Activities & Attractions in Derry Londonderry

Things to do in Derry-Londonderry

Northern Ireland’s second city may not be physically big, but its heart is giant. Derry-Londonderry's charm lies in the unexpected. Around every corner of this walled city lies a work of art, a historic landmark or a local ready with a silver-tongued one-liner. Here's our beginner's guide to Derry-Londonderry.

Derry Girls - Our Famous Five

Any city would be proud to be associated with a smash-hit comedy like Derry Girls. But there can’t be too many places in the world that would eulogise it with a giant mural on the side of a restaurant. The Derry Girls Mural, on the end wall of Badgers Bar and Restaurant, perfectly captures the cheek and charm of Derry-Londonderry’s famous five. Once you've taken the obligatory selfie with Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle and the 'wee english fella' James, you can find out more about the sites you see on screen by taking the Derry Girls Original Sites Tour, one of the most popular in the city.

All along the City Walls

No trip to Derry-Londonderry would be complete without a trek around the city’s 400 year old walls. Derry-Londonderry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of its kind in Europe. Having recently celebrated a milestone birthday, the walls embrace the city centre in a 1.5km circumference.

Originally required to defend the city, they now act as a promenade, offering unrivalled views across the city and region. The walls are beautifully lit at nighttime and make the perfect romantic post-dinner or pre-pint stroll. You’ll no doubt catch a glimpse of the stunning Guildhall. This was originally built in 1887 and though it has gone through a few ups and downs in its history, it has been restored and has become a backdrop for many events in the city. Inside you’ll find stunning stained-glass windows representing artisans and workers.

The story of a city

Just a short hop from the Guildhall, you’ll find the Tower Museum. This little gem has two permanent exhibitions. As you’d expect, the main exhibition focuses on the colourful and dramatic story of Derry from pre-history to present times. The second exhibition tells the fascinating story of La Trinidad Valencera, one of the largest ships in the ill-fated Spanish Armada. Having been blown miles off course it sank off the northwest coast of Ireland in 1588. It was rediscovered by divers from the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971 and the fruits of their labours are on display here.

The Siege Museum and Exhibition is a permanent display of the history of the Siege of Londonderry - one of the times the walls were rather handy. It’s informative and will give you a good background on at least one perspective of Northern Ireland’s history.

For another perspective, you might consider visiting the Museum of Free Derry where you’ll get a full multi-media exhibition on the civil rights movement and the creation of Free Derry in the 1960s and 1970s.

Locals call this part of the city, just outside the walls, the Bogside. It is synonymous with the civil rights movement of those decades. It is also home to the People’s Gallery, a set of twelve large murals by three artists. A visit to this outdoor art gallery has become one of the main attractions in the city and is certainly one of the more original things to do in Derry-Londonderry.

A city of peace

After so much history, it might not be a bad time to look to the future. Take a stroll across the beautiful Peace Bridge to Ebrington Square. A former army barracks, this area has been transformed into a stunning public space for open-air events, art exhibitions and concerts.

A river walk

For those in pursuit of more downbeat excitement, there is a lovely walkway out from the city along the River Foyle. Within minutes you’ll find yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the city, passing rowers as they cut through the dark waters of the river. This walk, which goes south for the guts of ten kilometres, offers another view of Derry-Londonderry. It allows you to sit back, appreciate and contemplate this city’s unique and varied history while marveling at its people’s resilience.

There's so much more to discover in Derry-Londonderry. What are you waiting for?

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Lough Fea

Cookstown

Address

Lough Fea, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 9TU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8676 9949

tourism@midulstercouncil.org

Type

Type:

Walking Route - Short (<5 miles)

Set in the wild scenic mountains of the Sperrins, Lough Fea is an idyllic lake which is ideal for walkers. Facilities include 4.1km circular walkway, picnic areas, children’s play park, toilet facilities and a unique landscaped garden.

