from the very early days. A separate galley houses artefacts from one of the Spanish Armada’s ships, La Trinidad Valencera which sunk off the Coast.

The Wreck was only found by divers 50 years ago and that was during the period of ”The Troubles.” The causes of  The Troubles, major events during that time, and the peace process are all explained within the Tower Museum.

On the top floor, level 5, there are further great views of Derry and the River Foyle. The Museum opens 7 days a week, 10:00 – 17:30 with adult tickets £3.50 ($4.50), children half price and family tickets £7.50 ($10). Click here to find the Tower Museum on the map.

The Guildhall, a red sandstone building finished towards the end of the 19th Century, acts as the Council Offices and it was the place that held the ”Bloody Sunday” Enquiry — more of that later.

It’s a tourist attraction in itself, built in a neo-Gothic and Tudor style.

This is Derry’s most recognised building with its stained-glass windows worth close inspection. One of them depicts Bloody Sunday when British troops fired on unarmed people in the Bogside area of Derry. 

Guildhall is open every day between 10:00 and 18:00 and while admission is free, booking in advance is advisable. 

Built just after the Reformation, St. Columb’s Cathedral was the first non-Catholic church to be built in Western Europe and one of the main things to see in Derry.

It is dedicated to an Irish monk who was exiled from Ireland before spreading Christianity into Scotland and Northern England. It was damaged and then destroyed before reconstruction in the 1630s.

It has a number of portraits, including William of Orange, valuable old documents and the original keys to the city. Taking the hop-on, hop-off bus tour is a great way to see it. And at just £12 ($16), it’s a good deal. Click here to reserve tickets online, and click here to find the cathedral on the map. 

This Cathedral was built after the 1829 Roman Catholic Relief Act permitted the construction of a catholic church. Eugene de Mazenod was a French Bishop was died in Marseille in 1861.

Fundraising for the work began in 1840 with money received from all over the world and continued for the rest of the century.

The Cathedral opened in 1873 but it took another 30 years before sufficient money allowed the stained-glass windows and the bell tower and the spire to be completed. 

There has been extensive restoration work here over the years and I was certainly impressed by what I saw during my visit. Definitely think of this as one of the places to see in Derry with the £12 ($16) bus tour a way to do it. Find St. Eugene’s on the map here .

The newest of the three bridges over the River Foyle, the Peace Bridge is strictly for pedestrians and cyclists. It was completed in 2011, linking the largely Unionist east bank of the river to the Republican west bank.

Sloping pillars at either end symbolise a ”coming together” of the communities.

Among those attending the opening were Peter Robinson, the Unionist leader and Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness who were First Minister and Deputy at the time, as well as the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny. 

The Bridge is 235 metres long and 4 metres wide, it’s one of the free attractions in Derry you won’t want to miss. Find it on the map here .

Derry was very much a protestant city in its early days but today it is 70% catholic. Free Derry was a catholic neighbourhood that declared itself autonomous in 1969 with the name painted on the side of a terrace of houses in the Bogside. 

It existed as an area where the struggle between the British and local Republicans lasted for four years. Electoral reform allowed the catholic community to get control of the Council and the area has undergone redevelopment in recent decades.

The message still exists and a visit to the Museum of the same name is definitely one of the best things to do in Derry.

I enjoyed reading about the struggles between 1969 and 1973, ”Bloody Sunday”, the terrible event in 1972, and the reforms which were implemented allowing the possibility of peace. 

Join a walking tour to cover many of Derry’s attractions and to learn more about the history here. This tour is highly rated and includes the Free Derry wall and murals. And at just $25, it’s well worth the money.  Find the Free Derry museum on the map here .

Anyone enjoying street art is certain to love these murals in Rossville Street in the Bogside. The announcement of ”Free Derry” is plain but the quality of the visual art on walls in the Gallery in the now peaceful Bogside is stunning!

It’s the work of two brothers, Tom and William Kelly and their friend Kevin Hasson who began in 1994 to portray events, mostly between 1969 and 1973.

The Battle of the Bogside, Bloody Sunday and the 1981 Hunger Strike are prominent and ensure that people never forget the problems that Derry faced in its recent history.

This 1.5 hour, highly rated street art tour is informative and will help you make sense of the murals. It’s £20 ($25) per person and reserving in advance is advised.

It may seem strange to set a comedy programme at the time of so many problems but this TV series about teenage girls living in Londonderry became hugely popular.

I took a walking tour around many of the sites that were used in the filming and heard about how the show was planned and produced.

There is a mural depicting the stars of the show at Badger’s Bar & Restaurant in Orchard Street in the heart of the City. Channel 4 commissioned the mural as part of its promotional campaign for the show and every visitor looking for the best things to do in Derry should put the ”Derry Girls” on their list.

Book a £20($25) tour to see the filming locations and learn more about the hit TV series here . 

Those looking for a longer walk can venture to the waterfall, while if you’re wanting a leisurely stroll, you can enjoy the gentle path through the meadows. This park is one of the best places to visit in Derry if you’re looking for some relaxation.

Ness Country Park is just to the south-east of the Derry either side of the Burntollet River. It is a mixture of woodland and meadow covering 55 hectares. There are good tourist facilities including car parking, a children’s play area, refreshments and toilets as well as 7 kilometres of walks to enjoy. 

There is car parking with visitor facilities open between 10:00 and 17:00; entrance to the park is free. Click here to find Ness Country Park on the map. 

When it comes to ideas of what to do in Derry, visiting one of Ireland’s most historic homes – Prehen House – should be on the itinerary.

It was the 18th Century home of Donegal MP Andrew Knox and it remained in the family until it was seized after the First World War.

Knox lived in this mansion with his wife, the Prehen heiress, Honora Tomkins. Their daughter Mary Ann formed a relationship with a friend of Knox’s John MacNaghten (“Half-Hung MacNaghten”) who had squandered his own inheritance. 

