History, character and riverside charm – discover Derry~Londonderry.

Home to magnificent 17th-century walls, Derry~Londonderry is a place where the past is never far away. Wrapped inside these 400-year-old ramparts, history comes alive with 18th-century architecture, old streets and museums that tell the story of the city.

Historic cannons line Derry City Walls overlooking the Guildhall and city centre in Derry~Londonderry. Historic cannons line Derry City Walls overlooking the Guildhall and city centre in Derry~Londonderry.

City walls and Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry

Courtesy of Derry City and Strabane District Council

Derry~Londonderry attractions

Take the Rampart Top Walk, a 1.6km loop around the top of the walls, and you’ll see cannons, watchtowers and St Augustine’s, known as the “Wee Church on the Walls”. It’s also the perfect spot to enjoy a view of the city below, and some of its famous buildings, including the Tower Museum and the Guildhall.

Of course, there’s more to this city than just the past. Derry~Londonderry is young at heart with colourful murals, a creative spirit, and an easy warmth – the same humour and character that inspired the hit TV show Derry Girls.

Check in for a beer masterclass at the Walled City Brewery, a local favourite; see contemporary art at Void Art Centre; and enjoy locally sourced super-tasty street food at Pyke N Pommes.

Below the walls, the River Foyle flows through the centre of the city and acts as a natural focal point, with riverside walks, festivals and the iconic Peace Bridge.

Welcoming, creative and full of heart, Derry~Londonderry is a place that always leaves an impression.

Discover top things to do in Derry~Londonderry

Mussenden Temple perched on dramatic coastal cliffs above Downhill Strand, with a train travelling along the shoreline below. Mussenden Temple perched on dramatic coastal cliffs above Downhill Strand, with a train travelling along the shoreline below.

Mussenden Temple, County Londonderry

Tourism Ireland by Chris Hill

Beyond the city

Wave-lashed coves and rugged cliffs, vast Atlantic Ocean beaches and crumbling castles – it’s easy to get carried away by the coastal landscapes that surround Derry~Londonderry. After all, the city sits at the point where two of the island’s monumental coastal touring routes meet.

Venture west, and you’re on the Wild Atlantic Way – 2,500km of majestic ocean views and epic adventures; go east and you’ll be carried away by the Causeway Coastal Route, one of the greatest drives on the planet.

For a total contrast, head inland to explore County Londonderry’s lush green valleys, rich heritage and quiet waters. This is a key destination for slow-travel experiences from paddle-boarding along the River Foyle to cycling the Foyle Valley Cycle Route along quiet country roads and traffic-free paths.

Finally, don’t miss Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, which celebrates the life and legacy of the Nobel Prize-winning poet.

Start planning your journey today.

Read more

Home to magnificent 17th-century walls, Derry~Londonderry is a place where the past is never far away. Wrapped inside these 400-year-old ramparts, history comes alive with 18th-century architecture, old streets and museums that tell the story of the city.

Historic cannons line Derry City Walls overlooking the Guildhall and city centre in Derry~Londonderry. Historic cannons line Derry City Walls overlooking the Guildhall and city centre in Derry~Londonderry.

City walls and Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry

Courtesy of Derry City and Strabane District Council

Derry~Londonderry attractions

Take the Rampart Top Walk, a 1.6km loop around the top of the walls, and you’ll see cannons, watchtowers and St Augustine’s, known as the “Wee Church on the Walls”. It’s also the perfect spot to enjoy a view of the city below, and some of its famous buildings, including the Tower Museum and the Guildhall.

Of course, there’s more to this city than just the past. Derry~Londonderry is young at heart with colourful murals, a creative spirit, and an easy warmth – the same humour and character that inspired the hit TV show Derry Girls.

Check in for a beer masterclass at the Walled City Brewery, a local favourite; see contemporary art at Void Art Centre; and enjoy locally sourced super-tasty street food at Pyke N Pommes.

Below the walls, the River Foyle flows through the centre of the city and acts as a natural focal point, with riverside walks, festivals and the iconic Peace Bridge.

Welcoming, creative and full of heart, Derry~Londonderry is a place that always leaves an impression.

Discover top things to do in Derry~Londonderry

Mussenden Temple perched on dramatic coastal cliffs above Downhill Strand, with a train travelling along the shoreline below. Mussenden Temple perched on dramatic coastal cliffs above Downhill Strand, with a train travelling along the shoreline below.

