Derry~Londonderry is rolling out the red carpet for visitors in 2023 as a host of new attractions and experiences in the North West are set to bolster the city’s reputation as a brilliant place for a holiday or short break.
With the recent announcement regarding the exciting arrival of the Home of Derry Girls Exhibition, as well as the current celebration of Love LegenDerry Food Month, a fabulous hotel on the way for the city centre in June and new bars and restaurants already opened, Derry’s position as a bucket list destination for foodies and those booking a city break has certainly been enhanced.
Last year saw a full return to the city’s hugely popular international events such as the Foyle Maritime Festival in conjunction with the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and Derry Halloween, with the new additions to the city’s already burgeoning hospitality line-up, 2023 is set to be a bumper year.
Visit Derry Chief Executive, Odhran Dunne said he is excited to see the city and district continue to evolve as a great place for a short break. He said: “Thousands of people flock to Derry for our big festivals and they all have a brilliant time, but there is so much going on here all year round and visitors can be assured of a really warm welcome.”
Here is a flavour of the new openings, attractions, events and tours adding to Derry’s melting pot of hospitality attractions in 2023, along with some great hotel offers.
Hotels, Bars & Restaurants
Umi.Asian is a new fusion restaurant by chef Sean Lafferty. Each piece of sushi is a labour of love. From sourcing fresh local fish, to washing the rice and rolling up the end result, it’s a process that takes hours to complete. Umi.Asian, reflects Sean’s experience working in busy restaurant kitchens all over the world, and his love of travel. As well as sushi, you can expect flavourful dishes from Japan, Korea and Thailand plus a drink’s menu designed to complement them. Throw in some great cocktails, ‘cracker’ tunes and a massive disco ball, and you’re in for a treat.
The Taproom at Walled City Brewery
After launching the award-winning gastro pub in 2015, the Walled City Brewery has opened Derry’s first ever Taproom giving visitors the chance to enjoy their quirky brews without having a sit-down meal. This bespoke space has a Producers Liquor Licence, which means that the only alcoholic drinks they can serve are the ones they produce on site. They have an amazing array of beers, plus their rectified spirit range, classic cocktails and even some wines they fermented themselves. You can also try your hand at creating your own gin at the Earhart Gin School or treat your senses to a Beer Masterclass.
Experience a luxury city centre sanctuary at the new Ebrington Hotel and Spa due to open in June 2023. Enjoy the unique location, overlooking the River Foyle and entire historic city and relax in opulent comfort with 93 perfectly appointed guest bedrooms including four magnificent suites. Every detail in each of the guest rooms has been designed for comfort and luxury, with décor that evokes and combines the charm of the historic building in which it is housed with a modern style.
Museums, Events, Attractions and Tours
Home of Derry Girls Exhibition
Recently announced, the new Home of Derry Girls exhibition is expected to launch at Derry’s Tower Museum in spring. A major new attraction to the city, this amazing experience will be a taster exhibit ahead of a more permanent display and visitor experience coming to the city in the near future. The new exhibition is a joint initiative between Tourism Northern Ireland, Visit Derry and Derry City and Strabane District Council. Fans of the show from across the world will have the fantastic chance to see some of the famous set for themselves.
Throughout February, the city will celebrate the North West’s outstanding food and drink, and the people who produce it. The Love LegenDerry Food Month will create a platform for the city’s chefs and producers to showcase just why Derry and the wider region features on the bucket lists of those planning food themed breaks in 2023. The campaign has been launched by the LegenDerry Food Network in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council and Visit Derry and will feature a series of special events and a mouth-watering food experiences. In addition, an immersive new food trail will launch as over 40 businesses from across the city and wider area come to showcase how they are using local food to offer a unique and authentic visitor experience.
John Hume Peace Collection, The Guildhall
A special collection of the world-renowned peace accolades awarded to the late John Hume is on display in the Guildhall. The collection includes the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize, jointly awarded to John Hume and Sir David Trimble for their role in the Northern Ireland peace process, the Martin Luther King Jnr Non-Violent Prize bestowed in 1999, and the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize, awarded in 2001.The collection was gifted to the people of Derry by John’s late wife Pat in 2021 and it can be viewed by visitors daily.
The Siege Museum is a major visitor attraction dedicated towards commemorating the heritage of the Siege of Derry. In a new guided tour, visitors will relive this historic event and hear about some of the siege heroes. Following the guided tour, visitors will be invited to explore the meeting rooms of the various orders that use the Memorial Hall and visit the Apprentice Boys Meeting Room. Visitors then follow the guide to the city walls and proceed along the short distance of Grand Parade to Walker’s Plinth at Royal Bastion. This 90-minute tour is available only with guides conducting visits on behalf of the Siege Museum.
Craigbane Goat Farm is a family run farm with 120 goats based in the beautiful Sperrin Mountains, just a short drive from the city. Their farm to fork tours in collaboration with Dart Montain Cheese are a treat for foodies as they showcase the full process from milking the goats to making locally produced goats cheese.
On the LegenDerry Food Tour you will discover some of the most successful chefs in Derry. Each chef has their own unique story to share about how their taste has been translated into the best food experiences in the North West. Follow this city centre tour around Derry’s food and drink spots and meet the people behind the menus as enthusiastic guides navigate your journey through streets and alleyways discovering lite bites and tasty tipples.
Hotel Offers
Da Vinci’s: Spring Break
From £145 per room per night, based on two people sharing.
Embrace the brighter nights and longer days with this amazing offer. Enjoy a free bottle of bubbly, indulge in a delicious two-course evening meal, and then relax again after breakfast the next morning.
Visit www.davincishotel.com
From £120 B&B per room per night based on two persons.
It may be cold outside but you are always guaranteed a warm welcome in the Everglades Hotel. As you sit by the roaring fire, soaking up the ambience and atmosphere throughout the hotel, take things easy while you sip on your seasonal cocktail. The King Koil Pillow Top Cloud Beds will leave you feeling like you're on cloud nine before waking up ready for a full Irish breakfast.
Visit www.hastingshotels.com/everglades-hotel
White Horse Hotel: One Night Escape
From £165 per couple. Escape to the Walled City and enjoy a stay in The White Horse Hotel. This offer includes one night’s B&B, two course evening meal, glass of house wine and 30-minute outdoor hot tub. Guests can also avail of use of the leisure facilities, gym and sauna during their stay.
Visit www.whitehorsehotel.biz
For information on great places to visit, as well as places to stay, log onto www.visitderry.com