After their relationship went sour, he planned to kidnap her for a ransom. The plot went wrong and Mary Ann was shot dead by mistake.

MacNaghten was found guilty of murder and was hung, only for the rope to break. That did not save him and the second hanging was successful. 

The House, privately owned but opened for visitors, is a Grade A Building of National Importance. If you want to visit, contact the house directly. You can spend the night here, join a tour, or pop in for Afternoon Tea .

Downhill Beach is a long stretch of sand that is overlooked from Mussenden Temple that sits on the top of a cliff. The beach was a filming location in ”The Game of Thrones,” the hugely successful series that used a number of locations in Ireland for filming .

The inspiration for the temple was the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy. It was built in 1785 as a summer house and library for the Bishop of Derry. A visit here is among the best things to do in Derry, especially for the wonderful views the clifftop location provides. 

The temple is National Trust property and admission is free for NT members. Other can walk the area for nothing but must pay for temple entry. Booking in advance is advised, adults £4.75 ($6), children half price and family concessions available. Click here to find Mussenden Temple on the map.

Seamus Justin Heaney who died in 2013 in his mid-80s, won the 1995 Nobel Prize for literature. A graduate of Queen’s Belfast, he was a poet, translator and playwright.

HomePlace is located in the small village of Bellaghy and celebrates his life and work. It is an easy drive from Derry and is a must for lovers of literature (such as myself) when planning things to do in Derry.

It opens 7 days a week only closing around Christmas and New Year. Booking in advance is advisable with gift vouchers also available. Find it on the map, here . 

When looking for somewhere to eat, try Pyke ‘N’ Pommes whose origins were in 2013 in a van in a disused car park. It subsequently used a former shipping container on a site close to the River Foyle where it serves delicious food but also hosts events.

A double-decker bus took its seating capacity up to 100. It prides itself on the use of fresh local produce and that includes Wagyu beef. 

Pyke ‘N’ Pommes stresses that its food is simply street-style and it makes a strong case for treating yourself; I did. It may not serve traditional Irish food , but you won’t want to miss the burgers, fries, squid tacos and more.

Normal opening hours are 12:00 – 18:00 Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 – 20:30 Friday and Saturday. Find it on the map here . 

I hope that I have piqued your interest sufficiently to visit Derry. While Unionists still refer to the city as Londonderry, that name has gradually faded from common usage because it is divisive.

Where once there were serious problems, peace and friendliness are all you will find these days in Derry. Enjoy your stay!  For more on Derry, check out the top festivals in the city .

*Unless otherwise stated, all images in this article were sourced on Shutterstock, a website for downloading royalty images and videos. Click here to learn more.

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About The Author

Stephen smith.

Steve Smith is a regular contributor to Your Irish Adventure. He’s a Politics Graduate but far more interested in sport and travel than his graduate subject. A published writer on sport, Steve has been writing online for over a decade on various subjects, including travel articles and blogs.

His passion for travel and sport have both been satisfied by regularly visiting Ireland to watch rugby and play golf. Old head near Cork, Ballybunion and Lahinch in the west, Royal Portrush which hosted the Open recently, Ballyliffin in the extreme north of Donegal, and Portmarnock in Dublin are all courses he has played in his time.

This has allowed him to experience all parts of Ireland and the hospitality for which it is famous.

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Awesome things to do in Derry Northern Ireland

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Derry, Londonderry or Legenderry is a city known by several names in Northern Ireland.

The political complexities and history of this beautiful walled city can appear overwhelming to the average visitor.

Residents often laugh off the bewilderment of tourists and fondly refer to their home as “ Stroke City ”, (as in, Derry Stroke Londonderry). This often only adds to the confusion.

The best thing you can do is order another pint and just roll with the punches, my friends.

Awesome things to do in Derry

Fun things to do in Derry

At first glance, you might be forgiven for thinking Derry is just another paint-by-numbers city.

You can easily stroll past a Poundland, a few generic pubs and a Primark and believe you are anywhere in the UK or Ireland.

There are actually so many things to do in Derry if you take the time to get to know this charming city.

Spend a few days here and discover river walks, historic walls, murals, festivals, fantastic restaurants, as well as simmering political feelings beneath its cheerful exterior.

This small city is rich with history, culture and politics. You only have to pull up a barstool to be regaled with tales of the town and have some ‘ craic ‘ with the locals.

Derry City break

If you are looking for a city break in Northern Ireland, then I highly recommend you spend a weekend in Derry.

Take the time to absorb the history and passion of Northern Ireland’s second-largest city and have a weekend you won’t forget.

A city break in Derry will require a little travel planning and scheduling. I would make a list of the Derry attractions you want to visit and the places you want to see in the city.

We talk more about travel planning on my weekly travel podcast – Travel Goals. Subscribe now and catch up on all episodes.

Disclaimer: Content created from a press trip with Visit Derry

Guided walking tour of Derry

Take a Guided Walking Tour of Ireland’s only completely walled city. These historic walls are one of the best examples of walled cities in Europe

Derry walls are also listed as one of the World’s 1001 Historic sites You Must See Before you Die (UNESCO).

2019 marked the 400th Anniversary of the walls and a guided tour will help encapsulate the city’s history within the one-mile circumference.

Derry comes alive when you go on a guided walking tour of the walls . Your guide will lead you through the entire circuit of medieval walls narrating the complex history of Derry.

Derry walls

As you walk around the walls taking snaps you can also try and mentally untangle your guide’s information about the Nine Years War, the Siege of Derry and the Great Hunger.

As well as detailed historical commentary, this tour will also take you to some of the best photo spots in Derry.

The vantage points that you will visit offer some pretty lovely panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.

