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?

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 193

, currently showing 181 to 193.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
First Derry Presbyterian Church and The Blue Coat School Heritage Centre

Derry~Londonderry

Address

First Presbyterian Church, 6 Magazine Street Upper, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6HA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7126 1550

firstderrybluecoatschool@outlook.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Explore the Blue Coat School Heritage Centre and discover the compelling, and often surprising story of First Derry Presbyterian Church that has been at the heart of its community since the 17th century.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Moneymore Heritage Trail

Moneymore

Address

Moneymore, County Londonderry

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8676 9949

tourism@midulstercouncil.org

Type

Type:

Walking Route - Short (<5 miles)

This is a short, easy to follow trail through the village which explains the wonderful rich heritage and culture of this beautiful conservation area. 'Visit Cookstown' Smartphone Guide for videos and audios.

More Info
Downhill Forest Mill Trail

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RR

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Forest walks with gradients

More Info
Dungiven Priory and O'Cahan's Tomb

Dungiven

Address

Priory Lane, Dungiven, County Londonderry, BT47 4UH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Abbey / Priory

Augustinian priory with a 15th-century tomb of Cooey-na-Gall, an O'Cahan chief, who died in 1385.

Price
Free

More Info
North West Greenway

Address

Derry & Strabane, County Londonderry

Experience the North West Greenway, a network of walking and cycling routes, spanning across the North West border areas.

More Info
Hezlett House

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

mussendentemple@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Hezlett’s picturesque thatched cottage exterior hides a fascinating early timber frame dating from 1690, making it one of the oldest vernacular domestic buildings in Northern Ireland.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
33 reviews
Ballyronan Marina

Magherafelt

Address

Shore Road, Ballyronan, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, BT45 6JG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7941 8399

parks@midulstercouncil.org

Type

Type:

Marinas

Situated on the picturesque western shores of Lough Neagh, this award winning marina is ideal for the water sports enthusiast. There are walks around the marina as well as picnic areas and a park for children.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Prehen Wood

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Summer Hill, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT47 2PR

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Beautiful ancient woodland on the outskirts of Derry~Londonderry

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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.

More Info
Magilligan Point

Limavady

Address

Magilligan Point, Point Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0LL

Telephone
0287776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Magilligan Point guards the mouth of Lough Foyle and is home to Lough Foyle Ferry and Martello Tower. This short beach walk through a National Nature Reserve provides opportunities for visitors to explore the beach or spot birdlife and sealife.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
1 Day Sailing Trip on Lough Foyle

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Foyle Port Marina, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 7NU

Telephone
+44 (0) 7720 464 085

daniel@sailingnorth.co.uk

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Try a day’s sailing to get a taste for sea adventures. We’ll sail up Lough Foyle, taking in the spectacular views of Inishowen, Co Donegal & Benevenagh in Co Derry, along the way. Visit Greencastle, Co Donegal, Portrush, Co Antrim, & Rathin Island.

More Info
Burntollet Wood

Address

Co Londonderry

Type

Type:

Walking Route - Short (<5 miles)

Discover the beauty of the Faughan Valley

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)