Charlene
November 1, 2019
Top 10 Things to do in Derry
Are you visiting the city ? Looking for things to do in Derry ? Then look no further – we have you covered ! Check out some of our top attractions to visit in Derry / Londonderry.
Walk the 400 year old City Walls
the first thing to do in Derry when you arrive – great viewpoints of the city and an added bonus is that the City walls surround the city centre so it’s a fantastic way to get your bearings!
Visit the Guildhall
Did you know that one of the top things to do in Derry is something that cannot be done anywhere else in the World? If you visit our City Hall the Guildhall, then you can view the Nobel Peace Prize, the Gandhi Prize for Peace and the Martin Luther King Prize for Peace all side by side. The legendary John Hume who came from our city is the only person in the world to have won all 3 of these prizes, worth your time for that reason and many more!
Visit the Murals
The Bogside murals were painted by the Bogside Artists, these murals depict the difficult time period in the city’s history known as the Troubles 1968 – 1998. Visit the Bloody Sunday memorial garden and the Free Derry Corner.
Also be sure to visit the Derry Girls mural painted by UV Arts in 2019.
Peace Bridge
Connecting both the East bank and West bank of the River Foyle, offering pedestrians and cyclists a way to peacefully travel from one to the other, the peace bridge opened in 2011. The ‘S’ Shaped design reflects the meandering pathway to peace, the bridge is a metaphor for strength through adversity and a symbol of peace. If you walk from West to East you will find yourself in Ebrington Square, a former Army Barracks with listed buildings which are now home to breweries, restaurants and bakeries. Soon to be the home of a new hotel and our long awaited Maritime Museum.
The Tower Museum
The Tower Museum is located within the walled city and features two permanent exhibitions, “The Story of Derry” and “An Armada Shipwreck-La Trinidad Valencera”, also boasting a contemporary exhibition space and open air viewing facility. Definitely worth your time and avail of discounted entry if you take a walking tour with ourselves.
St Columb's Cathedral
One of the city’s most historical buildings, completed in 1633 making it the worlds first purpose built Anglican Cathedral, displaying artefacts from the siege. Named after St Columb/ St Columba, the patron saint of the city who established a Christian settlement here in the sixth century, the cathedral is built in the Planter Gothic Style. How exceptional to walk inside a building laced in so much history.
Shopping in the City
The city’s best kept secret, the craft village features an array of unique artefacts created by Derry’s own collection of artists and makers. From bespoke jewellery inspired by the undulating Irish landscape to contemporary fashion designers and beautiful dried floral bouquets, purchase something you know nobody else would have, or simply immerse yourself in the colour, craft and creativity! Cake shops, cafes and the fine dining restaurant Artis will make sure to give you fuel for plenty of shopping. We also are the home of two fabulous shopping malls Foyleside and Richmond Centre and have many high street stores in between!
Selfie with the Derry Girls
Visiting the Derry Girls mural will have you diving into the colloquialisms originally picked up from the hit Channel 4 drama “Derry Girls”. Make all ‘yer muckers’ jealous with a pic of you beside Erin, Orla, Michelle, Clare and James. Painted by UV Arts in 2019 on the gable wall of Badgers Bar, be sure to pop in for a pint or a fantastic pub grub lunch.
Museum of Free Derry
Run by the families of the victims of of the troubles period 1968-1998 , learn about the Civil Rights movement in the city up to Bloody Sunday, located amongst the ‘Peoples Gallery’ murals in the Bogside.
Siege Museum
Run by the Apprentice Boys, learn more about the Siege of 1689 and the marching traditions in the city and across Northern Ireland. Located just off the walls on Society Street next door to the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall.
There are so many fantastic things to see and do in our wonderful city, this is why we feel so passionate about our role as tour guides. Come join a walking tour with us to learn and explore more! Tours operate 7 days a week at 10am, 12noon, 2pm & 4pm and cost only £6pp. There is no need to book this tour – all you have to do is show up at 11 Carlisle Road at your preferred time. We look forward to sharing our city, our history and our culture with you!