Sip craft beer at Walled City Brewery

Check out an exciting range of craft beer at the Walled City Brewery . This hip brewery is Northern Ireland’s only Brewery Restaurant and was voted ‘Best Gastro Pub’ in Ireland.

These guys take their beer very seriously and brew high-quality and authentic craft beers.

Their brews are actually inspired by ancient local recipes and new-world brewing techniques

If Craft beer isn’t your jam, there’s a range of wines, spirits and cocktails to try.

Walled City Brewery is also a great place to grab a bite to soak up all that beer. They offer a range of delicious dishes and bites for you to try.

Typical dishes at Walled City Brewery include:

• Beef & Cashel Blue Cheese Croquettes
• Sirloin on the Bone
• Taco Selection
• Fish of the Day

Take a selfie at the Peace Bridge

Opened in 2011, the iconic Peace Bridge is a cycle and pedestrian link between the city centre to the newly developed Ebrington Square in the Waterside.

This beautifully designed bridge is a literal bridging as well as a practical one. It joins the two Nationalist and Unionist communities of the city together, along this 235-metre footbridge.

The bridge is a real focal point of Derry and it has played host to Halloween celebrations, fireworks, parades and charity events.

If the weather is kind, fix your GoPro to railings and take a selfie on the peace bridge to document your visit for the gram!

Learn about Bloody Sunday at the Museum of Free Derry

The Museum of Free Derry is a sombre and thought-provoking museum that again, is not a ‘fun day out’ kind of attraction in Derry.

This does not mean it is not worth a visit, in fact, the museum was awarded the most ‘authentic NI Visitor Experience’.

The museum highlights the struggle for civil rights in the city and the events of Bloody Sunday in 1972, in a way that is accessible to visitors that might not be up to speed on exactly what happened.

Bloody Sunday Derry

The story of Bloody Sunday is told from the perspective of those who were most involved in and affected by these events, the Free Derry community.

Again, in order to fully appreciate the history of Derry, one must hear about the critical events from the people who were caught up in them. It’s the best way to try and make sense of them as a visitor.

There are several exhibits, videos and original artefacts from the events, that draw you into the struggle that’s immersive, without being macabre.

The Museum is even situated right in the middle of where these events took place, giving it an extra air of poignancy.

Paddleboard on the River Foyle

See Derry from a whole new vantage point on a City Paddle Boards tour on the River Foyle.

You can take a historic city tour whilst mastering Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUPs) on the river.

The outdoor enthusiasts at Far and Wild offer a completely unique and fun take on seeing a city.

It’s lovely to SUP slowly down the river and be surrounded by beautiful nature in the middle of an urban environment.

Experience a spot of quietness and calm as you gently paddle down the river.

Your guides will even help you get some cracking photos for your Instagram . make sure to bring along a GoPro , or waterproof camera, to get your ‘Sup Selfies’.

You’ll then have total travel bragging rights with friends back home.

Enjoy shopping at Derry Craft Village

Derry’s Craft Village is a hipster shopping oasis that’s located in the heart of the city.

The Craft Village is actually a reconstruction of an 18th Century Street and 19th Century Square that is delightfully ‘Dickenson’ in character and vibe.

There is a real eclectic mix of retailers, balconied apartments and restaurants here, as well as coffee shops and crafters selling their wares.

Some of the shops at Derry Craft village include: 

• Sass & Halo
• City of Derry Crystal
• Foyle Books
• Funky Cakes

Visit the Siege Museum

To truly know Derry, you have to delve into its history and politics. This is not a place where you can casually remark, “does it really matter what happened in 1641?” Trust me, it does.

I would recommend that as part of your Derry history lesson, you visit the Siege Museum .

This museum tells the Story of the Siege of Derry, which lasted 105 days and contains a range of exhibits that detail the historic events. 

The museum also has lots of information about the quintessentially Protestant organisation, The Apprentice Boys of Derry, which was founded in 1814.

Take a tour of the exhibits and learn more about The Apprentice Boys of Derry from an actual member of the organisation.

This way you can ask questions in an attempt to better understand what the organisation is and its role in the city’s history. 

Lunch at Brown’s in Town Restaurant

Have a fancy lunch at the award-winning Brown’s in Town and feast on modern Irish and British cuisine.

Dine amongst understated and contemporary decor as you unwind with a wine or three, [It’s Ireland somewhere right?].

Typical lunch dishes include Fish of the day, Chicken and pancetta risotto and Brown’s Beef burger.

Lunch main & side starts from just £10 at Brown’s in town, for the quality of the food, it’s an absolute steal.

Go on a Free Derry walking tour of the Bogside

Derry City has had a troubled history over the years, the complexities of which are far beyond my mere A-Level history level of understanding.

During the Northern Irish Troubles , from 1970 onwards, the city became a conflict zone between many members of the opposing communities, from Unionist and Nationalist backgrounds.

You can learn about Derry’s complicated history and its role during the Troubles on a walking tour of the Bogside district .

On this informative tour, you can learn more about some of the key events in Derry’s history, including the ‘Bloody Sunday’ incident of 1972.

You will also be able to see some of the city’s key murals and historical landmarks in the area.

Bogside Tour Derry

By doing a Bogside Tour you will be able to hear the stories of the political and social repercussions of Bloody Sunday from the people who directly experience it.

Fair warning, this isn’t your typical cheery tourist outing. The stories of harrowing events still have a lasting impact on the people of Derry today.

By pushing yourself out of your comfort zone though, you might edge a baby step closer to understanding the city in a broader political and historical context.

Learn how to make Irish coffee

Discover the art of Irish Coffee making with the ‘ Irish Coffee Connoisseur ‘. Enjoy a fun demonstration and tasting that takes place at the pretty ‘Traditional Irish Cottage’, in the Craft Village.

If you are looking to try traditional Northern Irish food and drinks , then this is definitely an experience for you.

