This historic walled city in Northern Ireland has transformed from its troubled past into a cultural center, with 17th-century ramparts, traditional pubs and the iconic Peace Bridge.
Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland's second-largest city, sits on both banks of the River Foyle. The 17th-century walls encircle the city center, where you'll find the neo-Gothic Guildhall with its colorful stained-glass windows and St. Columb's Cathedral with its siege artifacts. The city comes alive during Europe's largest Halloween festival, while the Bogside district's political murals and the Peace Bridge have become symbols of transformation and reconciliation.
Modern City Life and Entertainment
Waterloo Street pulses with traditional Irish music every evening, particularly at Peadar O'Donnell's and Sandino's bars. In the Craft Village, local artisans work in reconstructed 18th-century buildings, selling handmade jewelry and textiles. The Halloween festival in October brings 90,000 visitors for street performances, costume parades, and the Gothic Ball at the Glassworks. Look for the "Derry Girls" mural at Badger's Bar and walk past other filming locations like Dennis's Wee Shop.
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Tower Museum tells three stories across its floors: the city's development from monastic settlement to modern times, artifacts from the Spanish Armada shipwreck La Trinidad Valencera, and changing contemporary exhibitions. The Guildhall's neo-Gothic architecture includes 23 stained-glass windows depicting the city's history. At St. Columb's Cathedral, you can see the original keys to the city gates and items from the 1689 siege.
Walking the City Walls
The 1.5km circuit of walls from the 1600s circles the inner city at heights up to 26 feet. A complete walk takes about an hour, passing through four original gates - Bishop's Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate, and Shipquay Gate. The walls give clear views of the Bogside neighborhood, Peace Bridge, and River Foyle. Local guides lead daily tours (10:30 AM and 2:30 PM) explaining the walls' significance during the 1689 Siege of Derry.
Exploring the Bogside District
The People's Gallery in Bogside contains twelve large murals by the Bogside Artists, each depicting specific events from the civil rights era and the Troubles. The Museum of Free Derry opens daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with exhibits documenting the civil rights movement and Bloody Sunday. At Free Derry Corner, you'll see the famous "You Are Now Entering Free Derry" message painted on the gable wall.
Getting Around and Day Trips
The Peace Bridge connects the two sides of the city with a 5-minute walk. Trains run along the coastal route to Coleraine every two hours, passing beaches and clifftops. The Giant's Causeway lies 80 kilometers north, accessible by tour bus or rental car. Within the city center, most sites are within walking distance, though local buses connect to outer neighborhoods every 15-20 minutes.
