With an emphasis on family fun, check out Visit Derry’s 'Derry for The Family' itinerary with something to suit kids, teenagers, and adults! When it comes to planning a family break this summer, you’ll find Derry ticks all the boxes - there's quality accommodation, countless attractions and activities for all ages and the region is the perfect backdrop for creating memories together!
Day 1: Wall to Wall Fun
Morning
No day out to see the sights in Derry is complete without taking a visit to its most famous landmark, the 400-Year-Old City Walls. The whole family will love exploring the 22 cannons that line the one-mile loop – many of which were used during the Siege of Derry.
Insider tips:
-
Before you begin, stop by the Visitor Information Centre to get first-hand advice on your trip. While you are there, enjoy the Amelia Earhart theatre experience. It’s free and kids love it!
-
Derry’s guides are renowned for their story-telling and good humour, so let them take you on a lively journey around the city. There are plenty of walking tours on offer including scheduled public tours and private family-friendly options.
-
Make exploring the city more exciting with a Go Quest Adventure – Unlock a hidden trail across the city by finding clues, solving puzzles and completing challenges! See the area’s hightlights, explore its hidden gems and learn some insider history and fun facts along the way (event locals will discover something new)
Derry is a city with a story to tell, and with a plethora of museums, there's plenty to explore. Head to the St Columba Heritage Centre to learn about the early monastic settlement in the city, then step into the 17th Century with a visit to the Siege Museum. Why not visit the Guildhall; it’s free and you’ll see the stunning stained-glass windows and learn about the Plantation of Ulster using the interactive displays.
Insider tips:
-
Planning to check out more of the city centre attractions? Pick up a Visit Derry Pass. It gives discounted access to 10 attractions and activities including walking tours and museum admissions.
Feeling hungry?
The Walled City is bursting with flavour. The local chefs are keen to use local produce, transforming it into a wonderful culinary delight for your gourmet pleasure. Our restaurants, bistros and cafes will have you coming back for second helpings.
-
The Scullery - Whether you are in need of a healthy breakfast, an Ulster fry, or one of our lunch offerings, followed by something sweet to satisfy that craving, the Scullery have a vast range of options just around the corner from the Visitor Centre.
-
Badgers – For over 30 years the award-winning Badgers Bar and Restaurant has been serving the freshest in food and drink from local suppliers to its customers. From sandwiches and light bites to roast dinners, there's plenty to choose from. While you're there, be sure to take a snap in front of the Derry Girls mural
-
Crann Beatha – a welcoming café nestled in the heart of the city. Enjoy hearty breakfasts and relaxed lunches, with every dish freshly prepared to order. With its warm atmosphere and authentic flavours, it's a perfect stop for anyone wishing to savour a true taste of the city.
Afternoon
Take a dander over the Peace Bridge towards Ebrington where you can pick up your E-Scooters for a Scoot Tour of the City.
Insider tips:
-
Far & Wild has a range of activities to suit most ages. Teenagers can choose from Stand Up Paddleboarding on The River Foyle, blading, or boom boarding. Forest School is aimed at children 5-12 years and includes adventure games and fun activities for adults and kids alike. All activities require advanced booking.
Dinner
There’s so much choice…why not try:
-
Silver Street – Housed within an old cinema and connected to the old cellars that once held Wolfe Tone following his capture in Donegal; Silver Street offers a war, friendly welcome, delicious food and great craic!
-
Exchange – this family-friendly restaurant offers delicious, locally sourced produce in a relaxed setting just a stone's throw from some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Day 2: Venture Beyond the Walls
After exploring the city and its rich history, it’s time to travel just outside the city today for some fun-filled activity and adventure. There are plenty of options for you to choose from:
-
Oakfire Adventures - try your hand at a zip trekking experience, tree-trek adventure, or paintball in one of the most unique terrains of the North West. Suitable for ages 10+
-
City of Derry Equestrian - From the moment you step onto this traditional farm you will experience the joy of fresh air as you ride along country lanes and winding country roads.
-
Sperrins Sculpture Trail – Awaken a Giant Adventure when you travel through the spectacular Sperrins. An area steeped in myth and legend; this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets! With four scenic driving routes and several walking and hiking trails this is the perfect spot for lovers of the great outdoors; and; hidden within the stunning Sperrins are three gentle giants just waiting to be discovered...
