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:
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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!
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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 tours on offer including scheduled public tours and private family-friendly options.
Derry is a city with a story to tell, and with a plethora of museums, there's plenty to explore. Head to the Tower Museum and learn about the ‘Story of Derry’ and 'An Armada Shipwreck'. Don’t miss the chance the take in the city’s sights, from the viewing gallery at the top of the tower. A stone’s throw away is the Guildhall. It’s free to visit and you’ll see the stunning stained-glass windows and learn about the Plantation of Ulster using the interactive displays.
Insider tips:
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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. www.visitderrypass.com
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.
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Sandwich Co - Whether you are in need of a healthy breakfast, an Ulster fry, vegan-friendly option, or one of our lunch offerings, followed by something sweet to satisfy that craving, the Sandwich Co have a vast range of options to sit down to or take away.
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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 lightbites 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.
Afternoon
Take a dander over the Peace Bridge towards Ebrington where you can pick up your Far & Wild Freedom Cycles for a wild self-guided ride through the city.
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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:
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Nonna’s Wood Fired Pizza - Traditional Italian style pizzas, Nonna’s is a casual restaurant that uses only the best local and artisan Italian ingredients.
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Mama Masala - the restaurant offers two of the world’s most famous food palates, Indian and Italian cuisine, combined in the one restaurant.
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:
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Oakfire Adventures - try your hand at a zip trekking experience, tree-trek adventure, or paintball in one of the most unique terrains of the Nort West. Suitable for ages 10+
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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.
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The Playshed – for small children, the award-winning soft play centre offers a fun-filled morning to keep the kids occupied.
Time for a pit stop.
Bellies won’t be grumbling for long with the helpings of legenderry food available in the city. How about…
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The Stables Inn Ebrington Square – As you drive back in towards the city this quirky family-owned eatery serves fresh top-quality local food at an affordable price.
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Primrose on the Quay - Enjoy lunch at the picturesque Primrose on the Quay and soak up the views of the stunning River Foyle.
Have an afternoon adventure
Fully recharged after lunch, the adrenaline-pumping activity continues well into the afternoon:
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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.
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Lock N Load – As one of Ireland’s biggest and best indoor centres with a 2-acre outdoor forest, choose from Laser Tag, Nerf Wars, Paintball, or Airsoft for the latest in family fun from ages 6+.
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Creggan Country Park - Offers a wide range of water sports including an inflatable water assault course, aqua zorbing, aqua rollers, 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!
Dinner
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Timberquay Restaurant - Head to Timberquay for a scrumptious dining experience. You’ll not be disappointed with their mouth-watering dishes, fabulous cocktails, and great-value prices to match!
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Fitzroys – 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. Next, jump in the car and head towards the Inishowen Peninsula, located only 60 minutes from the city, you’ll find idyllic coves and 14 expansive golden beaches to choose from. The Blue Flag Culdaff Beach has golden sand and a playground, making it a big hit with kids.
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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.
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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 the Brunswick Movie Bowl and enjoy this impressive entertainment complex. Featuring a seven-screen cinema, ten-pin bowling lanes, a soft play area, arcade games, and a restaurant; there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
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. Check out all accommodation options here.
