Our legenderry Walled City is renowed for its warm welcome, great craic, music scene and atmosphere.
With winter upon us, shorter days and darker nights, there's no better way to spend the evening than by checking out some of the city's cosiest pubs.
So whether you’re just stopping for quick one after a full day’s shopping or maybe out for an evening during a short break to the city, then you'll be spoilt for choice in Derry - Londonderry.
Relax, unwind and enjoy the warm atmosphere these pubs have to offer. Take a step back in time in some of Derry’s oldest established pubs, as far back to the Siege of Derry of 1689. Embark on a journey exploring local brewed beers and ales, listening to local stories and always good banter.
Peadar O’Donnell’s
59-63 Waterloo Street, Derry BT48 6HD
Tel: +44 (0)28 71267295 Images of Bar
Peadar O’Donnell’s, the home of Live traditional & contemporary music in Derry.
On the premises there are 3 different bars – Peadar O’Donnell’s, the Gweedore Bar and Fifty-Seven Waterloo St.
Peadars is well known throughout the world and is a must-visit pub for locals and tourists alike.
Peadar O'Donnell's is famous for its live traditional music nightly, friendly atmosphere, grocer pub decor and flag collection.
Regular impromptu sessions from either local musicians or visiting performers regularly take place in Peadar's.
Whichever of their bars you would like to visit, you are always guaranteed a warm welcome, a good time.
Badgers Bar & Restaurant
(Home of the Derry Girls Mural)
16-18 Orchard Street, Derry, BT48 6EG
Tel: +44 (0)28 71363306
Located in the heart of the city nearby Derry’s most popular theatres, this venue is a popular spot for pre and après theatre drinks.
And, if you love shopping then Badger’s Bar is the perfect place to take the weight off your feet mid-spree.
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. You're always guaranteed a warm welcome with brilliant service from the team of dedicated, long serving staff who will spare no effort in making sure your Badgers experience is a happy and satisfying one, be you a first-time visitor or a seasoned regular to the premises.
Also, let’s not forget the perfect photo opportunity to have your pic taken with the famous Derry Girls mural commissioned by Channel 4 at this location.
The Dungloe
41-43 Waterloo Steet, Derry, BT48 6HD
Tel: +44 (0)28 7126 7716
The Dungloe Bar is situated less than 300m from the Guildhall in Shipquay Place, on the corner of Waterloo Street and High Street.
A pub in the heart of Derry City, established 1892, The Dungloe is a pub with a local feel, good beer, great food and there is always a bit of craic.
Over the years they have built up a reputation as one of the best pubs for music in the city, supporting local bands, traditional music and new talent.
It also has a large outdoor beer garden and stage for live music performances which is very popular.
This pub attracts a very mixed age group throughout the year and is very popular amongst many locals.
The Gweedore Bar
61 Waterloo St, Derry, BT48 6HD
Tel: +44 (0)28 71267295
Very different from its neighbouring bar Peadar's in that it's for a much younger crowd and more modern bar. Wide open bar and very stylish inside. The Gweedore Bar is a modern live bands venue, with a stylish interior and young vibe.
The Gweedore has long enjoyed a reputation both as a mecca for pop and rock music and as the perfect venue for that other favourite local obsession, the long, languid chat over a pint of stout.
Extensively refurbished in recent years, the Gweedore has not allowed its smart new look to go to its head, it’s still the same old friend which exudes a unique warmth and charisma. Upstairs this old friend has acquired a taste for putting on its dancing shoes and happily plays host to some of the best funk and alternative discos around.
These include Monday nights Punt Club Disco, Saturdays Twilight Zone and Friday nights Liberation Disco and Live Bands.
Lizzie O’Farrell’s
26 Waterloo Street, Derry, BT48 6HF
Tel: +44 (0)28 9049 0981
A lively vibrant traditional pub in the heart of the city centre. Live music seven nights a week, ranging from traditional music through to modern pop. Originally named and known as The Castle Bar, Lizzie O’Farrell’s is not only one of Derry’s oldest pubs, but it is also very famous for some of its ghostly encounters over the years.
Legend has it, a young girl was supposedly murdered and buried there during the early 19th century. Previous members of staff have given their accounts of their ghostly experiences that are still being reported about to this day.
Recently renovated and given a new fresh look, Lizzie O’Farrell’s is a definitely a cosy choice for punters to relax and unwind.
One thing for sure, is, that this pub has one spirit more than the rest of its competitors, will you be brave enough to have a sip on the other side?
The River Inn
34-38 Shipquay Street, Derry, BT48 6DW
Tel: +44 (0)28 71371965
The River Inn is Derry’s oldest sited bar, established in 1684, with its history stretching back to before the siege. At the time it fulfilled the three requirements to obtain an Inn’s licence; namely permission to sell punch, provide accommodation and to stable horses. Steeped in history its cellars were used in 1798 to hold Wolfe Tone on his way to execution in Dublin after his capture in Donegal.
The original cellars have been converted into the Cellar bar.
The River Inn has been run by the Doherty Family for over 40 years. It has always provided a warm friendly atmosphere, good food and great craic.
A fresh and creative food menu is available seven days a week. At night there will be regular, local live entertainment.
Blackbird
24 Foyle Street, Londonderry BT48 6AP
Tel: +44 (0)28 71362111
A firm local and visitor favourite, the Blackbird is located a few doors up from the iconic Sandino’s Bar. It is a fantastic and comfortable setting ideal for socialising with friends over a range of cocktails or a simple pint. After a long walk around Derry’s city centre, go to this bar and have a rest here.
Take your chance to taste good craft beer, gin fizz or house wine.
The Guildhall Taphouse
4 Custom House Street, Derry, BT48 6AD
Tel: +44 (0)28 71364888
The Guildhall Taphouse is steeped in history, yet offers a fresh, alternative take on the traditional bar. Housed in a 19th Century Merchant building in the heart of the City's historic quarter, this comfortable bar is just minutes from Derry's famous Peace Bridge, the historical City Walls, and the iconic Guildhall itself.
With an unrivalled selection of Irish and International craft beers and a carefully curated cocktail menu, the Guildhall Taphouse has already established itself as a live music hub, featuring top musicians from all over the country.
Both the kitchen and bar are open seven days a week.
The Bentley Bar & Restaurant
3-5 Market Street, Derry, BT48 6EF
Tel: +44 (0)28 71371665
The Bentley Bar & Restaurant is situated by Ferryquay Gate, in the heart of a shopper's paradise and close to most of the city's historical sights. This locally owned business is renowned for its relaxed and ambient atmosphere, and it is famous for its fabulous food and weekly entertainment.
With a new wine bar, a cosy traditional Irish snug bar and a top-notch function room, everything is under one roof at the Bentley. This bar & restaurant is the perfect stop anytime of the day with live entertainment, top live sports games on the big screen, friendly staff and always good craic.
Tracey’s
1-2 William Street, Derry, BT48 6ES
Tel: +44 (0)2871269700
Located at the bottom of Waterloo Street just outside of the city’s walls, Tracey’s bar is the perfect traditional snug bar for you to unwind, relax and enjoy some local banter.
A favourite pub for many locals and tourists, Tracey’s Bar offers all its visitors a warm and friendly welcome with an electric atmosphere. Enjoy live sports games, cold sips and a friendly relaxing atmosphere.
