We will transform the riverfront into an international marina with all the tastes, colours, scents, sights and sounds that come together to create this epic experience. With a packed programme you will be spoilt for choice, so we have pulled together this handy 4-day itinerary to help you kick off the summer in style!
DAY 1 - THURSDAY 27TH JUNE 2024
Getting Here -
There are plenty of ways to get to the historic Walled City of Derry! Fly direct from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow into City of Derry Airport. Or if you travel to Belfast International or Dublin Airport, then check out the Aircoach for transport from both airports which will take you directly into the city centre! For more information on getting to the city, click here.
3pm - Arrival
There is so much choice in Derry~Londonderry when it comes to choosing where to stay, with options available to suit everyone’s budget and taste. So, whether you are looking for a family friendly hotel, or a self-catering option with space for the whole family you are sure to receive a LegenDerry welcome! Explore our Accommodation options here
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6pm – Dinner Timberquay
Take a stroll down the Quay, soaking up the festival atmosphere on your way to Timberquay for dinner. Serving high quality, locally sourced produce and offering delicious dishes to suit all diets, this restaurant is located right in the heart of all the action!
9pm – Paddy McDonnell
Enjoy a night of Comedy with West Belfast comedian Paddy McDonnell. He started his career supporting household names such as Des Bishop and Ardal O’Hanlon. Largely basing his comedy from tales of working as a taxi man to everyday tales of being a husband and father, Paddy has hosted The Empire’s ‘Belfast Laugh’s Back’ Comedy Club and has previously sold-out solo headline shows at the likes of the SSE Arena, Ulster Hall, and The Waterfront.
FRIDAY 28TH JUNE 2024
9am – Breakfast at The Cottage Craft Gallery & Coffee Shop
Located in the ever-so-pretty Craft Village, you will find The Cottage. This quaint coffee shop housed within a traditional Thatched Cottage serves homemade, local produce daily and is the perfect spot to relax and fuel up for the day ahead.
10am – Go on an Adventure with Go Quest.
Explore the streets of the Walled City and unlock a hidden trail by finding clues, solving puzzles, and completing challenges; earning points along the way, all self-guided through the Go Quest Adventures App. See the city’s highlights, explore its hidden gems, and learn some insider history and fun facts along the way. This is a fun way to immerse yourself in the story of Derry.
Use the code PLAYDERRY to save 15% on your first quest.
1pm – Riding the Waves
Make your way down to the Boardwalk for a high adrenaline wakeboarding show courtesy of some of Ireland’s greatest water sportsmen and women. This is a fast-paced, exhilarating water sport combining surfing, water skiing and snowboarding techniques to deliver a range of breathtaking midair tricks and displays that will enthral spectators.
2.30pm - Craic on a Kayak (booking essential)
Now it is your turn to take to the water with Binevenagh Adventures and experience Craic on a Kayak. If you prefer to stay near the marina area, no problem, but if you are keen to test your newfound skills and boost your confidence, why not venture further out to get a closer look at the yachts and other boats from a perspective that only a few get to experience. You will always be under the guidance of qualified instructors. Book Here
3.30pm - Picnic at the Beach
After an action filled afternoon, relax, and unwind at our Urban Beach. Feel the sand between your toes, soak up the festival atmosphere or build a sandcastle. Take advantage of our new picnic area, the perfect spot to chill out and enjoy a packed lunch – or savour the delightful treats you picked up from the market.
5pm – The Cove and Shoreside Sounds
Enjoy an intimate setting at our new festival bar ‘The Cove.’ Ambient Shoreside Sounds will deliver the perfect soundtrack with scheduled performances from our coolest local DJs as part of the festival’s Maritime Melodies programme.
6.30pm – Dinner at Walled City Brewery
A short stroll across the Peace Bridge into Ebrington Square and you will find the Walled City Brewery – a spot which should be on everyone’s bucket list. This award-winning brewhouse and restaurant is housed in a historic military barracks, with flavours of the North West at the forefront of their food menu. They also offer signature brews created on site, some inspired by the hit show Derry Girls are a firm favourite!
9pm – Twilight Paddle
Embark on a unique twilight journey down the majestic River Foyle with Foyle Paddlers. Join a group of illuminated canoes and kayaks as they glide along the Foyle at dusk. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Foyle Maritime Festival at twilight, providing a starlight spectacle for people along the riverfront and Peace Bridge.
DAY 3 - SATURDAY 29TH JUNE 2024
11am – Derry Girls Experience
A visit to the Derry Girls Experience is a must for all fans of this award-winning TV comedy. 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’s household and feel like one of the family. Sister Michael fan? Don’t miss your chance to sit on her chair and roll your eyes at anyone who crosses your path.
12pm – Derry Girls 90’s Disco
After learning all about the writer and the character of the show, join us in the Guildhall for a throwback disco. Dust off your best 90s outfits and show off your retro style as we dance to classic hits that defined a generation. Whether you’re reliving your best years or experiencing the 90s vibe for the first time, this promises fun for all ages. Don’t miss out on the chance to party like its 1999!
2pm – Lunch
Take a walk up through the Cathedral Quarter and enjoy lunch at The Sandwich Co. Choose from their popular classic sandwich range or build your own with a vast range of delicious fillings to choose from. With a range of freshly baked goods and crisp salads also on offer, you will not be disappointed.
3.30pm - Explore the Waterfront
Enjoy a stroll down by the Waterfront – a place where everything seems a little larger than life. Sitting elegantly and commanding a dramatic presence, the two largest Tall Ships at this year’s event will be berthed. Explore the vessels with daily tours available.
5pm – Get Up Street Art Festival
Experience an explosion of colours and creativity. Lower Clarendon Street will be a hub of art, music, workshops and more with additional art installations along the banks of the Foyle. You will also have the opportunity to watch Jeks, a top artist from the global street art scene, create a showstopping legacy piece.
6.30pm - LegenDerry Food Village
Whether you are craving street food which packs a flavour punch or a chance to experience some local produce with live music and a relaxed vibe, the LegenDerry Food Village has you covered! Bringing together the very best local businesses, using the finest local, seasonal, sustainable produce and catch to create authentic international flavours with a local twist.
8pm – Beyond Blue Festival Showcase
The Foyle Maritime Festival has dreamed up a beautiful collage of sights and sounds inspired by the festival theme ‘Beyond Blue’ for this spectacular showcase. A unique choral event entitled ‘A Duck Chorus’ will begin proceedings at 8pm when a selection of choir and folk groups sing collectively along the banks of the Foyle. As dusk descends the quays will transform into a vibrant theatrical riverscape with specially lit Tall Ships anchoring out in the river creating a stunning backdrop for a bespoke light and fire show commencing at 9pm. Don’t miss this breathtaking event that promises to captivate and inspire.
DAY 4 - SUNDAY 30TH JUNE 2024
11am – Walk The Walls
Enjoy a relaxed morning walk around the 400-year-old city Walls. Built in 1613-1619, the Walls, about one mile (1.6km) in circumference, are completely intact and form a walkway around the inner city. They are also home to Europe’s largest collection of cannon whose origins are known precisely. The cannon are displayed throughout the City Walls with the impressive Roaring Meg located on the double bastion.
12pm – The Happy Wheel
Enjoy the festival and riverfront from a brand new perspective courtesy of the Festival Big Wheel which is returning to the event after missing a few editions.
1pm - Maritime & Merchant Markets
After an action-packed weekend, now is the time to take one final walk down along the quay and savour the tastes and talents of our local bakers and crafters. With award-winning locally sourced produce and stunning hand-crafted goods, this is the perfect opportunity to find that something special whether it's a gift or you are treating yourself.
