Travel to Derry City with KeyTours Vacations

Discover Derry's Wonders

Derry City, one of Ireland’s most historic and culturally rich cities, offers visitors a unique combination of heritage, art, and modern flair. Walk the famous medieval city walls that surround the heart of the city, or explore the fascinating history at the Museum of Free Derry. With a thriving arts scene, lively festivals, and plenty of charming shops and pubs, Derry City is full of character and charm. Whether you’re visiting its historic sites, enjoying the local culture, or simply soaking in the views along the River Foyle, Derry City promises a memorable Irish adventure.

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Description

Northern Ireland’s second-largest city is located on the border with Donegal, Republic of Ireland. From the Irish Doire (meaning "oak tree") Derry, or the Maiden City, was renamed Londonderry in 1613 during the Plantation of Ulster. The name is still a source of contention, with Nationalists calling the city Derry and Unionists preferring the official Londonderry, with the former being most commonly used colloquially. The city is famous as the scene of Bloody Sunday, one of the grimmest massacres of The Troubles, and in recent years both communities have worked at breaching the political divide symbolised in the sobering statue "Hands Across the Divide", which shows two persons reaching out to hold hands across a crevice. Native city of poet and Nobel Prize winner Seamus Heaney, Derry has a strong literary, as well as musical tradition, evident in the vibrant art centre and an abundance of theatres and galleries. Derry is the only remaining walled city in Ireland, and is one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. Revelling in its cultural heritage, it also looks with pride and confidence into the future.

Useful information

Population:

152,000 (2026)

Currency:

1 pound £ = 100 pence

Emergency Info:

Police, Fire & Ambulance: 999

Opening Hours:

Do & See

Bloody Sunday Memorial

On the Sunday of January 30th, 1972, unarmed civil-rights protesters were shot by soldiers of the British Army only meters away from the memorial. Visiting here is a sobering and educational experience. Information boards detail the tragic events of the massacre.

Brunswick Moviebowl

Brunswick Moviebowl is an entertainment center for the whole family that houses a cinema, a ten-pin bowling alley, an adventure park for children of all ages and a couple of eateries (casual diner & a slightly more upscale "Martha's Vineyard" restaurant).

Free Derry Tours

Community led initiative offering authentic walking tours of the Bogside and Fountain areas delivered by local guides to small groups. Tours focus on the Troubles era and the events of Bloody Sunday, narrating the history of the area through those who helped shape it.

Guildhall

The Guildhall, located in Derry's main city square, is one of the town's iconic landmarks. Built in 1890, it's been beautifully restored since, and welcomes visitors to its elegant insides where members of the Derry City Council still regularly gather.

Historic City Walls

It is essential to take a walk around Derry’s beautifully preserved (and never breached) seventeenth century walls which surround the old city. This is a good way to get a feel for the city, and to look over onto estates on both sides of the divide. Guided tours available.

Millennium Forum

Millennium Forum is one of Ireland's largest built theatres located in Derry's scenic historic centre. Have a look at the programme to see what is on while you are visiting — the Forum frequently hosts theatrical performances by local and international artists.

Museum of Free Derry

The exhibits on display at this local museum are mostly donations made by local residents, who experienced the turbulent 1960’s and 70’s first-hand. The over 25,000 artifacts tell a subjective, but authentic story of Derry's residents during the civil rights and Free Derry historic eras.

Ness Country Park

Ness Country is a beautiful park to take a stroll through any time of year. Do some bird watching, sit down for a picnic by the riverside if the weather allows or simply indulge in the tranquility of the park's quiet paths and scenic waterfalls - all within reasonable reach of the city.

Dining

68 Clooney

68 Clooney is a nice little restaurant located in the Best Western White Horse hotel. On the menu they have traditional dishes cooked with a modern twist accompanied by a fine selection of wine. Serves contemporary British fare in a classic interior.

