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 recently opened 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?