Learn how to make world-famous Irish Coffee and be the envy of dinner parties across the land. It’s a real bargain too, at just £10.00 per person.

In this short demonstration, you will get a chance to taste Irish Coffee and to have a go create your own, if you’re up for the challenge.

The Irish Coffee Connoisseur uses Derry-Londonderry’s own ‘Quiet Man Irish Whiskey’ in all demonstrations. This delicious whisky is also distilled and bottled locally.

Explore the Tower Museum Derry

Delve further into Derry’s history with a trip to the award-winning visitor attraction, the Tower Museum .

This museum contains two permanent exhibitions as well as several temporary ones. The first exhibition is the ‘Story of Derry’ and details the long and varied history of the city.

The second permanent exhibition, An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera, tells the story of the Spanish Armada ship, La Trinidad Valencera’s journey around the Irish coast.

It was shipwrecked off the coast of Donegal in 1588 and discovered in 1971.

Both exhibitions use a range of display and interactive techniques to present their stories.

A cheeky bonus is that this museum also offers gorgeous panoramic views of the city and River Foyle. Perfect for travel photography lovers.

Dinner in Soda and Starch Restaurant

Dine at the independent family-run & chef-owned restaurant, Soda and starch for a casual evening in the Craft Village.

Meals at this rustic restaurant are freshly prepared and feature local produce where possible, so you can feast on delicious and seasonal dishes.

Typical dinner dishes at Soda and Starch include Wild Atlantic Way Seafood Pie, Half Roast Duck, Roe Venison and Sweet Potato Gnocchi.

Take a train journey between Derry and Coleraine

It’s not often I recommend undertaking a train journey in the UK and Ireland. This is no ordinary commuter service though darlings.

Michael Palin famously described the train journey between Derry and Coleraine as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world”.

The line follows the River Foyle, out to the countryside and then past the dramatic Northern Ireland coastline.

This train passes the dreamy, golden sands of Benone Strand. The railway track runs right alongside the beach giving you incredible views of this pristine stretch of sand.

Coleraine to Derry railway line

The scenery is absolutely unreal as you pass by the striking, maritime cliffs at Downhill and Binevenagh Mountain.

The Derry to Coleraine rail journey lasts around 45 minutes and a return ticket starts from just £10.

You can also continue your journey from Coleraine by bus to coastal towns and tourist hot spots such as the Giant’s Causeway.

For timetables and more information visit the Translink website .

Geek out on a Game of Thrones Tour

There are loads of Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland , as around 80% of the popular series was filmed there.

If you are a big GOT fan, make sure to take a Game of Thrones full-day tour from Derry and follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters.

You’ll visit film sites where the Iron Islands, Dragonstone Beach, and Renly’s Camp came to life on screen.

The best part about the tour is that you’ll get to dress up ‘Thrones style’ with shields, swords and swords. It really is a brilliant day out for Thrones nerds.

Learn how to Longboard in Derry

Take a unique ‘Boom Board Tour’ with Far and Wild and learn how to master the art of longboarding in an urban setting

This tour is a team-up with Craft beer experts the Walled City Brewery, so you can have a boozy, adventure on wheels, whilst on a guided tour of Derry.

Your 2-hour city tour begins with a longboard lesson in pretty St Columb’s Park. You’ll then hit the streets with your boom board as you show off your ‘mad skills’.

The tour ends at the legendary Walled City Brewery in Ebrington Square, where you can sample local brews.

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Where to stay in Derry

There are many hotels in the Derry area to suit your budget and accommodation needs.

There’s a huge range of guest houses, boutique hotels, budget hotels and B&Bs to choose from.

You can find a hotel to suit your budget and length of time by using  travel resources  such as  Booking.com to find the best Derry hotel deals.

Some of the best hotels in Derry include:

• City Hotel Derry
• Shipquay Boutique Hotel
• Waterfoot Hotel
• Bishop’s Gate Hotel
• Everglades Hotel

Is Derry worth visiting?

Whilst there are other impressive cities and sites vying for your attention on Northern Ireland you shouldn’t overlook Derry.

This small city is a perfect city break spot if you love arts, culture, history and great restaurants.

Whilst the city might have been previously synonymous with Northern Ireland’s Troubles, Derry has now become something of a tourist hotspot in recent years. 

This is in part thanks to holding world-class events, being named the 2013 UK City of Culture and getting listed as one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities to visit in 2013.

The effect on the city has been transformative and restorative as Derry moves boldly forward toward cultural prestige. 

It’s definitely a place worth putting on your Northern Ireland bucket list for future travels. 

Planning your trip to Derry

Ready to book your trip to Derry? Use these awesome travel resources to get you started:

• Search for the best flight deals with  Skyscanner
• Search for the best hotel deals on  Booking.com
• Get the best travel tips with a  travel guidebook
• Get the best destination recommendations from  TripAdvisor

Check out all the best travel resources on my bumper  travel resources page !

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Portia Jones has spent years traversing the globe and having many misadventures. She now works as a freelance travel journalist and is a Lonely Planet guidebook author and hosts the Travel Goals Podcast. She specialises in adventure travel, destination guides and city breaks. Her work has appeared in The Times, National Geographic, Wanderlust Magazine and the Independent. She can normally be found hiking, swimming outdoors in icy waters, or drinking coffee in bougie cafes.

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Things to Do in Derry: A Bucket List

From the only intact city walls in Europe, to the awe-inspiring Lough Neagh, Derry is without a doubt a unique place, steeped in history, home to a variety of cultural and foodie attractions and filled with contrasts and surprises.

Here, we break down our favourite things to see and do in the ‘Oak Leaf County’ including tourist staples, shops, parks, restaurants, bars, and historical monuments. Whether it be a mid-week getaway with your friends or a couples weekend trip, get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Where should I stay in Derry?