Browns Bonds Hill

This is one of Derry’s finest and most popular dining venues, with a longstanding reputation for quality and superb service. Warm, stylish décor, a calm, friendly atmosphere and an innovative menu based on fresh local ingredients make this a very enjoyable spot.

Burn on the Quay Restaurant Derry

Burn on the Quay Restaurant Derry serves contemporary Irish/British food right on the River Foyle. The laid-back establishment has a modern yet relaxing decor, a bar and fantastic food with great service. Try the Beef & Guinness Pie, Goat Cheese & red Onion Focaccia and/or the BBQ Pulled Pork.

Cedar Restauran

Cedar Restaurant is a family-run Lebanese restaurant with a cosy atmosphere. Staff is friendly and always willing to make a recommendation for the undecided guest. For the best experience, do not skip the hot and cold mezze, kebabs, tabouli, falafel and hummus.

Fitzroy's

The cuisine at Fitzroy's is mainly European, with a variety of savory dishes to choose from. Pricing is reasonable, and deals are available on most days - the earlier in the week, the higher the discount. It tends to get quite busy in the evenings, so arrive early to be seated fast.

La Sosta Ristorante

Central yet tucked away in a small, out-of-the-way alley, La Sosta is a family-owned Italian restaurant that is worth a little extra effort to find. Depending on where you request to be seated, you might be able to dine with a direct view over the river.

Mama Masala

Mama Masala combines two great culinary traditions — Indian and Italian - into one unusual fusion, and serves Indian fare alongside pizza and pasta. It tends to get busy in the evenings, so it is recommended to call and book a table in advance, especially if you prefer to be seated by the window.

Quaywest

Quaywest is a trendy, atmospheric wine bar and restaurant with a delicious international menu and very reasonable prices. Housed inside a 19th century building, the establishment enjoys a unique atmosphere and serves primarily British/European fare.

Cafés

Rosta Coffee Bar

This small coffee spot focuses on well-made drinks and a short selection of baked goods and light bites. It has a laid-back feel, with an emphasis on quality coffee and friendly service. A good place to pause for a quick drink or a quiet break.

Sinnsro Cafe

This café offers a mix of breakfast and lunch dishes, with options ranging from cooked breakfasts to sandwiches and simple mains. It has a relaxed, informal atmosphere and is a convenient choice for a straightforward meal in the city.

The Coffee Tree

A well-regarded café specialising in coffee, along with soups, sandwiches and baked goods. It’s a comfortable spot for a short stop, with a menu that also includes vegetarian-friendly choices and a range of teas.

The Naked Hen

A popular brunch café known for its modern menu, including breakfast plates, sandwiches and lighter lunch options. The space is bright and contemporary, and it tends to draw a steady crowd, especially at weekends. Coffee and a selection of hot drinks are also available.

The Sandwich Co

This sandwich bar serves great hot and cold sandwiches, soups and a few desserts. The manager of the shop has competed in and won "the Most Innovative Sandwich of the Year" contest, so expect unusual yet pleasing flavour combinations. Serves coffee and tea.

Bars & Nightlife

Badger’s Bar & Restaurant

This comfortable Victorian-style venue is a popular local meeting spot and the ideal place to collapse into after a long day. The pub is family-friendly, and offers a varied menu of European, Chinese, Mexican, and Indian dishes. Try the steak and Guinness pie.

Bennigans Bar & Jazz Club

Perhaps surprisingly little-known, Bennigans Bar and Jazz Club is itself owned by a musician. Some shows (especially those on Saturday nights) are very popular and require pre-booking. Bennigans is also one of the select few places serving complimentary tapas along with drinks.

Peadar O’Donnell’s

Popular with backpackers, Peadar O’Donnell’s provides good old fashioned “craic” and live music every night (although shows often start late, and sometimes give way to live broadcasts of football matches). It's a proper traditional Irish bar serving beer at affordable prices.

