Whether you start or finish your Giant Adventure along the Causeway Coastal Route in Derry-Londonderry, this beautiful city is an eye-opening experience. There are few places so steeped in history and so rich in culture, it is one of the world’s best preserved walled-cities. This town we love so well is home to luxurious hotels and boasts some of the best food and drink experiences. Not to mention the world's biggest Hallowe'en carnival.
Step beyond the 400 year old city walls and County Londonderry is home to some of Northern Ireland's other giants including a Nobel Laureate. And all of this is wrapped up in a giant welcome and world-famous sense of humour.
Things to do in Derry-Londonderry
That humour has been brought to our screens in recent years by those cheeky Derry Girls and you’ll find nods and winks to them all over the city. It’s unlikely you’ll miss the giant mural on the side of Badger’s Bar and you can join one of the many Derry Girls tours available in the city.Or why not pay a visit to the Tower Museum and see original memorabilia from the hit show, and step onto the set of the Quinn’s household and feel like one of the family at The Derry Girls Experience.
The real star of theshow however is the city's historic 400 year old walls, and no visit to Derry-Londonderry would be complete without a walk around them. Either go it alone on a walkrevealing a city crammed full of history, heritage and a vibrant cultural scene, or join a guided tour.Along the way, you’ll come across the Guildhall. An integral part of Derry-Londonderry's history since 1887, this beautifully ornate building has played host to presidents, playwrights and poets over the years.
Then take a stroll across the Peace Bridge to Ebrington Square, before stopping off for lunch at The Walled City Brewery. The city’s first craft brewery for over a century offers top-quality food and craft beers in their multi-award winning brewhouse and restaurant.
Or walk in the footsteps of a literary giant at the Seamus Heaney Homeplace, located in Bellaghy, just 45 minutes from Derry-Londonderry. This fully immersive experience is filled with personal stories, images and the voice of the poet himself. (Winner of Most Innovative Business (Large) at the Giant Spirit Awards 2022).
Download the Visit Derry Official Sightseeing pass - a one or two day pass giving you access to 10 of the cities attractions including historical walking tours, musuems and The Guildhall . More information and how to purchase can be found here.
Places to Stay in Derry-Londonderry
After packing in all of that, you’ll need somewhere to rest your head.
The Bishop’s Gate Hotel is your perfect choice within the city walls. The guest rooms and suites are contemporary yet serene with great views across the cityscape.One of the city's newest and coolest boutique hotels, the Shipquay Hotel (4*), overlooks the city walls and the Guildhall. With just twenty-one bedrooms, this boutique hotel is an intimate and luxurious place to spend your down time in Derry-Londonderry.
Or relax in the award-winning Roe Park Resort (4*) outside Limavady, one of Northern Ireland's leading spa and golf resorts,nestledamidst the gorgeous surroundings of the Roe Valley Country Park.
There is plenty to pack into this unique place. Just give yourself plenty of time.
Check ahead with providers before visiting and book in advance where possible.
FAQs
The name Derry is preferred by nationalists and it is broadly used throughout Northern Ireland's Catholic community, as well as that of the Republic of Ireland, whereas many unionists prefer Londonderry; however, in everyday conversation Derry is used by most Protestant residents of the city.
Is it safe for an English person to visit Derry? ›
Is it safe to visit Northern Ireland? Yes. Northern Ireland has the second lowest crime rate in Europe. Even during the years of civil unrest tourists were rarely directly affected.
Is Derry mainly Catholic or Protestant? ›
In time, the Protestants of Derry drifted over to the Waterside leaving the Cityside (as it is now known) almost entirely Catholic. Only a small area near the city walls, known as the Fountain, contains a community of Protestants.
Why is Derry so famous? ›
Derry was the cradle of the modern day conflict, today it is an Irish/European vibrant and welcoming city offering history, culture, Irish traditional music scene, pubs and restaurants. With it's walls and Bogside wall murals Derry City has it all.
What do Catholics call Derry? ›
But, for sentimental and economic reasons, the Protestant North kept all of this predominantly Catholic Nationalist city. Subsequently, the two sides have fought over its status. Even its name has been a source of dispute. It's "Derry" to the Catholics and "Londonderry" to the Protestants.
Is it okay to wear green in Northern Ireland? ›
Irish Nationalists have orange on their own flag. Orange is just a colour. You can also wear green in a loyalist British area in Northern Ireland, infact Northern Ireland's football team kit themselves in green.
Why is there so much trouble in Derry? ›
The deployment of British troops in Derry and Belfast is usually cited as the beginning of the Troubles — the sectarian strife between unionists (usually Protestants) and republicans (usually Catholics) that only came to an end in 1998, with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
Do they speak Irish in Derry? ›
Irish is an official language of Northern Ireland since 2022, and the local variety of Scots, known as Ulster Scots, has official minority status, with services in the language provided by public authorities.
Why is Derry controversial? ›
Derry has a long history of sectarian tension and violence. In particular, the city became a refuge for Protestants during the 1641 Rebellion when thousands of Protestants were massacred by Catholics.
Are Derry Girls in Northern Ireland? ›
Derry Girls is an Emmy-winning comedic coming-of-age series set in Northern Ireland. The show follows spirited teenagers navigating adolescence amidst a backdrop of political conflict. The show is set in the 1990s, before the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement that brought an “official” end to the Troubles.
The name Derry comes from the Irish word doire, meaning “oak grove.” “London” was appended as a prefix to the name in 1613 when King James I granted the city a royal charter.
What are Derry Girls known for? ›
Derry Girls is the hit comedy that has been delighting audiences with its funny female-led cast. Set in the Northern Ireland city of Derry~Londonderry in the mid-1990s, the series follows the exploits of 16-year-old Erin, her friends, and her family.
How many days do you need in Derry, Ireland? ›
You should be able to see the main sights and get a feel for Londonderry within 1 day. Two days and you'd be able to tick a few more boxes but if your short on time or wish to spend more time elsewhere then 1 day in the city should be fine.
Why is Derry Girls so great? ›
"Derry Girls" is a very clever comedy set at a girls school in Northern Ireland during 'the troubles'...the era when the IRA and the British Army were still at war with each other. Yet despite this situation, the show manages to be very light, funny and original....and is a treat worth seeing.
Is it legally Derry or Londonderry? ›
The British government officially refers to the city as Londonderry City. In 1984 the nationalist-controlled Londonderry City Council renamed itself the Derry City Council. In 2007 a British High Court judge ruled that the city's name could be changed to Derry only through legislation or by Royal prerogative.
Why is Londonderry called Free Derry? ›
In early January 1969, as police attacked the Bogside, the slogan 'You Are Now Entering Free Derry' was first written on the gable wall. It was inspired by the sit-in protests in Berkeley University, California. Barricades were erected and the police, for the most part, repelled.
Is it co Londonderry or co Derry? ›
County Londonderry (Ulster-Scots: Coontie Lunnonderrie), also known as County Derry (Irish: Contae Dhoire), is one of the six counties of Northern Ireland, one of the thirty-two counties of Ireland and one of the nine counties of Ulster.
Are Derry girls from Londonderry? ›
Set in the Northern Ireland city of Derry~Londonderry in the mid-1990s, the series follows the exploits of 16-year-old Erin, her friends, and her family.
