Discover Derry~Londonderry’s history, heritage and heart
Restored Cannons, Derry~Londonderry walls
The only completely walled city in Ireland and one of the best examples of a walled city in Europe, Derry~Londonderry wears its long and eventful history on its sleeve. But alongside the nods to its past in stone, on painted walls and in historic buildings, Derry sports a quirky, contemporary character that offers something to delight every traveller.
One of the best ways to explore Derry~Londonderry is on a guided walking tour and there are plenty to choose from. A tour of the walls is an essential experience and will take you back to key events in the seventeenth-century that helped to shape the city. The 400-year-old walls form a walkway around the old part of the city and feature original cannons that have been beautifully restored. From the ramparts you can enjoy great views across the city.
Derry~Londonderry more recent history is told in its famous murals. On a guided tour you will pass the iconic Free Derry Wall and venture into the Bogside where ideas and figures from the ‘Troubles’ are captured on gable walls. To delve more deeply into the city’s history, visit its excellent museums which tell stories of resilience and identity spanning many centuries.
Derry Girls Mural, Derry~Londonderry
In popular culture, the city is now famous as the home of the Derry Girls. The colourful mural on Orchard Street featuring the four girls and the ‘wee English fella’ is a selfie hotspot and a must-see for fans of the show. You can also visit shoot locations from the series and hear behind-the-scenes anecdotes on a Derry Girls Tour. For more Derry Girls fun, visit the Derry Girls Experience at the Tower Museum where you can see original memorabilia from the hit show like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater.
A vibrant live music scene in the city means it’s easy to find a gig or lively trad music session. Derry~Londonderry also hosts some of the top festivals on the island including Europe’s biggest Halloween festival. Voted the Best Halloween destination in the world by USA Today and one of the New York Times’ ‘six best Spooky Destinations in the world’, Derry Halloween is a world-class festival featuring a grand carnival parade, amazing light shows, street entertainers and all manner of mystical Celtic creatures. The Foyle Film Festival and the City of Derry Jazz Festival are some of the other top-notch events on the city’s cultural calendar.
For foodies, a visit to Derry~Londonderry will not disappoint. Embark on a culinary adventure on a Derry By Fork food tour or enjoy a beer tasting experience at the Walled City Brewery. Fans of street food will love the variety on offer and should bookmark February when the annual LegenDerry Food Month celebrates the city’s exceptional culinary heritage.
Besides all the city itself has to offer, Derry~Londonderry is also perfectly placed for exploring Ireland’s stunning coastline. Located where the Causeway Coastal Route meets the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s a great starting point for an epic road trip. Keen golfers will also find that it’s a short distance to top golf courses including Royal Portrush, which hosted the 2025 Open Championship.Whether you’re drawn by its history, fabulous festivals, food or the friendly atmosphere, Derry~Londonderry will deliver a memorable and authentic city break experience.
Halloween Festival in Derry~Londonderry