Derry, Northern Ireland

Welcome to Derry, Northern Ireland  

Everyone knows Ireland is a land of hidden scenic gems and one would have to agree that the historic walled city of Derry (or Londonderry as it’s sometimes known) is most definitely one of them! Situated on the banks of the River Foyle in the North of Ireland, modern day Derry has shed the shadow of its turbulent past and is a forward thinking, historic yet cosmopolitan city which is a melting pot of culture, attractions and events that is sure to delight and even surprise.  Few places can offer such a compelling and unique experience to visitors as the walled city of Derry, with great value prices, fascinating museums, great nightlife and an increasing number of low cost flights from the UK – Derry is the next place to see and be seen!

Things to do in and around Derry, Northern Ireland

One of the first things to do in Derry is to walk the historic walls which encircle the picturesque inner city, the great views from the top of the walls will help you understand Derry’s layout. Built in the 17th century the walls were designed to protect the city from siege and with the walls still in tact today Derry is one of the most complete walled cities in Europe. Derry revels in a potent history from the earliest times right up to the recent past, all of which adds up to a story that is both fascinating and intriguing. One of the best places to start your voyage of discovery is the award winning Tower Museum, located inside the city walls just opposite the Guildhall. It tells the story of Derry from the very beginning right up to the present day. You can take the tour on your own or go round with one of their friendly guides who will help bring this compelling story to life. There are interactive exhibits for the whole family plus a great viewpoint on the roof of the tower too – the Tower Museum is a must on any visit to Derry! The Harbour Museum, housed in the former Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners offices depicts the city’s maritime heritage and as a port for emigration to North America. 

Derry is also known as the scene of Bloody Sunday in the 1970’s, one of the bloodiest massacres of the political ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland. The Museum of Free Derry and the political murals in the Bogside area of the city bring this event to life from the perspective of the people who lived through it. Nowadays both sides of the community have worked hard to bring peace, optimism and growth to the city.

For lovers of the arts there are a host of galleries, theatres and cinemas in the city plus with Derry’s strong musical tradition its home to many festivals throughout the year including the Foyle Film Festival and the Jazz Festival. The biggest festival of all is probably the Halloween Carnival, it has to be one of the biggest outside of North America with the city besieged by witches, warlocks, ghost and ghouls and an amazing fireworks display on the river.

Within easy reach of Derry there are many sights to behold, one of Northern Ireland’s iconic symbols, the spectacular Giants Causeway is around an hours drive, with some of the most beautiful and awe inspiring scenery, some rather unusual hexagonal rock formations and a fascinating legend for how it came to be involving Irish gentle giant, Finn MacCool, the Giants Causeway should not be missed. Further round the coast from the Causeway is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, made famous by the Tourist Board’s TV advertisements, this stomach churning rope bridge links the tiny Carrick Island to the mainland, certainly not for the faint hearted! During the summer months Northern Ireland’s beaches rival the best in the world, with fine golden sands, clear waters and dramatic back drops such as the romantic ruins of Dunluce Castle which cling to the cliff top near Bushmills and Portrush, they are perfect for family picnics or perhaps some watersports. For lovers of whiskey a visit to the picture postcard town of Bushmills is a must for a tour of the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery and of course perhaps a sample or two! If you wish to experience two countries in one holiday you could cross over the border into the Republic of Ireland and take in the charms of beautiful County Donegal, the drive is around 20 minutes from Derry – don’t forget to pack some euros!

Outdoor pursuits are big in Northern Ireland too from rambling walks along the amazingly scenic and diverse Causeway Coast Way to cycling, fishing, fantastic golfing and superb surfing conditions off some of the north coast beaches, the city of Derry and its surrounds has so much to offer.

All in all, a visit to Derry will not fail to impress, it will enthrall you with its intriguing past, delight you with its scenic charms and most of all welcome you with open arms.

Evenings out in Derry, Northern Ireland

The choice of places for eating out is remarkable for a city of its size. In Derry there are hotel restaurants with fantastic chefs specialising in traditional Irish dishes and European cuisine, one of the best has to be the trendy Thompsons Restaurant on the River at the City Hotel Derry – great views, great prices and superb food! There are family restaurants famous for generously sized portions and traditional roast lunches to a range of up and coming Italian, Indian & Chinese eateries. The Millennium Forum Derry is the city's major concert and stage show venue, where there is always something going on. Evenings out in Derry are never dull with the legendary ‘craic’ that is an Irish trademark plus a good variety of traditional pubs, contemporary wine bars and lively nightclubs, more and more people are enjoying Derry’s evening delights.
 
Shopping in Derry, Northern Ireland

Shopping in Derry’s small yet perfectly formed historic city centre is a pleasant experience with great value prices and everything within easy walking distance. Among the many retail paradise are the Foyleside Shopping Centre and the Richmond Shopping Centre, with over 80 big name stores between them! Add to that a unique Craft Village reminiscent of Ireland in years gone by in the heart of the city, regular markets in Guildhall Square, plus numerous independent and designer boutiques dotted around the city.

Fascinating fact
Derry’s Austins Department Store predates famous department stores such as Jenners in Edinburgh, Macy’s in New York and even Harrods in London by around 15 years!

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