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 (4*), 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 infamous 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!
One of Derry’s coolest boutique hotels is located on Derry’s famous Shipquay Street. Overlooking the Old City Walls and Derry’s famous Guildhall, Shipquay Boutique Hotel is a luxurious and intimate boutique hotel.
The City Hotel Derry is perfectly positioned for sightseeing breaks in Derry City. A stay at our Derry hotel guarantees easy access to some of the most remarkable golf courses in Ireland. Explore Derry, Donegal and the Causeway Coast.
The White Horse Hotel is an elegant, welcoming 4* hotel and a convenient gateway to both the Walled City of Derry and the Causeway Coastal route.
The Maldron Hotel Derry, located within the Historic City Walls, is the perfect base to explore the city. We have great views of the historic City Walls and with the City Centre Shops, Bars & Tourist Attractions on our doorstep where better to ...
The premier hotel in the North West, situated on the banks of the Foyle and within easy access to the historic City of Derry. Lavishly appointed bedrooms, superb cuisine, professional service for conference and business, as well as friendly staff.
This modern new hotel is ideal for your next short break - take a stroll round the 17th Century City Walls, check out the magnificent Guildhall and don't forget to snap a selfie on the Peace Bridge which offers spectacular views of the city.
Boutique style modern 16 bedroom hotel with complementary WiFi and free parking. Close to Belfast and Derry and The North Coast. The Sperrin Mountains and Lough Neagh just a few minutes drive. Family friendly Hotel - an ideal base for touring Northern Ireland.
The Bushtown Hotel & Spa Is The Perfect Place To Stay When Visiting The North Coast. The Hotel Is Set Amongst Mature Woodlands On The Outskirts Of Coleraine And Sits At The Gateway To The World Famous Causeway Coast.
Award-winning hotel situated fifteen minutes walk from the busy shopping town of Coleraine. The hotel offers 56 guest rooms, hair & beauty salons and excellent cuisine using the finest local ingredients. The perfect location to relax and unwind.
Dating back to 1829, the Drummond Hotel radiates old country warmth from the moment you arrive. This is a family run hotel and is one of the most popular hotels in the north west, which upholds the tradition of offering a warm and friendly service.
Northern Ireland's premier golf and spa resort. Overlooking its own stunning 18 hole golf course and set amidst the gorgeous surroundings of the Roe Valley Country Park, this 4 star luxury hotel boasts 118 rooms and 2 self catering lodges.
Ideal for exploring local beauty areas such as the stunning North Coast & all the beautiful beaches along the Causeway Coast of Ireland, Binevenagh Mountain Walks, Garvagh Bike Trails. Explore the City of Derry & take a trip on the Donegal Ferry,
Off A2 coast road between Limavady and Coleraine. Follow signs for Benone. Adjacent to seven miles of sandy beach.
Caravan park off A2 coast road, adjacent to Benone Blue Flag beach.
Part of the marina complex, the caravan park and on-water glamping pods at Ballyronan is picture-perfect on the shores of Lough Neagh it is an ideal starting point for exploring the Lough's waters, whether under your own sail, on a boat hire or organised cruise.
Our camp-site and caravan-park is based in the middle of Northern Ireland, surrounded by the beauty of Sperrin Mountains.
5 star self catering accommodation within the walled city; peaceful setting - close to all - Cathedrals, Churches, Peace Bridge, Guildhall, Museums & restaurants. All rooms are finished high standard and living dining kitchen areas are spacious.
Ocean Hideaway is a sea-front, ground-floor, 3 bedroom apartment located in the beautiful seaside town of Portstewart. It is the perfect location to experience the wonderful North Coast, including the spectacular sights and fantastic golf courses.
Enjoy wide ocean views from this stylish and comfortable three bedroom penthouse apartment - just a short walk from Portstewart promenade. Relax with front row viewing of passing fishing boats and porpoises, with the famous Herring Pond nearby.
Enjoy a foodie experience like no other at Da Vinci's Hotel, Derry. Caterina's Bistro offers award winning food & service in a stunning & modern setting.
The award winning Grain & Grill Restaurant at the Maldron Hotel Derry offers magnificent food and surroundings to match with stunning views over the historic City Walls. Our chef uses the finest locally sourced produce to create mouthwatering dishes
Traditional Italian style pizzas from our wood fired oven. Nonnas is a casual family owned restaurant that uses only the best local and artisan Italian ingredients, as well as having a range of local craft beers and wines.