Mussenden Temple, County Londonderry

Tourism Ireland by Chris Hill

Beyond the city

Wave-lashed coves and rugged cliffs, vast Atlantic Ocean beaches and crumbling castles – it’s easy to get carried away by the coastal landscapes that surround Derry~Londonderry. After all, the city sits at the point where two of the island’s monumental coastal touring routes meet.

Venture west, and you’re on the Wild Atlantic Way – 2,500km of majestic ocean views and epic adventures; go east and you’ll be carried away by the Causeway Coastal Route, one of the greatest drives on the planet.

For a total contrast, head inland to explore County Londonderry’s lush green valleys, rich heritage and quiet waters. This is a key destination for slow-travel experiences from paddle-boarding along the River Foyle to cycling the Foyle Valley Cycle Route along quiet country roads and traffic-free paths.

Finally, don’t miss Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, which celebrates the life and legacy of the Nobel Prize-winning poet.

Start planning your journey today.

Read more
Experience as part of:

History, character and riverside charm – discover Derry~Londonderry.

Home to magnificent 17th-century walls, Derry~Londonderry is a place where the past is never far away. Wrapped inside these 400-year-old ramparts, history comes alive with 18th-century architecture, old streets and museums that tell the story of the city.

Historic cannons line Derry City Walls overlooking the Guildhall and city centre in Derry~Londonderry. Historic cannons line Derry City Walls overlooking the Guildhall and city centre in Derry~Londonderry.

City walls and Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry

Courtesy of Derry City and Strabane District Council

Derry~Londonderry attractions

Take the Rampart Top Walk, a 1.6km loop around the top of the walls, and you’ll see cannons, watchtowers and St Augustine’s, known as the “Wee Church on the Walls”. It’s also the perfect spot to enjoy a view of the city below, and some of its famous buildings, including the Tower Museum and the Guildhall.

Of course, there’s more to this city than just the past. Derry~Londonderry is young at heart with colourful murals, a creative spirit, and an easy warmth – the same humour and character that inspired the hit TV show Derry Girls.

Check in for a beer masterclass at the Walled City Brewery, a local favourite; see contemporary art at Void Art Centre; and enjoy locally sourced super-tasty street food at Pyke N Pommes.

Below the walls, the River Foyle flows through the centre of the city and acts as a natural focal point, with riverside walks, festivals and the iconic Peace Bridge.

Welcoming, creative and full of heart, Derry~Londonderry is a place that always leaves an impression.

Discover top things to do in Derry~Londonderry

Mussenden Temple perched on dramatic coastal cliffs above Downhill Strand, with a train travelling along the shoreline below. Mussenden Temple perched on dramatic coastal cliffs above Downhill Strand, with a train travelling along the shoreline below.

Mussenden Temple, County Londonderry

Tourism Ireland by Chris Hill

Beyond the city

Wave-lashed coves and rugged cliffs, vast Atlantic Ocean beaches and crumbling castles – it’s easy to get carried away by the coastal landscapes that surround Derry~Londonderry. After all, the city sits at the point where two of the island’s monumental coastal touring routes meet.

Venture west, and you’re on the Wild Atlantic Way – 2,500km of majestic ocean views and epic adventures; go east and you’ll be carried away by the Causeway Coastal Route, one of the greatest drives on the planet.

For a total contrast, head inland to explore County Londonderry’s lush green valleys, rich heritage and quiet waters. This is a key destination for slow-travel experiences from paddle-boarding along the River Foyle to cycling the Foyle Valley Cycle Route along quiet country roads and traffic-free paths.

Finally, don’t miss Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, which celebrates the life and legacy of the Nobel Prize-winning poet.

Start planning your journey today.

Read more
Experience as part of:
Dramatic rocky cliffs and headlands on the Dingle Peninsula, featured in Star Wars: The Last Jedi filming. Dramatic rocky cliffs and headlands on the Dingle Peninsula, featured in Star Wars: The Last Jedi filming.
Historic Derry~Londonderry city walls beside red-brick buildings and cathedral spire. Historic Derry~Londonderry city walls beside red-brick buildings and cathedral spire.
Set on the River Foyle, Derry~Londonderry is focused on its future, and bursting with culture. Pól Ó Conghaile, National Geographic
Derry~Londonderry FAQs
Is Derry~Londonderry in Northern Ireland?

Yes, Derry~Londonderry is located in County Londonderry in Northern Ireland. It is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland after Belfast, and is the island of Ireland’s only completely intact walled city.

