Categories: Itinerary

There are so many great reasons to visit Derry~Londonderry but here’s a few suggestions...
 

#1 Ireland’s only completely intact Walled City

17th century City Walls in Derry Londonderry

Visit Derry~Londonderry, the only completely intact Walled City on the island of Ireland, and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe.  

Enjoy exploring the City Walls, and discover the seven gates that encompass the original town, which still preserves its Renaissance style street plan.

Derry is one of the few cities in Europe that never saw its fortifications breached, withstanding several sieges. 

Today, you can walk its 400-year-old City Walls which are approximately one mile in circumference. Enjoy stepping on and off them to explore the historic city and its many award winning tourism attractions along the way.

#2 Heritage & Culture

Castle Street in Derry Londonderry

Delve deep into the city’s history through one of the many daily walking tours available. Take a step back in time and learn all about the history of the city which stretches back to the 6th century.

On a walking or taxi tour, find out all about the city’s history from the Plantation, The Siege, Emigration and Troubles right up to the present day.

On this giant adventure you’ll unearth some of our must-see iconic landmarks, from our famous Guildhall clock to our Peace Bridge.

You’ll no doubt be bowled over by your tour guides impressive knowledge of the city as they serve up a treasure trove of quirky facts about the city along the way. You’ll find out about St Columba who founded a monastery here and why the city’s original name is derived from the Irish word for Oak tree.

#3 Home of Derry Girls

Visit Derry the Home of Derry Girls

If you’re a fan of the hit TV comedy Derry Girls then you simply have to visit our LegenDerry city and experience all things Derry Girls!

The rip-roaring comedy set in the 90s follows the lives of five teenagers as they navigate their way through their teenage years amidst the backdrop of the Troubles. 

Written by Derry girl, Lisa McGee, the first series was broadcast on Channel 4 in January and February 2018. The second series was shown aired in March and April 2019 and a third series aired in 2022, and is now available on Channel 4 and Netflix for our International Derry Girls.

During your stay, why not avail of Derry Girls tour with the choice of two tour guides – Derry Guided Tours or Martin McCrossan City Tours. You’ll be able to visit all the iconic screen locations in which the popular sitcom was filmed and even get your selfie taken outside the Derry Girls mural in the city.

Afterwards, head over to the Everglades Hotel and enjoy a Derry Girls themed afternoon tea. From Crisp sarnies, to sausage roll baps and Granpa Joe’s now famous cream horns, you’ll leave with your bellies full and your very own Derry Girls duck.

#4 Our Food & Drink Scene
Umi Food

Derry has a vibrant food & drink with award winning restaurants, cafes, pubs and eateries in abundance.

With locally sourced produce, you’ll enjoy a LegenDerry Food experience unlike any other within the city.

With plenty of traditional, modern and quirky pubs, bars and nightclubs on our doorstep, the Walled City is great for a night out. 

So if it’s a traditional Irish pub you’re after – with traditional Irish music played into the small hours of the morning - or a trendy cocktail bar, or perhaps the opportunity to pull your own pint - then we guarantee you’ll not be disappointed.

For craft beer aficionados, anyone with a thirst for a fun experience, or essentially anyone who likes really good beer, the beer masterclass at the Walled City Brewery is just the ticket!
 

#5 The Jewel in Our Crown – the Craft Village

The Craft Village in Derry Londonderry

Blink and you miss it; the Craft Village is a hidden treasure trove giving visitors to the city a glimpse at one of the most beguiling quarters located just outside its famous 17th Century City Walls.

Coveted by those in the know, the village is situated off the beaten track, offering escapism from the bustling city centre streets where shoppers pound pavements in the hunt for a bargain or two.

When you step inside the Craft Village you’ll be bowled over – not just by the sense of tranquillity around you – but by its sheer beauty, mesmerising charm and the knowledge that you have quite possibly stumbled upon the jewel in Derry~Londonderry’s crown.

The Craft Village is home to many bespoke crafters, including the Walled City Crafters and Number 19 Knitfield by Edel MacBride, an established knitwear designer who specialises in Aran designs amongst many more.

#6 Award-Winning Museums

The Museum of Free Derry

Delve deep into the history of Derry~Londonderry by visiting our wonderful museums.

Head to the Museum of Free Derry where you’ll enjoy a multi-media exhibition. Established by the Bloody Sunday Trust in 2006 the museum tells the story of the civil rights movement and the creation of Free Derry in the 1960's and 1970's, and it has become an important part of Ireland’s radical and civil rights heritage.

The Museum was awarded Northern Ireland's most authentic visitor experience in 2018 by Tourism Northern Ireland. 

