Explore all that Northern Island's historic walled city has to offer
Why go?
There’s so much to discover in Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland. This completely intact walled city is home to award-winning museums, amazing outdoor festivals, a fun, cosmopolitan vibe, and – of course – Derry Girls. And best of all it’s a compact, walkable city that’s waiting to be explored.
Hot for history
You can’t take a trip to Derry without acknowledging the conflict it’s been caught up in over the years. It’s a massive part of its past and there are both historical and contemporary references to it wherever you go, from incredible murals to swathes of museums, exhibitions and two cathedrals, St Columb’s, and St Eugene’s. It’s well worth getting a feel for the history before you start sightseeing. The city walls date from 1618, and you can walk all the way along the top of them and go through the seven different gates around the original town. This is where the 105-day siege took place in 1689 causing starvation and disease. Look out for the gruesome menu board from the city market in the Siege Museum. Dogs head or mouse for dinner, anyone?
Something for everyone
There’s so much to do and see in the city that you are spoilt for choice. The magnificent Guildhall has over 20 massive stained-glass windows representing the history of Derry. Just out the front of the Guildhall is the Peace Bridge. The snaking curves of the cycle and pedestrian bridge is a symbol of peace; connecting the two sides of the River Foyle and shows the healing that is taking place after the Troubles.
Being close to the water, there’s also the opportunity to go moonlight kayaking or try paddle boarding. Walking tours are also a lovely and affordable way of learning about the city and, with heritage and culture tours available, there’s something for everyone. We loved the quirkiness and fun of the Derry Girls walking tour, which involves visiting loads of filming locations – with lots of photo opportunities, including one in front of the Derry Girls mural on Orchard Street.
As you explore the city, there’s plenty for families too. Kids will especially love climbing on the 22 cannons situated on the historic walls, or try your hand at zip wires and tree-trekking at local activity centre Oakfire Adventures (Oakfireadventures.com).
Fabulous food & drink scene
Derry is home to some of the best produce in Ireland, with artisan producers, chefs and brewers shining on the world stage. Try mouth-watering Michelin-starred Browns in Town, known for its fine casual dining and great atmosphere, or for some of the best barbecued monkfish stop at Soda & Starch in the Craft Village area of the city.
A great place for a boozy pit stop is the Walled Brewery (Walledcitybrewery.com) across the bridge in Ebrington Square. It was once an old military barracks, but has now been transformed into a gastro pub and brewery. They have a huge variety of beers, spirits, and cocktails – look out for Bees Knees, a fancy espresso martini with honeycomb syrup. Of course, you can’t leave Ireland without a drop of the black stuff and some of the more traditional pubs, like Grand Central Bar in he city centre, will serve up a Guinness with live music, pub grub and a welcoming atmosphere.
Need to know
-
We stayed at The Bishops Gate Hotel, which was originally home to the Northern Counties Gentleman’s Club and has been restored to retain loads of original features. The new owners are dog lovers, so it was great to see a massive number of dogs in uniform portraits. The Wig and Gown Champagne Bar and Restaurant gets its name from the neighbouring Court House, as many of the original members were employed within the judicial system. Rooms cost from £149 a night. Visit Bishopsgatehotelderry.com for more information.
-
Flights cost from £140 return via Loganair and the travel time is just an hour and 25 minutes from London. Visit Loganair.com to book.
-
It’s worth getting a city pass before you travel too, which will get you free access to loads of the cathedrals and museums. The Pass includes a choice of ten attractions and is priced from £25 per adult and £20 per child for a one-day pass. See Visitderrypass.com for more information and to download a pass.
-
For the Derry Girls Walking Tour, book with Martin McCrossan’s city tours, costing from £6 per person. Visit Derrycitytours.com for details.
-
Visit Ireland.com for more inspiration on where to explore.
Words: Deborah Peters. Edited by: Zoe Bishop