So you've arrived in the Oakleaf County, or perhaps more specifically, the Maiden City...It's time to get yourselves settled in...
Places to Stay in Derry~Londonderry
If you want to stay in or around the famous walled city, the Shipquay Hotel (4*), City Hotel Derry (4*), Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel, Maldron Hotel (4*), Everglades Hotel (4*) and Holiday Inn Express (3*) are some of the best family bases around. The boutique Terrace Hotel (3*) sits close to the Lough Neagh and the Sperrins, while Coleraine’s Bushtown Hotel (3*) and Lodge Hotel (3*) both offer great value with easy access to the Causeway Coast. Or for country warmth and luxury golf and spa experiences The Drummond Hotel (3*) and Roe Park Resort (4*) hit the spot.
For a glamping experience, try Carrowmena Activity Centre in Limavady, or pitch your caravan at Deighan’s Benone Caravan Park (5*), Golden Sands Caravan Park (4*), Ballyronan Marina & Caravan Park (4*) or Shepherd’s Rest (3*) family-friendly sites.
If self-catering is your preferred option, Palace Street Apartments (5*), Ocean Hideaway (4*) and Kinora Penthouse (4*) are a wee bit special. Now that's settled, you’ll be wanting something to eat, then?
Best places for families to eat
If you're after a family-oriented feed in the city, you won’t go wrong booking a table at Caterina’s Bistro, Ritz Bar & Bistro, Grain and Grill at The Maldron, or Solo. There’s a big Italian welcome at Nonnas Wood Fired Pizza and Spaghetti Junction, and you’ll be bowled over at Martha’s Vineyard beside the Brunswick Movie Bowl. For a family Chinese meal head to Mandarin Palace, for Indian try Mama Masala or for a little taste of Lebanon, Cedar is the place to be. Badgers Bar & Restaurant is home of the famous Derry Girls mural and perfect for your own girls (and boys!) Or if you want something on the move, check out the 'Legenderry Burger’ from street food legends Pyke ‘n’ Pommes at the Foyle Marina…it really does live up to its name!
Beyond the walled city, the delightfully named Brown Trout Golf and Country Inn in Aghadowey is a favourite family stop. The Coach House Brasserie at Roe Park Estate is one of Limavady’s finest family restaurants while further afield Friel’s in Swatragh, Morelli’s in Portstewart, Dungiven’s idyllic hilltop Ponderosa, the Oakleaf in Maghera and the Well Bar & Grill in Ballykelly always have families coming back for more.
There’s no end of things to do in Derry-Londonderry
If you have older children, make the most of your visit to the city by getting yourself a Visit Derry Pass. This integrated ticket allows access to 10 must-see visitor attractions including the Guildhall, Tower Museum, Siege Museum and The Museum of Free Derry as well as tours of its cathedrals, churches and heritage centres plus a top guided city walking tour. Worth every penny! No trip is complete without a trek around the 400-year-old City Walls, one of the finest examples of their kind in Europe. The Walled City is surrounded by ancient and beautiful prehistoric landscapes and Foyle Trails can take you there to explore its fascinating myths and folklore on its Folkways and Ritual Landscapes tour.
The Playtrail is one of the most fun places to bring your gang in the city. And for fans of the hit TV show - ahem, including their parents - you can’t leave without trying out the Derry Girls Afternoon Tea & Tour where you get a taste of the lives of our ‘Famous Five’ before tucking into assorted local delicacies - including the famous sausage-roll bap.
With over 11 acres of freshwater fun, you’ll need a day to take in the mahoosive 80,000 square foot waterpark at Lake Kilrea - the biggest in Ireland. Suitable for kids aged 6 and up, you’ll find water challenges for everyone from giant icebergs to wipeout balls and swirly bridges. For a bit of eco-adventure, Far and Wild will keep your family entertained on sea, land - and wheels - with activities to suit every timetable. Spend a couple of hours on a foodie cycle, blading or boomboarding in the city. Take half a day or more to go Causeway Coast walking or spend a few days hiking or biking in the wilds. It’s up to you! And if yours are 10 years and older, more family adventures await at Oakfire Adventures where their zip trek, tree trek and aerial experiences will easily keep them occupied for half a day or more.
If you’re on the coast, stop by Creggan Country Park if yours are into aqua zorbing, canoeing, pier jumping - or a raft of other water sports! See the night sky in a whole new light at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Northern Ireland’s only ‘dark sky’ park. With holographic installations, VR headsets and mind-blowing shows it’s the perfect spot to take in the cosmos – as well as our place in it.
Derry-Londonderry has it all – stunning coastline, amazing parks, water parks, the great outdoors and the historic Walled City itself. It’s cracker, so it is!