Best known as a focal point of divisive conflict during the late 19th century, the small Irish city of Derry-Londonderry (which I’ll henceforth refer to as just ‘Derry’ for brevity) is a destination that too often flies under tourist radars.

Admittedly, for those who grew up in the 90s like me, the name Derry has long been synonymous with violent clashes (namely the decades-long conflict between nationalists and unionists in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles).

But things have changed dramatically in the years since, and today Derry is a city known for much more than just its tumultuous past. It’s the only walled city in Ireland that’s fully intact. It has a thriving arts scene, great pubs, fun festivals, and hey, a shiny new bridge that stands as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Derry has come a long way, and I think many visitors would be surprised at how enjoyable it can be.

It could have just been luck that I met ultra nice people, or perhaps an optimism spurred by my Derry Girls obsession (a must watch, by the way), but I loved my time in Derry. It’s a small city for sure, with only a handful of sightseeing musts, but it’s vibrant and welcoming, with ample stories to tell.

So what is there to actually do in Derry? Read on for a list of top Derry activities, from the city’s famous walls and murals to museums and other must-sees. I hope you find it useful!

1. Derry’s Historic Walls

First – a historic must-do, a visit to derry’s City Walls.

Founded in the 6th century as a monastic settlement, Derry grew into a significant walled city during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century. The city then went on to play a pivotal role in the Siege of Derry in 1689, a key event in the Williamite War in Ireland, which saw the city resisting a prolonged siege by Jacobite forces.

Today, Derry is the only city in Ireland with its walls all fully intact, so the top thing to do is definitely taking a walk along the city’s iconic walls, which (as a bonus) offer panoramic views for dayyyys.

NOTE: To get the most of your time in Derry, I really recommend trying to chat to as many locals as you can. I hate to draw generalized conclusions but everyone we encountered in Derry was just so…… nice? And not in a fake syrupy “customer service” way either – sharp humour and wit made each interaction, no matter how brief, feel sincere. One of the best ways to guarantee local insight is booking a walking tour! We did one with this company (no need to pre-book, you just show up) and really enjoyed it.

If you’d prefer a tour you can book in advance, this one also has great reviews.

2. The Guildhall

Next: the stunning Derry Guildhall.

This elegant building is known for its neo-Gothic design, with a red sandstone exterior featuring beautiful stained glass windows and a clock tower modelled on Elizabeth Tower (the home of Big Ben) in London. Constructed between 1887-1890 by The Honourable The Irish Society, it originally served as the administrative centre for the city.

However, it has to be said – this impressive structure has endured a tumultuous past as well. In 1908, it was severely damaged by a fire, and later, during the Troubles it was the target of bomb attacks.

Despite these challenges, the Guildhall has been meticulously restored, and today it’s a vibrant cultural and civic hub. For visitors, the Guildhall houses an array of exhibitions and an interactive tourist information point so you can learn more about the city’s history. One of the highlights is the Plantation of Ulster exhibit, which offers an insightful look into the impact of the plantation on the region.

NOTE: The Guildhall is free to explore but you can also book a guided tour for more in-depth info.

3. Museum of Free Derry

For those interested in the city’s more turbulent chapters of history, a visit to the Museum of Free Derry is definitely a must.

Located in the Bogside neighbourhood of Derry, the Museum of Free Derry was established to commemorate and tell the story of the Free Derry era, a pivotal period from 1969-1972 when a section of the city declared itself autonomous and outside the control of British authorities.

This period is most famously associated with the events of Bloody Sunday on January 30, 1972, when British soldiers shot and killed 13 unarmed civil rights protesters, some of them right in the area where the museum is now located. The museum doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the Troubles and is the best place to start if you’re seeking to understand the complexities of Northern Ireland’s recent history.

4. Peace Bridge

While there aren’t many huge landmarks in Derry, one notable must-see is the aptly-named Peace Bridge, which stands as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and unity after so many decades of conflict.

Spanning the River Foyle, the bridge connects the predominantly nationalist west side of the city with the unionist east side, serving as a physical representation of efforts towards peace and understanding.

Opened in 2011, the bridge was designed by renowned architect Wilkinson Eyre, featuring a sleek, modern design with a sweeping curve that reflects the river’s natural flow. Aesthetically, it’s a gorgeous bridge, but more important is its significance and what it represents, so be sure to add this beautiful gem to your Derry itinerary!

5. The Tower Museum

Another fun museum to visit in Derry is the Tower Museum, home to engaging and informative exhibits that cover everything from Derry’s early origins to more modern events.