This hotel in Derry is centrally located within the city walls and an easy walk to all the major sights.

Things to do in Derry during the day

1. Delve into Derry’s past with a guided tour

A guided walking or bus tour of Derry is a great way to get a better sense of some of the best places to visit and learn about the history behind the city’s main tourist attractions, including:

• The Free Derry Corner murals
• Derry City Walls
• The Hands Across the Divide monument
• The Hunger Strike memorial
• St Columb’s Cathedral

Be sure to hold on to your ticket as some of the bus tours offer a hop-on-and-hop-off service if there’s a particular area you wish to spend some more time in.

2. Step up your culture and history game by going museum hopping!

Whether you’re keen to see artefacts from a Spanish Armada shipwreck at the Tower Museum or learn more about the plantation of Ulster in the 17th century at the Guildhall, Derry’s museums offer a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

Another museum you won’t want to miss is the Museum of Free Derry, whose exhibits offer a moving and stark reminder of the history and struggles of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. You can also explore a treasure trove of Derry’s past at the Siege Museum , which tells the story of the 101-day siege of Derry in 1688, a watershed moment in Ireland and Britain’s shared history.

3. Indulge in some retail therapy

If you’d rather avoid the Derry weather – which has a high chance of leaving you frizzy-haired and damp-footed – there’s always Foyleside Shopping Centre, home to some of Derry’s trendiest high-street shops.

Craft Village, reconstructed to look like a quaint 19th century square, is another firm favourite among Derry visitors, with artisan goods by local craftspeople ranging from crystal and pottery to art prints and everything in between (including bespoke flower crowns!)

Recommended reading: 11 Things Every Derry Girls Fan Should See and Do in Derry

4. Get back to nature at Derry’s parks and nature attractions

Northern Ireland is known world-over for having spectacular and diverse scenery, and Derry is no exception. If you’re looking to stay close to the city centre, we highly recommend a leisurely wander around St Columb’s Park, with its sprawling green lawns and onsite café that makes for a perfect lunchtime pit stop.

A little further southeast of Derry lies Ness Country Park, where you’ll discover swathes of wooded parkland (and a surprise waterfall!) that’s begging to be explored.

A 17th-century stately home that was once the exclusive domain of an aristocratic family, the Conynghams, today, Springhill House is managed by the National Trust and open to the public throughout the year. While Springhill houses an incredible costume museum, it’s also surrounded by the most tranquil rose garden with meadows and two designated walks that meander off into the flora and fauna of the surrounding countryside.

If you visit Derry in the summer with kids in tow, it’s well worth a trip to Springhill for the free obstacle courses, jungle gym and horseless show jumping that are bound to tire out any little gallopers in the family.

Things to do in Derry at night

5. Shake things up with some after-dark sightseeing

Derry city has endless options for night owls. If you like your city tours with a little added ambience, then a Derrie Danders guided evening tour offers a fantastic overview of the big sights and hidden treasures only known about by the locals.

6. Eat and drink as the locals do

Of course, if you choose to linger after hours at Craft Village, it’s also the perfect spot for drinks, dinner or a light bite.

Otherwise, Brickwork, Primrose and Browns offer all types of delicious eats. If you’re not feeling too full, you can always party into the wee small hours at Sugar over Quay’s Bar, one of the city’s most popular night clubs.

If you’re looking for live music in the heart of Derry, Mason’s Bar or Peadar O’Donnell’s are always well worth a visit.

Basic information for visitors to Derry

Here are some tips for visiting and getting around Derry.

What’s the best way to get to Derry?

Wherever you’re coming from and however you choose to travel, Derry is within reach by bus train, car and plane, with more than a few UK, European and transatlantic connection options.

What’s the best way to get around Derry?

Once you get to Derry, you’ll find that getting around the city is fairly simple. While there are plenty of options ranging from taxis and buses to bike rentals, Derry is a compact city and most of the sights and major tourist attractions are no further than a 15-minute walk apart. So get those comfy shoes on! There are also quite a few different companies offering hop-on hop-off bus services in Derry.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

Derry is a city that you can visit year round, with plenty going on throughout the year. If you’re hoping for warmer, drier weather, then the summer months will be your safest bet. The weather in Derry is unpredictable at best, though, so plan to pack layers and don’t be afraid of a little rain.

Derry is a city that you can visit year round, with plenty going on throughout the year. If you’re really keen to attend events such as the City of Derry Jazz Festival, the Foyle Film Festival and the world-famous Halloween Carnival, you might want to time your visit accordingly.

The Walled City Market at Guildhall Square, where you can while away a few hours browsing goods from local farmers, artisans and craftsmen, should also be on every food lover’s to-do list in Derry. However, the market only runs from February to December on the first Saturday of the month, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

How much time should I spend in Derry?

This, of course, depends on how much you want to do and how much time you have for your trip. You could easily spend a week and not run out of things to do in Derry. That said, we highly recommend spending at least two days for sightseeing in Derry. With so many great attractions and museums to see (and places to eat!) most visitors who spend a rushed day in Derry city are bound to regret it.

What about day trips from Derry?

If you’re looking to get out into the countryside for a few hours, you can certainly use Derry as a base to explore some of the surrounding areas and regions around Northern Ireland.

Whether your preference is to book a guided day tour or get there yourself by car, bus or train, there are a number of excellent day trips you can take from Derry. Some of our favourite places to visit nearby include:

Some seriously breathtaking Game of Thrones filming locations. We love the Cliffs of Fair Head and Mussenden Temple in Castlerock (which serve as the backdrop for Dragonstone beach) and Murlough Bay in bearvy Co. Antrim (which became the Iron Islands in season three).

The Giant’s Causeway . Seeing this geological marvel up close is worth fighting the crowds for. Situated in County Antrim, along the beautiful coast of Nothern Ireland this landmark comprises aapproximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that resulted from an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. The place is also known as Clochán an Aifir in the Irish language.

