The Best Things To Do In Derry-Londonderry Northern Ireland

Derry-Londonderry is steeped in history and a popular destination for visitors to the country. More recently, it has reached newfound levels of intrigue thanks to the show Derry Girls, but happily, there’s plenty more to do here than just chase dogs that look like Toto. Whether you’re here on a stopover or have a few days to explore, you’ll find something fun to do in the second-largest city in Northern Ireland.

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The Siege Museum

In 1689, King James II and a Jacobian army besieged Derry-Londonderry for 105 days. It’s one of the most significant touchstones in the city’s history, and you can learn all about it at the Siege Museum. Located just a 10-minute walk from the Craigavon Bridge, it’s filled with artefacts from the siege, as well as first-hand accounts.

Derry-Londonderry has a rich cultural history, much of which harkens back to the height of the Troubles in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. There are murals across the city that depict and comment on this dark chapter in Northern Irish history. Walking tours are available online and at tourist information centres, and you can experience the great art all while learning more about the events that birthed it.

The Craft Village

If you want a real taste of how the city looked in the 18th century, the Craft Village is the place for you. An actual reconstruction of a street from that time, it plays host to a string of shops selling traditional food, books, handmade items and more. The Craft Village is on Sackville Street, next to the Peace Bridge. It’s easy to get to, and on a good day, you might even be able to catch an event.

Walled City Brewery

It could be tempting (if not particularly healthy) to spend an entire day hopping between the city’s many pubs, but why not learn something while you’re at it? Based in Ebrington Square, the Walled City Brewery offers brewing masterclasses where you can learn (and drink) your way through the 9,000-year history of beer. Those who indulge in the tour will get to taste 10 different beers during a one-and-a-half-hour masterclass, as well as dine in the award-winning restaurant.

The Derry Walls

Derry-Londonderry is the only completely walled city anywhere in Ireland, flanked by stone walls that were built to keep invaders out during the 17th century (such as during the siege). Standing approximately 6m (20ft) high, they are still largely intact, and you’ll get excellent views of the city at large while walking across them. Across the length of the route, you’ll encounter cannons, battlements, watchtowers and more, and you can join it from a variety of places, such as next to St Columb’s Cathedral.

Take a paddleboard tour

Why just experience Derry-Londonderry from the ground when you can also experience it from the water? A paddleboard tour offers a unique view of the city, taking in monuments old and new in the process. There are several companies based in the city centre that offer this experience, and the tours themselves usually last around two hours.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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