Opened in 1992, the museum offers a deep dive into the city’s rich and varied past. One of the main attractions is the “Story of Derry” exhibition, which traces the city’s history from its early Christian beginnings through the troubled times of the siege of Derry in 1689 and beyond. There are also temporary exhibitions throughout the year, like a Derry Girls experience with sets, props and costumes for fans of the TV show to explore!

This isn’t a stuffy museum at all, it has lots of fun interactive displays and multimedia presentations to make history accessible for visitors of all ages. You can also climb up the tower to an open-air viewing platform for panoramic views over the whole city.

6. Craft Village

A cute hidden gem of Derry is its Craft Village, a charming area filled with artisan shops, cafes, and galleries, perfect for finding unique souvenirs.

This delightful area, located just off Shipquay Street, is designed as a reconstructed 18th-century street and courtyard, with a mix of thatched-roof cottages, balconied apartments and archways leading between all the different sections.

You’ll be able to find all sorts of lovely souvenirs or gifts here, so definitely worth a stop!

7. Free Derry Corner

Another must-visit spot in Derry is the Free Derry Corner – one of the most iconic symbols of the civil rights movement and the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Located in the Bogside neighbourhood of Derry, the corner is marked by a large white gable wall with the bold words “You Are Now Entering Free Derry” painted on it. This simple yet powerful slogan was first painted in 1969 during a time of civil unrest, when local residents declared the area outside of the control of British forces.

While the mural was originally painted on the end of a housing terrace that has since been demolished, the mural wall was retained as a reminder of the terrible events that took place in the area, and continues to be repainted from time to time in different colours to reflect ongoing issues around the world, like when it was painted yellow in 2018 to raise awareness about sarcoma or when it was painted with the colours of the Palestinian flag.

There’s also a memorial to the victims of the 1981 Irish hunger strike in front of the wall, and a monument to Bloody Sunday a little further down the road.

8. The People’s Gallery Murals

One of the most notable features of Derry is its abundance of murals. Why so many? Well, during the Troubles, the walls of the city became canvases for political expression and resistance, as seen with the Free Derry Corner.

Today, every visitor should make sure they see the People’s Gallery Murals, a collection of eye-catching outdoor artworks that tell the story of Derry’s past and present. These can be found scattered along Rossville Street in the Bogside area – where the Free Derry Corner is also located – one of the most historically significant neighbourhoods in the city, as you will have learned from visiting the Free Derry Museum (which is just up the road).

Want the simplest solution? You can book a tour like this one that brings you to the murals, and helps provide more context about their importance as you go.

9. Get cozy in a pub & enjoy live music

As I mention in my Ireland travel tips post, when in Ireland, you need to visit a pub. This is especially important in Derry, because then you have plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle with locals, who (truly) are the people that make this city so special.

On our first evening in Derry, my boyfriend and I wanted to stop in a pub for a quick drink before heading back to our B&B, so we settled for half-pints each.

Within minutes of sitting down, a group of local ladies had bought us full pints, insisting that half pints of Guinness were blasphemy (which, honestly, I now agree), and we spent the evening chatting while listening to live music.

So, moral of the story: visit a pub in Derry and be open to making new friends. This kind of thing will make your trip unforgettable.

Where can you meet said friends? Well, here are some popular pubs to put on your list:

• Peadar O’Donnell’s: One of the most popular pubs in Derry, known for its traditional music nights and has three separate bars inside.
• Blackbird: A classier, more upscale pub known for its food. We came just for pints and live music and it was amazing!
• Badgers Bar and Restaurant: A cozy Victorian-style pub with cute wooden nooks and a small outdoor terrace overlooked by the famous Derry Girls mural.
• Grand Central Bar: A lovely traditional bar that’s been operating since 1922 and is just as popular with locals as with tourists looking for food or drinks. They also have traditional music as well as quiz nights.

10. Derry Girls Mural & Tour

If you are visiting Derry, I once again cannot stress how important it is that you watch “Derry Girls” before you go. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and perhaps most importantly, gives a lot of context to the Troubles chapter of the city’s history.

For fans of the show, a visit to the colourful Derry Girls Mural (located at 18 Orchard Street) is a must, but if you want to take things one step further, you can book a filming locations tour, like this one.

Though, to be fair, with how small Derry is, you’ll easily encounter many of these sights just as you’re walking around.

11. St. Columb’s Cathedral

If you’re interested in seeing some beautiful architecture, then there are two impressive cathedrals worth checking out in Derry, the first of which is St. Columb’s Cathedral.

Completed in 1633, this is the oldest surviving building in Derry and one of the finest examples of Planter Gothic architecture in Ireland. Named after St. Columba (or Colmcille), the Irish monk who founded a Christian settlement in Derry in the 6th century, it was built during the time of the Plantation of Ulster, serving as a key religious centre for the Protestant settlers who had arrived from England and Scotland.

