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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Moydamlaght Forest - Short Trail

Moneyneany

Address

Moydamlaght Road, Moneyneany, County Londonderry, BT45 7ES

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A circular route following a gravel forest trail through conifer and native woodland.

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Cashel Lake View

Dungiven

Address

17 Birren Road, Dungiven, County Londonderry, BT47 4SH

Telephone
+44 7511 529483

cashellakeview1@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Fishery

Area of outstanding natural beauty in the Sperrin Mountains. Close to Cashel Fly Fishing Lake (5 minutes). Benone beach (30 minutes), Giant's causeway (40 minutes), Derry City of Culture (30 minutes), Belfast's Titanic Quarter (one hour).

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne

Address

Bishop's Gate Entrance, Mussenden Road, County Londonderry, BT51 4RR

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Stunning landscaped estate with fabulous views of Ireland’s North Coast

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Mountsandel Fort

Coleraine

Address

Mountsandel Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1TW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

Mountsandel Wood is the earliest known settlement of man in Ireland dating to between 7600 and 7900BC. Flint tools were found here, indicating that Stone Age hunters camped here to fish salmon in the natural weir.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Plantin Park

Draperstown

Address

Derrynoyd Road, Draperstown, County Londonderry, BT45 7FA

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Enjoy a stroll through the Plantin Park hidden away in the middle of Draperstown.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
95 reviews
Lissan House

Cookstown

Address

Drumgrass Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 9SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7736 837 779

info@lissanhouse.com

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Lissan House is an enchanting country residence set within a 260 acre demesne of ancient woodland and forestry. The estate was created in the 17th century and remained the home of the Staples family for nearly 400 years.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
City Sightseeing Derry

Derry~Londonderry

Address

8c Ballougry Road, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 9XJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7137 0067

info@citysightseeingderry.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

City Sightseeing are a global brand with endless years’ experience in the tourism industry. City sightseeing guides are WorldHost approved ambassadors of the city and the company a WorldHost approved business.

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Revive North Coast

Coleraine

Address

Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1NS

Telephone
+44 (0) 7547 016 112

info@revivenorthcoast.com

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

Revive North Coast - Purpose Driven Adventure. Providing you meaning for Adventurous Activities along the North Coast. Offering you the opportunity to experience: Rock climbing - Abseiling - Stand Up Paddleboarding - Coasteering - Bespoke programmes

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Lough Foyle Trail

Ballykelly

Address

Station Road, Ballykelly, County Londonderry, BT49 9HU

Telephone
0287776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

The eastern shore of Lough Foyle between Ballykelly and Roe Estuary offers a flat coastal walk along the sea wall. This linear route has a number of access points allowing visitors to walk the entire 8km route, or walk shorter sections should you…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
Springhill House - Woodland Walk

Moneymore

Address

Springhill Road, Moneymore, County Londonderry, BT45 7NQ

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A short walk through Springhill Estate taking in the mixed woodland and a wildflower meadow.

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Game Fishing On The Foyle System

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Loughs Agency, 22 Victoria Road, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT47 2AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7134 2100

lionel.knobbs@loughs-agency.org

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

The Foyle and its tributaries span counties Donegal, Derry and Tyrone, rich with salmon, grilse and sea trout. Game, coarse and sea fishing opportunities exist through local angling clubs and through other private/government interests.

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Mountsandel Wood

Coleraine

Address

147 Mountsandel Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1TA

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Forest walks on the eastern bank of the River Bann, in the vicinity of Mountsandel Fort. A mesolithic site, the earliest known settlement site of man in Ireland. Choice of high level route or low level riverside route.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
McNamara Tours

Londonderry

Address

94 Butlers Wharf, Strathfoyle, Londonderry, Co Londonderry, BT47 6SR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7186 1177

info@mcnamaratours.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Catering for all types of groups and individuals; Historical Societies, Schools, Church Groups, Cross Community and Sightseeing Tours.

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