Located within the historic City Walls the Tower Museum is home to two permanent exhibitions, 'The Story of Derry' and 'An Armada Shipwreck - La Trinidad Valencera'. The museum also boasts an open air viewing facility in the heart of the city centre with stunning panoramic views of the city and River Foyle.  

The Siege Museum and Exhibition is a permanent display of the history of the Siege of Londonderry and of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry and is a treasure house of artefacts, from past to present. Based over three floors, the exhibition offers educational an interactive visitor experience.
 

A visit to the city isn’t complete without heading to our magnificent Guildhall.

As well as being home to the impressive stained-glass windows, you’ll also be able to learn all about the Plantation of Ulster. The Guildhall features a new interactive tourist information point with interpretation panels throughout the building bringing to life its many special features.

Venture outside of the city and step into Seamus Heaney HomePlace, and discover the world-renowned poet in his beloved hometown. Journey through the life and works of this literary giant, greatly valued locally for his decency and humility, and experience the place, the people and the landscape that so inspired his work.

#7 Festivals

Derry Halloween Festival

We are home to the best festivals in the world (our Halloween festival was voted the best in the world by USA today).

Each year, before Halloween, the city officially awakens our 17th Century City Walls. Come and them brought to life during our spooktackular Halloween programme of activities.

If Jazz is more your thing then join us for the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival. You’ll not be able to resist tapping your feet, as the city –and venues within it – becomes the home of all things jazz.

Northern Ireland’s biggest and best jazz festival has become a part of the fabric, culture and life of Derry – Londonderry since it’s inception in 2002.

A number of other festivals take place throughout the year, including the Legenderry Street Food Festival, City of Derry Choir Festival, IMBOLC, Foyle Cup amongst many more. Keep an eye on our what’s on page for updates.

#8 Scenic Road trips

The Walled City, where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coastal Route

Did you know Derry – Londonderry is the perfect base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route.

Take a day trip with one of our bus or taxi tours and explore the rugged, raw beauty of Donegal and its heavenly beaches.

If you would like to discover the Causeway Coastal Route, and the Giant’s Causeway, then take a train ride between Derry and Coleraine.

Travel writer, actor and explorer, Michael Pallin once described this train journey as ‘one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world’. 

If hill walking is your thing, then take a trip to the Sperrins, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The scenic heartland offers a complete taste of rural Ireland, featuring some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes and is just a short drive from Derry city.

#9 Our People

Visit Derry Visitor Information Centre

Our people really make our city feel special. They are witty, warm and welcoming and take great pride in welcoming visitors to the city.

# 10 Murals

Bloody Sunday Mural in the Bogside

Our city is full of murals – all with a story to tell!

Come and see the Free Derry Corner  - a historical landmark located in the Bogside area of the city. There you can also visit the world famous People’s Gallery in the Bogside. This comprises of twelve large scale murals.

You can also visit the Derry Girls mural or see some of the factory girls murals located in the Craft Village.

Martin McCrossan City Tours
Walking Tour
Martin McCrossan City Tours

On a city walking tour, join your guide as they take you around key locations in and around the only intact walled city in Ireland on a fully guided tour, lasting approximately 1 hour. On the Derry Girls tour, follow in the footsteps of your favourite Derry Girls and wee English fella and walk the streets with a local guide.

The Guildhall
Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings
The Guildhall

Fashioned in neo-gothic style, the Guildhall is one of the most striking buildings in the North West and was originally built in 1887. The building now boasts a multifaceted tourism experience providing a central hub for visitors exploring the city

The Craft Village
Local Produce & Products
The Craft Village

Welcome to the distinctive delights of the hidden jewel in Derry~Londonderry’s crown, the classic Craft Village. Dickensian in appearance and delightful in layout, Derry~Londonderry’s Craft Village is a cultural oasis in the heart of a vibrant city.

The Siege Museum
Visitor Centres & Museums
The Siege Museum

The new Siege Museum and Exhibition is a permanent display of the history of the Siege of Londonderry and of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, including artefacts, video and interactive media.

Museum of Free Derry
Visitor Centres & Museums
Museum of Free Derry

The museum is a public space where the concept of Free Derry can be explored in both historic and contemporary contexts.

Tower Museum
Visitor Centres & Museums
Tower Museum

The Tower Museum houses two permanent exhibitions: The Story of Derry and An Armada Shipwreck - La Trinidad Valencera, as well as other temporary exhibitions. The top of the Museum provides an open air viewing facility in the heart of the city centre.

Walled City Brewery
Brewery
Walled City Brewery

The Walled City Brewery craft uniquely local, premium quality, fabulously flavoursome food and beer in their multi-award winning brewhouse, restaurant and new taproom. If you truly want a flavour of the North-West, it is a must-visit!