Derry-Londonderry Music & Nightlife

Derry – Londonderry boasts incredible nightlife with a wide array of pubs and an eclectic, vibrant live music scene. This should come as no surprise considering the city has produced several critically acclaimed musical acts over the years, such as the Undertones and Phil Coulter, or more recently indie folk star SOAK and electronic artist Ryan Vail. Whether it’s a trad session you’re after or a night on the tiles, Derry-Londonderry's night life is sure to have everything you are looking for and more.

Find your vibe along Waterloo Street

If you’re looking for a central location to soak up the Derry-Londonderry City night life, look no further than the quaint and charming Waterloo Street with its wide selection of pubs and nightclubs.

Stroll the bustling street and discover Peadar O'Donnell's, a lively bar which hosts both traditional and contemporary music in classic yet quirky surroundings. The distinctly Irish Peadar’s is famed for its live traditional music in the form of largely organised but often impromptu sessions from local and visiting performers alike. It’s an unmissable stop on anyone’s trip to the city.

Whilst there, you can roam freely between it and its adjoining pub, the sleek and modern Gweedore Bar, another legendary name in the North West serving as a mecca for pop and rock music. If you’ve had enough of live music and fancy letting loose and having a boogie to a classic DJ set, pop on upstairs to the stylish Fifty Seven nightclub to dance the night away.

Hip haunts for independent spirits

Fancy yourself a bit of a free spirit? You should wander over to Sandino’s to experience a great night with your kind of people. This popular hipster haunt comes with both an eclectic mix of music and patrons with a distinctly welcoming, open-minded spirit. Sandino’s is a true liberal, bohemian hub but in a genuine, unpretentious way and is a local favourite of artists, musicians, and other creative types of all ages. Adorned with independence flags, portraits of famous revolutionaries, glowing fairy lights and quirky memorabilia, the atmosphere in Sandino’s is always vibrant and buzzing. Another bonus is that it is but a stone’s throw away from Derry-Londonderry's local bus station . So should you arrive by bus and find yourself thirsty, you can sip on some delicious Guinness within minutes of arrival.

Music for the maestros and the masses at Bennigan’s Bar

If Sandino’s floats your boat, consider calling up to Bennigan’s Bar, a musician’s favourite in the city on nearby John’s St. If you’re a jazz fan you might find yourself particularly enamoured with this cosy, intimate venue. But if your jazz hands aren’t at the ready, fear not as Bennigan’s packed schedule of live music also spans folk, classical and rock. If you fancy getting involved there are regular jam sessions and open mic nights or if you want to take a break from the music entirely, the bar’s movie and games nights will provide a more chilled night on the town. Rumour has it Bennigan’s even has its own mini art gallery, quirky little record shop and a traditional sweet shop.

Historical with a modern twist

If you’re looking for some late-night drinks with friends in sophisticated surroundings, you should visit the chic and modern River Inn. The River Inn is Derry's oldest sited bar, with its history stretching back to before the siege and includes a complex of bars incorporating The Cellar bar, The Snug and its newest bar, Silver Street. Tall ceilings, dark wood panelling and plush velvet interiors create a warm and luxurious atmosphere and there should be plenty of evening entertainment to keep you engaged for the night.

Gigs at the Glassworks

For larger live music events, keep an eye on the Glassworks for upcoming shows. Though only an occasional music venue, the Glassworks offers a unique and beautiful live music experience. The 19th century Georgian church was first repurposed as a music venue in 2013 during Derry-Londonderry's reign as City of Culture. Most significantly, the historical building hosted a special edition of RTE’s Other Voices and has welcomed a number of notable musical acts since. With huge pillars and tall wooden doors, the building will be a treat for you to behold, with or without music.

Derry-Londonderry truly comes alive at night and is bursting with music at its cultural heart. A night out will offer plenty for you to explore in the ‘Town That Is Loved So Well’ - be it for a night, a weekend or perhaps a little longer!

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Number of results: 19

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City of Derry International Choir Festival

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Holywell Trust Building, 10-14 Bishop Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6PW

info@derrychoirfest.com

Type

Type:

Festival

The City of Derry International Choir Festival will return October 2025

Dates

From:

22 Oct 2025to26 Oct 2025

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
699 reviews
Bentley Bar

Derry~Londonderry

Address

3-5 Market Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6EF

Telephone
028 7127 9185

info@thebentleybar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Bentley Bar is situated by Ferryquay Gate, in the heart of a shopper's paradise and close to most of the city's historical sights.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
147 reviews
Friels Bar & Restaurant

Swatragh

Address

2-4 Kilrea Road, Swatragh, County Londonderry, BT46 5QF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7940 1206

hello@friels.ie

Type

Type:

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

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
The Ponderosa Bar and Restaurant

Dungiven

Address

974 Glenshane Road, Dungiven, County Londonderry, BT47 4SD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7774 1987

info@theponderosabar.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

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!