Buncrana. A vibrant and picturesque beach town located on Lough Swilly and a prime dolphin sighting location to boot.

A scenic golf course, like Portstewart, is a great spot to work on your swing if you’re so inclined. If teeing off isn’t your thing, then you can always take in the dazzling scenery (the restaurant overlooks Strand beach) while enjoying a nice meal instead.

And always remember to check the Maldron Hotel in Derry for the latest offers available when planning your next trip to this enchanting city.

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Explore Northern Ireland: The Ultimate Travel Itinerary

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » Northern Ireland » 15 Best Things to Do in Derry (Northern Ireland)

15 Best Things to Do in Derry (Northern Ireland)

A beautiful city with a tumultuous history, even Derry’s name is a bone of contention.

The official name is Londonderry, but for obvious reasons Derry was always preferred by the city’s Republican communities, and is used more often today.

One flashpoint in Derry’s past was the Siege of 1689 by the Jacobites against the Williamites, which put the 1.6-kilometre wall system to the test.

These defences held strong, and remain in excellent condition today.

Derry had long been a divided city with a protestant minority, and in the face of discrimination by the Unionist government the Catholic community in Derry came to symbolise the civil rights movement.

It was here that the infamous Bloody Sunday took place in 1972, and the healing process continues today.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Derry :

1. Walls of Derry

As Ireland’s first planned city Derry was given a set of diamond-shaped defensive walls in the 1610s to protect its newly-arrived English and Scottish colonists (planters). The Walls of Derry have the distinction of never being breached, and stood up to a 105-day siege in 1689 during the Williamite War.

Derry is an outstanding example of a walled city and was also the very last city in Europe to be given defences.

They measure 1.6 kilometres in total, and you can walk along the ramparts to view the countryside from the gun embrasures and check out the Inner City, which still has its Renaissance grid layout.

Those gun positions are armed with 24 cannons, many of which were fired during the 17th century and are all traceable to their foundries.

The most storied of these is the newly restored “Roaring Meg”.

2. Guildhall

Completed in 1890 the Guildhall was commissioned by the Honourable Irish Society and has neo-Gothic and Tudor Revival architecture.

The Derry and Strabane District Council sits in this red sandstone monument, easy to identify for its traceried windows and clock tower with carved jambs and archivolts on its portal.

The first stages of the Saville Inquiry into Bloody Sunday took place in the Guildhall in the early 2000s and the building doubles as a cultural venue and sight for tourists.

Go in to view the stained glass, including one work commemorating Bloody Sunday, and to see an exhibition about the history of the city going back to colonisation during the 17th-century Plantation of Ulster.

3. Bogside Murals

A poignant reminder of Derry and Northern Ireland’s difficult recent past, the Bogside Murals are 12 large paintings in the Bogside neighbourhood.

It was in this part of the city that Bloody Sunday took place, and in 1993 two brothers Tom and William Kelly, and their friend Kevin Gasson, collaborated to record this events, champion civil rights and express their hope for peace.

Together the works are known as the People’s Gallery, and depict the Battle of the Bogside in 1969, the 14 victims of Bloody Sunday, Operation Motorman in 1972, a dove of peace and an anti-sectarian message from 2004. For added context you can take a guided tour around the Bogside.

4. St Columb’s Cathedral

In a Northern Irish style known as Planter Gothic, St Columb’s Cathedral was built within the walls for the Honourable Irish Society in the early-1630s.

The nave and tower are from the earliest phase of construction, making this the oldest standing monument in Derry, while the chancel, spire and chapter house came in the 19th and 20th centuries.

In the porch is a foundation stone that originates from the earlier Big Church dating to the 1100s and town down to build Derry’s ramparts.

Here there’s an inscription from the new church’s dedication in the 17th century.

Within are portraits of William of Orange, Derry’s city keys and a number of artefacts from the siege of 1689.

5. Tower Museum

In a historic tower in Derry’s City Walls, this museum goes into depth on the history of the city.

The award-winning exhibition begins in prehistory a takes you up to the 1960s.

In a separate gallery you can see artefacts from La Trinidad Valencera, a Spanish Armada ship that was wrecked off the Donegal coast in 1588. You’ll then continue the journey through the eventful second half of the 20th century at the cinema, explaining the story, causes and outcome of the Troubles.

At Level 5 the tower also has the best vantage point of Derry’s Inner City and the River Foyle.

6. Peace Bridge

A 21st-century landmark for Derry, the Peace Bridge spans the Foyle River between Ebrington Square and the remainder of the city centre.

The location is more than symbolic as the crossing is a literal bridge between the Waterside and Cityside communities, which are generally Unionist and Nationalist respectively.

Completed in 2011 the serpentine pedestrian bridge is 235 metres long and was a collaboration between AECOM and Wilkinson Eyre Architects, the firm behind the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

Derry has taken the Peace Bridge to heart and it sets the scene for the celebrations at New Year.

7. Free Derry Museum

Derry’s turbulent years from the 60s to the 90s are neatly summed up at this museum that opened in 2006. The Free Derry Museum tells you everything you need to know about the Battle of the Bogside, Bloody Sunday and Operation Motorman, complementing its exhibitions with more than 25,000 artefacts.

Along with letters, posters and personal effects there are also photographs and archive footage.

Key to understanding these events is learning about the oppression of this working class community and the internment that helped raise tensions.

The museum strikes a conciliatory note, establishing the concept of Free Derry as a universal push for civil rights and equality.

8. Free Derry Corner

Back in the Bogside neighbourhood there’s a monument at the junction of Rossville Street, Lecky Road and Fahan Street.

The message “You Are Now Entering Free Derry” was painted in 1969 by a local activist and marks the entrance to what was a self-declared autonomous Nationalist part of the city in the early stages of the Troubles.