Spaghetti Junction is Derry's first truly authentic Italian restaurant. There's a few things that we hold close to our heart and we show it through our restaurant.
The multi award winning restaurant, Martha's Vineyard is sure to surprise even the most discerning diner with its fabulous fresh food beautifully presented in a unique luxurious setting with unrivalled customer service.
Visit our popular restaurant on the waterfront. Step into a new world of visually stunning Euro Asian decor.
Welcome to our restaurant, Mama Masala which you will find at 24a Queen’s Quay on Derry’s waterfront near the Peace Bridge which connects the Cityside with the Waterside.
Lebanon is a small country on the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean. The cuisine tends to be more varied and refined than its Middle Eastern neighbours. Vegetarians will be at home in any Lebanese restaurant as they include many vegetarian options.
Located in the heart of the city, this award-winning bar and restaurant is home to the famous Derry Girls Mural. For over 30 years, Badgers Bar and Restaurant has been serving the freshest in food and drink from local suppliers to its customers.
Just 10 minutes from Coleraine and 20 minutes from the North Coast, the Brown Trout Country Inn is a perfect eating place for a secluded meal by the fire, family gatherings or small weddings.
Housed in the sympathetically restored 18th century Coach House, the Brasserie provides a more casual alternative to the fine dining experience of Greens Restaurant.
Friels Bar and Restaurant is currently run by the fourth generation of the Friel family. The bar has been in the family name for over 150 years. In the bar, you will get a real feel of the old world, with pictures and memorabilia of bygone times
This bright and cheerful seafront cafe offers a clear view to the sea. As well as hot dishes, Morelli's is a long established ice cream parlour with an amazing array of exotic ices. Now fully licensed.
Nestled atop of the Sperrin Mountains, The Ponderosa and it’s surrounding area has a little Irish magic about it and is an idyllic spot to stop off and enjoy some fantastic traditional Irish food, drink, music & craic!
This licensed restaurant welcomes family’s of all ages and can also cater for coach parties with prior booking essential.
The Well Bar and Restaurant is one of the North West’s latest dinning experiences proving to be a huge hit with both local customers and those traveling from further afield.
The Visit Derry Pass is the Official Sightseeing ticket for the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry.
Fashioned in neo-gothic style, the Guildhall is one of the most striking buildings in the North West and was originally built in 1887. The building now boasts a multifaceted tourism experience providing a central hub for visitors exploring the city
The Tower Museum houses two permanent exhibitions: The Story of Derry and An Armada Shipwreck - La Trinidad Valencera, as well as other temporary exhibitions. The Tower Museum is now also home to the Derry Girls Experience!
The new Siege Museum and Exhibition is a permanent display of the history of the Siege of Londonderry and of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, including artefacts, video and interactive media.
The museum is a public space where the concept of Free Derry can be explored in both historic and contemporary contexts.
Derry~Londonderry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and is one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. A walk around the walls reveals a city crammed full of history, heritage, interest and a vibrant cultural scene.
Explore ancient ritual sites and habitats in West Tyrone with a qualified landscape guide and ecologist. Join Martin Bradley on a visit to sites that were sacred in Bronze and Iron Age Ireland; to the tombs and standing stones, the quaking bogs, the healing wells and other places of powerful magic.
The Playtrail is an outdoor play & educational resource that hosts an on-going programme of activities for children.
Enjoy a spot of Afternoon Tea or a Derry Girls themed Afternoon Tea at the Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry. There are pots upon pots of aromatic brews. Plates of dainty sandwiches, fluffy scones, buttery cakes and pastries. Stir in some sugar and add lashings of cream and gossip. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon!
The Lake Kilrea is an outdoor adventure and water park, offering a wide range of family-friendly activities including a water-based inflatable adventure park, canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, climbing wall and zipline.
Far and Wild is the leading eco-adventure company in the North West of Ireland, bringing you activities including Moonlight Kayaking, Coasteering, and Stand Up Paddle Board tours.
Check out our Zip Trekking Experience, Tree Trek Adventure or our combi package the Full Aerial Challenge exciting grown-up fun in the great outdoors.
Creggan Country Park is a not for profit watersports, outdoor pursuits and angling facility based in Derry.
Take a journey through time and space with a visitor experience that’s out of this world. Book your visit to Northern Ireland’s only International Dark Sky Park.
