Derry/Londonderry

Doire

The only completely walled city in Ireland with intact 17th-century walls offering panoramic views of the River Foyle and surrounding landscape. Known for its vibrant arts scene, murals, museums, and welcoming atmosphere.

Things to do

• Walk the City Walls — Stroll the complete 1.5 km circuit of 17th-century walls for 360-degree views of the Foyle, city streets, and surrounding hills.
• Bogside Murals Tour — Explore the powerful civil rights murals painted on gable walls in the Bogside neighbourhood, depicting key moments from Irish history and the Troubles.
• Museum of Free Derry — Visit this community-run museum documenting life in the Bogside during the civil rights era and the events of Bloody Sunday in 1972.
• Guild Hall — Admire this Victorian Gothic building with its ornate interior, stained-glass windows, and exhibitions on local history and culture.
• Peace Bridge Walk — Cross the elegant curved footbridge spanning the Foyle River, connecting the Cityside and Waterside areas and symbolising reconciliation.
• Tower Museum — Explore five floors of artefacts, interactive exhibits, and audiovisual displays covering the city's history from medieval times to the modern era.
• Craft Village — Browse artisan studios, galleries, and craft shops set in reconstructed traditional cottages, with live demonstrations by local makers.

Food to try

• Colcannon — A warming Northern Irish comfort dish of mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale, often served with melted butter and local sausages.
• Boxty — A traditional pancake made from grated raw potato, flour, and milk, served savoury with meat or seafood fillings or sweet with jam.
• Local Fish and Chips — Fresh Atlantic cod or haddock battered and deep-fried, served with thick-cut chips and traditionally wrapped in paper at family-run chippy shops.
• Derry Craft Beer — Sample locally brewed craft beers from independent breweries such as Walled City Brewery, reflecting the city's growing artisanal food scene.
• Seafood Chowder — A creamy, hearty soup combining locally caught mussels, prawns, and white fish, often served with fresh brown soda bread.
• Wheaten Bread — Traditional Irish soda bread made with wholemeal flour, slightly sweet and slightly dense, perfect toasted with butter and local jam.

Local customs & good to know

• Use Both City Names Respectfully — The city is officially Derry City and Strabane District; locals use both 'Derry' and 'Londonderry', and either is acceptable in polite conversation.
• Peace and Reconciliation Focus — The city has worked hard to heal from conflict; visitors should approach sites related to the Troubles with sensitivity and respect local perspectives.
• Arts and Festival Culture — Derry has a strong creative identity; check the calendar for festivals like Foyle Film Festival and various music and theatre events throughout the year.
• Warm Local Hospitality — Residents are known for friendliness and willingness to share stories; striking up conversations in pubs and cafés is a genuine part of the local experience.