Initially this was part of a row of terrace houses, but those have been demolished, leaving a single standing wall in the central reservation of Lecky Road, which is today a dual carriageway.

On the green beside the gable wall is a memorial to those who died in the 1981 Irish Hunger Strike, and a monument for the members of the IRA’s Derry Brigade that died fighting in the Troubles.

9. St Columb’s Park

At Waterside on the right bank of the River Foyle is a rolling park that was once a noble estate before being bought for the people of Derry by the Londonderry Corporation in 1845. Tucked into the riverbend, it’s a serene place to stroll or go for a summer picnic, and can be visited on a river walk after crossing the Peace Bridge.

The manor house at St Columb’s Park House was built in the 18th century and is today used for accommodation and as a conference centre, with a cafe on the ground floor.

10. Siege Museum

In 2016 an extension to the Apprentice Boys of Derry Memorial Hall was completed with a new exhibition about the 1688 Siege of Derry.

There are artefacts and firsthand accounts from within the city during the siege, as well as details of archaeological digs around the city which have brought to light tools, ceramics and weapons.

You can also catch up on the history of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, and on a guided tour you’ll be shown around the meeting room for this order, as well as the Orange Order, Women’s Orange and the Royal Black Institution.

11. St Eugene’s Cathedral

The seat for Derry’s Roman Catholic Diocese, St Eugene’s Cathedral is was built in the Gothic Revival style in the second half of the 19th century.

You’ll see the tower in the northwest of the city on the edge of Brooke Park and with clusters of Georgian houses at its foot.

The architect was James Joseph McCarthy, and funding was raised both in Derry and Ireland, but also in America.

In a niche in the bell-tower, above the portal is a statue of St Eugene dating to 1873, while the sanctuary floor is laid with Sardinian granite and the altar is fashioned from Carrara marble.

12. Ness Country Park

Derry’s a pocket-sized city, and in a matter of seconds you’ll be out in the countryside.

A lovely spot for a wander is Ness Country Park, 55 hectares of woodland and meadows on the Banks of the Burntollet River.

You can explore seven kilometres of forest and riverside walks, leading you to the delightful Ness Waterfall and a set of rapids.

If there’s an ideal time to come it’s early spring when the bluebells and wood anemone’s carpet the mossy forest floor with colour.

13. Craft Village

In the old centre of Derry a street and square from the 18th and 19th centuries have rediscovered their old-time charm.

This small quarter deserves a wander for its artisan craft shops, cafes and restaurants.

There are quaint Georgian houses, staircases, gas lamps and wrought-iron footbridges, and a host of businesses within a couple of minutes on foot.

These specialise in Irish dancing costumes, glassware, knitwear, candles, crystal home designed and more besides.

The focal point is the Canopy and large iron and glass structure sheltering an outdoor stage for live music.

14. Derry-Coleraine Railway

The 50-kilometre train ride east to Coleraine has been described by comedian/travel writer Michael Palin as one of the most beautiful in the world.

It’s a justified claim, because the railway weaves through a green landscape of dry-stone walls and forbidding basalt hills before hitting the coast at the endless golden sands of Benone Strand.

Soon after you’ll be at Castlerock, which has its original station from 1873 from there you’ll enter the two longest railway tunnels in Ireland, both dug in the 1850s.

After arriving in Coleraine you’ll have the Causeway Coast at your fingertips, named after the world-famous UNESCO site and with several Game of Thrones filming locations close by.

15. Prehen House

A couple of miles upriver from the centre of Derry you’ll find this Irish Georgian country house constructed in 1740 for the MP for Donegal Andrew Knox.

Prehen House is tied to the tale of Mary Ann Knox.

She was accidentally killed during an attempted abduction and elopement (common in the day), by the landowner John MacNaghten, who was subsequently hanged for the crime.

His execution had to be carried out twice as he broke the rope by hurling himself from the gallows the first time.

Prehen House is still privately owned, but opens up for tours, during which you’ll hear about this tale and admire the magnificent views of Derry and the Foyle River.

15 Best Things to Do in Derry (Northern Ireland):

• Walls of Derry
• Bogside Murals
• St Columb's Cathedral
• Tower Museum
• Peace Bridge
• Free Derry Museum
• Free Derry Corner
• St Columb's Park
• Siege Museum
• St Eugene's Cathedral
• Ness Country Park
• Craft Village
• Derry-Coleraine Railway
• Prehen House

THE BEST Derry Sights & Historical Landmarks

Derry landmarks.

• Historic Sites
• Arenas & Stadiums
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site

2. Taylor Mill State Historic Site

3. LaBelle Lights At Labelle Winery

4. new england sports center, what travelers are saying.

• Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site
• Taylor Mill State Historic Site
• LaBelle Lights At Labelle Winery

Two days in Northern Ireland: Fitting in the best things to do

N orthern Ireland is an underrated destination for tourists. From the legendary Giant's Causeway to buzzing Belfast to one of Ireland's most overlooked cities , there are some amazing things to do here.

However, most tourists who come to Ireland are there for a limited amount of time. It's hard to squeeze in everything there is to do into your allotted time on the Emerald Isle.

With that being said, we think it would be a damn shame to skip Northern Ireland during your trip. Albeit small, Northern Ireland is full of incredible scenery , bustling culture , and some of the most underrated attractions in all of Europe.

Read more: Top five things to do in Belfast according to visitors

How do you make sure you enjoy the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer? We recommend giving yourself two days. Get ready, because you are in for a busy time.

Morning: Museum of Free Derry and the old city walls

You have to be smart about how you do your time in Northern Ireland, given only two days. We recommend starting in the city of Derry, which has a fascinating and sometimes tragic history .