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
88 reviews
Frank Owens' Bar

Limavady

Address

50 Main Street, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7772 2328

damianowens@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Established in 1852, this award winning Limavady pub retains all the charm and character of the way a traditional pub should be.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1112 reviews
Walled City Brewery

Derry~Londonderry

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7134 3336

info@walledcitybrewery.com

Type

Type:

Brewery

The Walled City Brewery craft uniquely local, premium quality, fabulously flavoursome food and beer in their multi-award winning brewhouse, restaurant and new taproom. If you truly want a flavour of the North-West, it is a must-visit!

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The Market Inn

Draperstown

Address

St. Patricks Street, Draperstown, County Londonderry, BT45 7AJ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 7962 8250

maurice.regan2@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Market Inn situated in the historic village of Draperstown perfectly encapsulates the ambience and atmosphere that make irish pubs world famous.

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The Coachman

Magherafelt

Address

Rainey Street, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, BT45 5AH

Telephone
+44 (0)28 7963 3527

Type

Type:

Bar

Ah, you’ll come in for one and make yourself comfortable at The Coachman. Known for its incredible gin selection, live music from local talent and unique cocktails, you’re in for one of the best nights around.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
204 reviews
Peadar O'Donnells

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Waterloo Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6HD

Telephone
+44 (0)28 7126 7295

peadarodonnells@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Peadar O'Donnell's is famous for its live traditional music nightly, friendly atmosphere, grocer pub decor and flag collection.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
138 reviews
Bryson’s Bar

Magherafelt

Address

28 Union Road, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, BT45 5DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7963 2473

pubtc@aol.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Bryson’s Magherafelt is Mid-Ulster’s premier entertainment venue. Choose from four bars on three levels, or hire the private function areas for any occasion. Private car parking is also available.

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Christmas at the HomePlace Hearth

Bellaghy

Address

Seamus Heaney HomePlace, 45 Main Street, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, BT45 8HT

Telephone
028 7938 7444

seamusheaneyhome@midulstercouncil.org

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Wonderful readings, music and craic: four talented friends reunite for a return visit to the Helicon for what should prove to be one of the highlights of the winter calendar.

Dates

From:
14 Dec 2024Open 19:30 - 21:00

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
334 reviews
Blackbird

Derry~Londonderry

Address

24 Foyle Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7136 2111

sarah@blackbirdderry.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Blackbird is a newly established free house offering a generous range of brews from Derry, Northern Ireland and beyond. Our carefully selected beer list will satisfy the most ardent hophead.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
50 reviews
The Rocking Chair Bar

Derry~Londonderry

Address

15-17 Waterloo Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6HA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7128 1200

manager@rockingchairbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Rocking Chair Bar, or ‘Rocker’ to the locals, is one of Derry’s most famous pubs in Derry. Located in the shadow of the famous Derry Walls and overlooking the Bogside, we have the atmosphere of a local with the energy of a pub in the heart of…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
67 reviews
Sandino's Cafe Bar

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Water Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6BQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7130 9297

Type

Type:

Bar

A major live music venue in the city ranging from traditional through jazz to world music and the best DJs in town. Popular with visiting students, artists, musicians and chess players

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
806 reviews
Anchor Bar Complex

Portstewart

Address

86-87 The Promenade, Portstewart, County Londonderry, BT55 7AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7083 2003

info@theanchorbar.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Situated within easy access to Portstewart's picturesque promenade and all of the local amenities, the Anchor Bar Complex, incorporating the Anchorage Inn, Anchorage Bistro and Aura Nightclub, is known throughout Ireland for its convivial atmosphere.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Jack's Bar

Maghera

Address

Main Street, Maghera, County Londonderry, BT46 5AA

Telephone
028 7954 9100

info@walshshotel.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Jack's Bar in Walsh's Hotel Maghera blends history with modern comfort. Named after the hotel's founder, it offers a cosy atmosphere, live music, sports viewing, and a premium cocktail and gin selection. Open Wed-Sun, it's perfect for drinks with…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
517 reviews
Badgers Bar And Restaurant

Derry~Londonderry

Address

16-18 Orchard Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6EG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7136 0763

Badgersbar@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

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.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
207 reviews
Silver Street (The River Inn)

Derry~Londonderry

Address

34-38 Shipquay Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6DW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7137 1965

info@riverinn1684.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The River Inn is Derry's oldest sited bar, established in 1684, with its history stretching back to before the siege.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
166 reviews
Guildhall Taphouse

Derry~Londonderry

Address

4 Custom House Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6AD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7136 4888

will@guildhalltaphouse.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Guildhall Taphouse is steeped in history, yet offers a fresh, alternative take on the traditional bar. Serving craft beer, cocktails and the finest food seven days a week. Food served daily 12:00 - 18:00.

More Info