Top Ten Reasons To Visit Derry

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

#1 Ireland’s only completely intact Walled City

#2 Heritage & Culture

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

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, be sure to visit The Derry Girls Experience at the Tower Museum and discover where it all began.  See original memorabilia from the hit show, like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes! Step into the set of the Quinn household and feel like one of the family.

There's also a range of Derry Girls themed tours to be enjoyed. 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 infamous cream horns, you’ll leave with your bellies full and your very own Derry Girls duck.

#4 Our Food & Drink Scene

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

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.

#6 Award-Winning Museums

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

We are home to the best festivals in the world - the Derry 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. The City of Derry Jazz Festival will return 2nd- 6th May 2024

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, City of Derry International Choir Festival, IMBOLC, O'Neill's 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? View map. 

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. Be sure to check out the Sperrins Sculpture Trail. The Giants of the Sperrins are born from the geology, archaeology and heritage of the Sperrins. They evoke the mystical, and celebrate the ancient, intriguing and atmospheric natural beauty and history of the region. 

#9 Our People

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

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.