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Meander and Dander - A River in Time

Coleraine

Address

Coleraine Marina, Portstewart Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1EY

Telephone
+44 (0) 7894 210 527

crew@whiterivercharters.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Experience the tranquil River Bann from the comfort of White River Charter's vintage vessel and discover the fascinating origin story of human settlement in Ireland.

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Peace Bridge

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Queens Quay, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 7NN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7126 7284

info@visitderry.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Attractions

The Peace Bridge has become an integral part of the city’s infrastructure and is held in high regard by locals and visitors alike for its stunning physical beauty and in equal measures for the symbolic story it represents.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
St Eugene’s Cathedral

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Creggan Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 9AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7126 2894

cathedral@derrydiocese.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Cathedral

St Eugene's Cathedral is the Roman Catholic Cathedral located in Derry City. It is the Mother Church of the Derry Diocese, which stretches from Malin Head to Omagh and from Killygordon to Bellaghy.

Price
Free

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The Verbal Arts Centre

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Stable Lane and Mall Wall, Bishop Street Within, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6PU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7126 6946

info@theverbal.co

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

The Verbal Arts Centre is an educational charity founded in 1992 and now located in the beautifully refurbished First Derry School, a listed building which occupies a prime location on the city’s walls. The Verbal Arts Centre is Ireland’s only…

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Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Rough Fort (Rath)

Limavady

Address

Moneyrannel Road, Limavady, Derry/Londonderry, BT49 0FJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

Rough Fort, on the Limavady to Ballykelly road, is a remarkable earthwork construction over 1000 years old. Known as a Rath, it was originally used as a defended farmstead into which livestock could be driven in the times of emergency.

Price
Free

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Picture This: Garvagh Forest

Garvagh

Address

Main Street, Garvagh, County Londonderry, BT51 5NJ

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

A 200-hectare forest containing many species of trees, wildlife – and even a pyramid…

Price
Free

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Friends of Derry City Cemetery

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Lone Moor Road, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT47 2LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7935 779 498

jpbreslin@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

Friends of Derry City Cemetery tours provides a unique insight into the history of Derry, dating back to when the cemetery opened in the 19th century right through to the present day.

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The Honourable The Irish Society

Coleraine

Address

Cutts House, 54 Castleroe Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3RL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 4796

office@theirishsociety.co.uk

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

We manage Northern Ireland's finest salmon, trout, pike and coarse fishing on the Lower Bann River and tributaries. Season/day rods available on private beats, also season permits for unrestricted stretches, both game and coarse.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Claudy Cycle Hire

Claudy

Address

556 Baranailt Road, Claudy, County Londonderry, BT47 4EF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7133 8128

bcassidy-claudycycles@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Cycle Hire & Holidays

Explore the North West of Ireland with Claudy Cycles, and make us your first choice for Cycle Hire.

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Mute Meadow

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Ebrington, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT47 6FA

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art & Photography

Located on the banks of the River Foyle along the south side of Ebrington Square, Mute Meadow was unveiled on 25 June 2011.

Price
Free

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Bovevagh Old Church and Mortuary House

Dungiven

Address

56 Bovevagh Road, Dungiven, County Londonderry, BT47 4NR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Bovevagh parish church was established in the late Middle Ages on the site of an early monastery, said to have been founded by Colm Cille in 557. Adamnan, Coolm Cille's biographer was reputedly patron here.

Price
Free

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Downhill Forest

Downhill

Address

Downhill Forest, Mussenden Road, Downhill, County Londonderry, BT51 4RR

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

There are two waymarked paths in the forest; one is just over a kilometre long while the other is two kilometres in length. The Ulster Way also runs through part of the forest.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Shirt Tales NI

Londonderry

Address

First Derry Church, 6 Magazine Street Upper, Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT47 6HA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7708 547 289

shirttalesni@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

Embark on a journey through 19th-century Derry cultural and industrial heritage at First Derry Church - the former Girls' School, where storytelling, craft, and community celebrate the city's proud shirt-making legacy, the preservation of…

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