Inside, you’ll find stunning stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and memorials that commemorate various events and figures important to Derry’s past.

One of the cathedral’s most prized possessions is the original “Apprentice Boys’ Sword,” used by the Apprentice Boys of Derry during the Siege of 1689. The cathedral also houses a detailed historical exhibit that tells the story of the building and the city itself, so it’s another good spot to learn more about Derry’s history.

NOTE: There’s also a St. Columb’s Church in Derry, on the other side of the River Foyle from the cathedral, but it’s not as nice, so don’t accidentally visit that one instead!

12. St. Eugene’s Cathedral

The other cathedral in Derry that’s worth a visit is St. Eugene’s Cathedral, a lovely Roman Catholic cathedral built in the Gothic Revival style in 1873, when it became the “Mother Church” of the Diocese of Derry.

As evidenced by its name, the church is dedicated to St. Eugene, the patron saint of the diocese, and was constructed during a time when Catholics in the city were beginning to emerge from centuries of repression under British rule.

Visitors to St. Eugene’s Cathedral are greeted by its impressive spire, which rises high above the Bogside neighbourhood, making it a prominent landmark in the city. Inside, visitors can admire stained glass windows, beautiful altars, and detailed carvings that reflect the craftsmanship of the time. Definitely worth a quick look!

13. The Walled City Brewery

Now, changing gears a bit… if you tire of classic pubs and want another fun spot for craft beer and food, you can check out the Walled City Brewery!

Located on the eastern side of the River Foyle, with lovely views across the river to the old parts of the city, this brewery is housed in a former army barracks, and is often considered one of the best bars in all of Northern Ireland (with awards to prove it).

This family-run business is notable for having both its full brewery on site, along with an excellent restaurant, craft beer bar (with more than 200 of their own beer varieties to try) and a lovely terrace area.

Everything about the brewery and their beers have been created with the location of Derry at the heart of it all, like the Boom pale ale which references the 17th century Siege of Derry and Sister Michael stout in honour of the character from Derry Girls!

They also offer some really cool experiences to enjoy, like paint & sip events, a beer masterclass and a gin school.

14. Attend a cool festival

Depending on the time of year you visit, you may be able to time things perfectly to attend one of the city’s legen-Derry (sorry) festivals.

Some highlights of the city’s annual calendar include…

• St Patrick’s Day and the Walled City Music Festival: In the lead-up to St Patrick’s Day, Derry is home to the classical music festival known as the Walled City Music Festival. And if you happen to be in town on March 17th then you can also experience an incredible St Paddy’s Day celebration with live concerts, food stalls, traditional music and dance performances as well as, of course, a parade.
• Derry Halloween: Derry is particularly renowned for their epic Halloween festival, which takes place over four nights and is known as the biggest Halloween festival in all of Europe! Each night you can enjoy incredible illuminations, aerial performances, pyrotechnics and music, making it a bucket-list event for any fans of spooky season.
• City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival: If you’re more into jazz/big band music then there’s a festival dedicated to that too, taking place over two days in May with live music performances all over the city.
• Foyle Maritime Festival: Taking place over four days every two years, the Foyle Maritime Festival is another fun festival, this one dedicated to everything to do with ships and which brings plenty of fun activities along the River Foyle.

15. Venture out to see more in the surrounding area

Finally, Derry is lovely, but the region surrounding it is stunning. After all, you’re in Northern Ireland, and gorgeous landscapes are fairly easy to come by. So, if you have time, please consider adding more nearby destinations to your itinerary!

Some popular places to visit near Derry include…

• Portstewart Strand (pictured below): One of the best beaches in the area is this two-mile long sandy strip located in between the seaside resort of Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann. If you’re looking to enjoy a beach day you’ll love it and if you’re a Game of Thrones fan like me then you’ll be interested to know this is where Jamie and Bronn fought some Dornish guards in season five.
• Mussenden Temple: Not far along the coast from Portstewart Strand is another magnificent site, a beautiful circular temple which was built in 1785 and now perches right on the dramatic cliffs looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. It looks like a mini-version of the Temple of Vesta in Rome and is a delightful spot to have a walk around, before heading down to Benone Beach (another stunning beach) below.
• Greenan Mountain: Also known as the Grianan of Aileach, this mountain features the remains of a stone ring-fort that’s believed to date back to the sixth or seventh century. You can drive almost right up to the fort car-park and have a look around, with incredible views over the surrounding countryside.
• Seamus Heaney HomePlace: About halfway between Derry and Belfast is this museum which is a must-visit for any fans of the Irish poet and playwright who won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1995.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Derry?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Derry activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