The city is in the northwestern part of the island of Ireland, close to County Donegal. Derry~Londonderry is also a gateway to two of the island’s spectacular driving routes – the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route.

How do you get to Derry~Londonderry?

City of Derry Airport provides flights to destinations in the UK and beyond. Derry~Londonderry is also easily accessed from Belfast.

A popular option is to follow the Causeway Coastal Route that runs from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry and enjoy sights such as the Giant’s Causeway, Torr Head and Dunluce Castle. You can also take the bus from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry (Goldliner route 212), with a journey time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

What are the best ways to get around Derry~Londonderry?

Derry~Londonderry is a compact city and the most enjoyable way to get around it is definitely to walk.

Another good option is to rent a bike, allowing you to explore a little further along the scenic River Foyle. Why not try Foodie City Cycle – a great tour that mixes top city sights with great gourmet treats.

When is the best time to visit Derry~Londonderry?

While Derry~Londonderry is great all year round, a special time to visit is for Derry Halloween, Europe’s largest Halloween festival. This massive party sees the city come alive with the ancient Celtic spirit of Samhain for four days and four nights. Expect immersive experiences, great performances, fireworks and a fabulous Halloween parade.

How long does it take to walk around Derry~Londonderry?

Derry~Londonderry is compact and walkable, and you can easily explore on foot. The longest walk between top attractions, from St Columb’s Park across the Peace Bridge to St Columb’s Cathedral, takes around 40 minutes.

But most sights, including the Guildhall, the Siege Museum and the Museum of Free Derry, are much closer to each other, and you can walk around the Derry City Walls in around an hour.

Is it free to walk the Derry Walls?

Yes, it won’t cost a thing to walk the Derry City Walls – it’s one of a number of free things to do in Derry~Londonderry.

It’s also a great way to explore the city’s history. Built between 1613 and 1618 by King James I as part of the Plantation of Ulster, today the walls offer views down to The Diamond, a central square between the four original gates, to the Bogside area of the city and across the River Foyle to the Waterside.

For the best experience, follow a city map for a self-guided tour or join one of the popular local walking tours.

Is Derry~Londonderry in Northern Ireland?

Yes, Derry~Londonderry is located in County Londonderry in Northern Ireland. It is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland after Belfast, and is the island of Ireland’s only completely intact walled city.

The city is in the northwestern part of the island of Ireland, close to County Donegal. Derry~Londonderry is also a gateway to two of the island’s spectacular driving routes – the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route.

How do you get to Derry~Londonderry?

City of Derry Airport provides flights to destinations in the UK and beyond. Derry~Londonderry is also easily accessed from Belfast.

A popular option is to follow the Causeway Coastal Route that runs from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry and enjoy sights such as the Giant’s Causeway, Torr Head and Dunluce Castle. You can also take the bus from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry (Goldliner route 212), with a journey time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

What are the best ways to get around Derry~Londonderry?

Derry~Londonderry is a compact city and the most enjoyable way to get around it is definitely to walk.

Another good option is to rent a bike, allowing you to explore a little further along the scenic River Foyle. Why not try Foodie City Cycle – a great tour that mixes top city sights with great gourmet treats.

When is the best time to visit Derry~Londonderry?

While Derry~Londonderry is great all year round, a special time to visit is for Derry Halloween, Europe’s largest Halloween festival. This massive party sees the city come alive with the ancient Celtic spirit of Samhain for four days and four nights. Expect immersive experiences, great performances, fireworks and a fabulous Halloween parade.

How long does it take to walk around Derry~Londonderry?

Derry~Londonderry is compact and walkable, and you can easily explore on foot. The longest walk between top attractions, from St Columb’s Park across the Peace Bridge to St Columb’s Cathedral, takes around 40 minutes.

But most sights, including the Guildhall, the Siege Museum and the Museum of Free Derry, are much closer to each other, and you can walk around the Derry City Walls in around an hour.

Is it free to walk the Derry Walls?

Yes, it won’t cost a thing to walk the Derry City Walls – it’s one of a number of free things to do in Derry~Londonderry.

It’s also a great way to explore the city’s history. Built between 1613 and 1618 by King James I as part of the Plantation of Ulster, today the walls offer views down to The Diamond, a central square between the four original gates, to the Bogside area of the city and across the River Foyle to the Waterside.

For the best experience, follow a city map for a self-guided tour or join one of the popular local walking tours.