Sandino’s

Dedicated politically and culturally to Latin American revolutionaries, Sandino’s is a cosmopolitan haven. An excellent venue for live music, Sandino's also holds themed nights (80s and 90s motifs are especially popular) and pub quizzes every once in a while.

The Bentley

The Bentley Bar, Steakhouse & Wine Bar is an all-in-one establishment with an area fit for watching live football broadcasts as well as a top-floor terrace for a quieter dining experience. Food is of high quality, with steaks, seafood and desserts on the menu.

The Metro

This is one of the city’s liveliest and most atmospheric bars. With cheap drinks, great pub food and a DJ most nights (live music shows sometimes), it is definitely a good place for a pint or two. Come on Monday night and enjoy special deals on cocktails.

Shopping

Bedlam Museum & Sales

For those interested in retro/vintage items, a visit to Bedlam might be worth the time. Several retailers run stands inside a large space converted into an indoor market, and sell old household items, accessories, various antiques and even military memorabilia.

Derry Designer Makers

The Derry Craft Village is an area within the city walls where a number of small shops and boutiques selling all manner of unique items are concentrated. It might just be the best place to stock up on gifts, knick-knacks, artisan jewelry and much more, all produced by local designers.

Foyleside Shopping Centre

The famous Foyleside Shopping Centre, one of the biggest in Northern Ireland, houses all the top high street stores, as well as many smaller shops and services. The centre is well-maintained, and contains a food court alongside a variety of shopping spots.

Richmond Centre

Along with Foyleside, Richmond is another large shopping center in Derry. Centrally located, it houses 40 different boutiques, among which are some major high street names. Apart from the store, there are a couple of beauty salons, eateries and an ice cream shop.

The Donegal Shop

For traditional Irish items, stop by this family-run store in Shipquay Street and browse through beautiful, high-quality fabrics (linen, cashmere, silks, etc.), clothing, accessories, traditional Celtic jewelry (silver, gold & freshwater pearls), pottery, souvenirs and more.

Whatnot

Whatnot has a wonderfully intriguing selection of jewellery, antiques, collectables and curios items. The owner, who has been in the business for over 3 decades, has an eclectic taste which reflects in the array of items - also available to browse through in the online catalogue.

Tourist Information

Passport & Visa

For travel to the UK (including Northern Ireland), citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland (except Irish citizens) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). However, those planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. Additionally, residents of nine other countries — including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States — can also visit the UK for up to six months without a visa, but they will still need an ETA. To ensure a smooth journey, it is advisable to consult the UK government website for any specific visa requirements or regulations.

The City of Derry Airport (LDY)

The City of Derry Airport is located 12.5 kilometres from Derry City Centre. Taxis are the quickest and most reliable way to get to and from the airport and can be found outside the airport terminal. Connecting bus services are available to and from the airport at various times each day and leave passengers at the Ulsterbus Depot, Foyle Street, Derry City Centre. The journey to Derry City Centre takes about 30 minutes. The AIRporter service operates six times per day to and from the AIRporter’s City Centre base at the Quayside Shopping Centre. It is advisable to make a reservation. Reservations are free, guarantee a seat and you only pay on the day you travel. You can also buy your ticket directly from the driver on board the coach on most services.

Public Transport

Derry is a small city and can be covered on foot in a short space of time. The main bus station is located at Foyle Street in the city centre and Ulsterbus runs a bus service within the city. The train station is located at Duke Street in the Waterside area of the city and is served by the Belfast to Derry service.

Taxi

Taxis in Derry are widely available and easy to find. Foyle Taxi is a local company with a strong presence in the city. The main app for booking a taxi is City Cabs Derry, and Uber also operates in the area.

Electricity

The United Kingdom uses the Type G electric plug, which is one with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. And it operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Pharmacy

Most pharmacies in Derry are located in the city centre. Medicare Pharmacy is a chain with several locations across the city.

Post Office

Mail boxes can be found throughout the city and are red in color. The Head Office is located on Custom House Street.

Telephone

Country code: +44 Area code: 28

Trips

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