Time for a pit stop.
Bellies won’t be grumbling for long with the helpings of legenderry food available in the city. How about…
-
The Bakery at Ebrington – As you drive back in towards the city this bakery offers a wide variety of delicious food for every occasion, ranging from hot deli food to bespoke salads, hand crafted sandwiches and sweet pastries all freshly prepared in-house.
-
Fiorentini's – A family-run business that has been serving the city since 1912. Their fish & chips are a hit, as is their ice-cream!
Have an afternoon adventure
Fully recharged after lunch, the adrenaline-pumping activity continues well into the afternoon:
-
St Columb’s Park - Explore the grounds of St Columb’s Park where you’ll find beautiful, wooded walkways and a Walled Garden waiting to be explored. Feeling adventurous? Located in the park is Foyle Arena where you can test your nerve on Ireland’s highest dedicated indoor climbing wall.
-
Creggan Country Park - Offers a wide range of water sports including an inflatable water assault course, canoeing, kayaking, pier jump, and raft building. It’s great for families and will have you splashing, sliding but most importantly - laughing on your family day out!
-
Tactixs – Located within the Richmond Centre, the Walled City’s newest adventure centre is perfect for burning off some energy! With axe-throwing, a pixel floor, multi-ball wall and escape room; Tactixs is sure to provide an afternoon of fun for all the family. For those with younger kids, the Richmond Centre is also home to Bonkers Soft Play.
Dinner
-
Stitch & Weave – Nestled in the corner of Ebrington Square, adjacent to the Peace Bridge; Stitch & Weave offers the best of locally sourced produce in modern surroundings and panoramic views of the River Foyle.
-
Fitzroy’s – This City Centre bistro has a large menu to suit everyone's needs with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. With 30% off all food and drink, it is a fabulous and budget-friendly option.
Day 3: Explore Neighbouring Donegal
Morning
We’re a region blessed with the best of both worlds, a wonderful city, and a remarkable coastline in nearby Donegal - who doesn't love a day out at the beach? Start the day by fuelling up with a delicious breakfast from The Pickled Duck Café on the Quay. Next, jump in the car and head towards the Inishowen Peninsula, you’ll find idyllic coves and 14 expansive golden beaches to choose from as well as attractions such as Fort Dunree and the Inishowen Maritime Museum.
Insider tips:
-
If the kids don’t enjoy travelling or you prefer to spend the morning at a beach closer to the city, you’ll be able to feel the sand between your toes at Lisfannon Beach or Buncrana Beach located 25 minutes away.
-
Instead of exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, venture East towards the spectacular Causeway Coast. Travel writer and explorer, Michael Palin once described the train ride between Derry~Londonderry and Coleraine as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world”. Hop on board and relax as you enjoy the stunning views along this short stretch of train track. You can hop off at the popular seaside village of Castlerock for the day or continue onto Coleraine where you can board a bus to travel on to The Giant’s Causeway or one of the many pretty coastal towns and villages along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Pack up a picnic
Think smart and plan! Pick up supplies and a sandwich from The Sandwich Co before leaving Derry to enjoy on the beach.
Go wild in the afternoon
As you head back towards Derry, swing by Wild Ireland, it’s well worth the visit! Explore the ancient woodland which is inhabited by brown bears, wolves, lynx, and wild boar. Home to wild birds, swans, geese, ducks, and even an otter, there are lots of other animals to enjoy, such as red foxes, deer, capercaillie, snowy owls, wildcats, and barn owls. Kids will appreciate the fairy trail around the rainforest as they listen to tales of ancient folklore.
Evening
Have a leisurely evening at Kaboodle where the whole family can get involved. With darts, shuffleboards and karaoke booths to keep everyone entertained, they also offer delicious food making this the perfect family night out!
Where To Stay:
There’s a great selection of family accommodation in Derry to choose from, where we guarantee you’ll be sure to experience the warmest of welcomes! Base yourself in the heart of the city action, or somewhere a little quieter. Choose from international hotel brands, boutique designer hotels right through to the best B&Bs, guest houses, and self-catering accommodation in the country. Both the City Hotel and White Horse Hotel have swimming pools for the kids to enjoy; while if you travel slightly further out of the city; the Roe Valley Resort has a range of activities for the kids to enjoy. Check out all accommodation options here.