The Museum of Free Derry focuses on the 1960s civil rights movement in the city, The Troubles , the Free Derry Irish nationalist movement in the early 1970s, and the horror of Bloody Sunday . It is a fascinating visit and gives you a really good idea of what life was like in Derry during The Troubles, especially for the city's Catholic population.

Following that, it's time for more history as you walk around the old city walls. This intact 17th-century enclosure has seven gates and 24 restored canons.

If you have time, there are other sites and attractions to enjoy in Derry including the Derry Girls mural and the Tower Museum.

Afternoon: The Giant's Causeway

From Derry City, you can reach the Giant's Causeway in an hour by car. We recommend that you rent a car and drive while in Northern Ireland, especially to take in the Causeway Coastal Route while traveling from place to place .

The Giant's Causeway is perhaps the most famous site in Northern Ireland and certainly one of the most famous landmarks in all of Ireland. This magnificent area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns was formed millions of years ago following a volcanic fissure eruption.

It is Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage site . Here, you will find a state-of-the-art visitor center that will teach you all about the fascinating natural area as well as the legends and folklore attached to it.

Evening: Dinner and drinks in Belfast

From the Giant's Causeway, it's time to travel to the city of Belfast because tomorrow, you have plenty of things to enjoy there. But for tonight, it's time to enjoy a delicious meal in one of the city's best-rated restaurants.

You are spoilt for choice in terms of eating in Belfast. Some of the standouts include The Ginger Bistro, A Peculiar Tea, Blank, Cyprus Avenue, and OX.

Morning: Gobbins Cliff Path

Located just north of Belfast, The Gobbins Cliff Path was recently named as one of the most dramatic walks in Europe . We have to say, we completely agree. It's not often that you get to literally walk along the face of a cliff.

You will explore caves, take in breathtaking coastal scenery , and travel through time to learn about this location's fascinating history. If you are a fan of amazing nature, this is simply unmissable.

Afternoon: Titanic Belfast and Black Cab tour

It's back to the city for the afternoon to visit Titanic Belfast. This incredibly immersive museum tells the story of how the doomed ship was built in Belfast before it set off for its journey across the Atlantic.

You will also learn about what life was like onboard the ship and some of the people who were there. The self-guided tour is comprised of over nine interactive galleries.

Your afternoon in Belfast isn't over just yet as you have to do the Black Cab Tour, which this year was revealed to be one of the best tourist experiences in the world . During your tour, you will learn all about what it was like during The Troubles in Belfast joined by your expert guide.

Evening: Live music and pints

Don't worry, we're not going to suggest even more activity after that. By now, you have earned a pint in a gorgeous pub.

Luckily, there is no shortage of that in Belfast. In fact, there are several bars where you can chill with a pint and enjoy some live music .

Some of the top spots for music, craic, and pints in the city of Belfast include Kelly's Cellars, Fibber Magee's, and The John Hewitt.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Derry

Things to do in derry, tours near derry.

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Other Top Attractions around Derry

What travellers are saying

• Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site
• Tupelo Music Hall
• Stockbridge Theater
• Rockingham Brewing Company
• Appolo Vineyards
• Alexander Carr Park
• Don Ball Park

Top Things to Do in Derry, NH

Places to visit in derry, tours near derry.

History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 14 Stops

Freedom Trail: Small Group Tour of Revolutionary Boston

Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem

Martha's Vineyard Daytrip from Boston with Round-Trip Ferry & Island Tour Option

The Revolutionary Story Epic Small Group Walking Tour of Boston

Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour

The Salem Night Ghost Tour

Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark

Boston Small-Group Walking Food Tour With Tastings

Top attractions in derry.

Other Top Attractions around Derry

What travellers are saying

• Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site
• Tupelo Music Hall
• Stockbridge Theater
• Rockingham Brewing Company
• Appolo Vineyards
• Alexander Carr Park
• Don Ball Park

Derry named one of the top places to see flowers bloom this spring

Derry in northern ireland ranks amongst the best locations around the globe for flower lovers this spring..

Derry in Northern Ireland has been named as one of the best places in the world to see spring flowers  bloom.

With the arrival of spring , holiday goers are looking for their next getaway - and what better way to celebrate the warmer days than visiting locations to see the beautiful colors of the spring florals.

With searches for 'spring holidays 2024' increasing by +8,700% in the last 12 months, the travel experts at Planet Cruise have released a new study to determine the top locations around the globe to see the flowers bloom this spring.

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Researchers looked at a variety of factors for each destination, including search volume, social media mentions, social media sentiment, number of observed flower species, average amount of sun hours, and average amount of monthly rainfall.

According to the study,  Derry in Northern Ireland ranked ninth as one of the best places to see flowers bloom.

Not only is Derry a beautiful city to visit, but also a top destination for flower lovers who want the ultimate scenery to watch flowers bloom this spring and summertime. 

Researchers named Springhill , a 17th-century plantation house with a beautiful walled garden and marked paths through parkland, as a top spot to enjoy the spring flowers.

Are you planning a vacation in Ireland? Looking for advice or want to share some great memories? Join our Irish travel Facebook group.

Amsterdam, famous for its tulip fields, took the top spot on the list. Its annual Tulip Festival brings a large number of visitors each year. 

In second place was Yangmingshan National Park in Taipei, Taiwan. The Calla Lily Festival runs from late March through to late April at the park.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC took the third spot, while the Girona Flower Festival in Girona, Spain took the fourth place on the list. The Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa, held in May, rounded out the top five.

For the best locations to celebrate spring arriving and the flowers starting to bloom, check out the top 10 list below.

The Top 10 Destinations To See The Flowers Bloom This Spring 

• Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei, Taiwan
• Washington DC, USA
• Girona, Spain
• Ottawa, Canada
• Brussels, Belgium
• Versailles, France
• Asheville, North Carolina, USA
• Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
• Noto, Italy
• WATCH: Vintage footage shows how Ireland ushered in springtime in the 1950s

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