Okay, I’ll admit it, Visiting Derry-Londonderry wasn’t exactly at the top of my weekend getaway list. But sometimes it’s the places you least expect that end up surprising you the most.
When you think of Northern Ireland, your mind probably jumps to Belfast or the iconic coastal landscapes. But visit Derry-Londonderry, and you’ll discover a hidden gem that’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want to experience a lot. The city is compact, rich in history that you can feel at every corner, and full of creative energy. Plus, it makes a great base for exploring the stunning north coast—think Giant’s Causeway or the beautiful beaches near Portrush.
For me, Derry-Londonderry is an amazing mix of history, culture, and nature.
In this post, I’ll share twelve of my favorite experiences for your visit to Derry-Londonderry, so you’ll know exactly what to expect when you travel to this often overlooked part of Northern Ireland.
This post about the top 10 experiences for a Visit of Derry Londonderry contains advertising links, also known as affiliate links. These links lead you to products or services that I personally recommend. If you make a booking or purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. This support helps me continue to provide free blog posts, photography, and videos. There are no additional costs for you.
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Is a visit to Derry-Londonderry the right choice for your weekend trip?
A visit to Derry-Londonderry is just right if you’re looking for a compact yet varied weekend itinerary. The city offers plenty of history, culture, and unique spots to explore. Thanks to its location near the north coast, day trips to places like the Giant’s Causeway are easy to fit in. It’s a great way to get a real feel for Northern Ireland in just a short amount of time.
While Derry-Londonderry itself is easy to explore on foot, many of the best day trips are much more relaxed with your own set of wheels. If you’re keen to explore the highlights around the city, I’d recommend renting a car to keep your plans flexible. If you’re not comfortable driving in Northern Ireland but want to combine a city trip with exploring the countryside, a weekend trip to Dublin or Belfast might be a better choice. These cities offer more tour providers for countryside excursions.
Also keep in mind that Derry-Londonderry’s historical focus is mostly on more recent events, particularly the civil rights movement and the Troubles of the 1960s and ’70s. So if you’re more interested in ancient ruins and early Irish history, it might not fully match what you’re looking for.
Visit Derry-Londonderry
Derry-Londonderry is a city with many names. Most simply, people often call it just “Derry,” but officially it’s also known as “Londonderry.” You’ll also hear it referred to as the “Walled City” or the “Maiden City.” The name “Walled City” comes from the well-preserved 17th-century city walls that surround the old town and are a major landmark. “Maiden City” refers to the fact that these walls were never breached by enemies — they remained “maiden,” or untouched. All these names show just how much history is packed into this compact city.
To give you a good overview of the best experiences in Derry-Londonderry, I’ve put together my top twelve highlights in the city and surrounding area. As always, you’ll also find tips on restaurants and accommodations, so you’re perfectly prepared for your weekend trip.
1. Walking Tour of Derry-Londonderry
If you’re short on time but want to really get to the heart of the city, I highly recommend joining a guided walking tour when you visit Derry-Londonderry. We were lucky enough to tour with Charlene, the daughter of the founder of McCrossan’s Walking Tours, and she was fantastic. As a Blue Badge Guide (the highest qualification for tour guides in the UK), she brings a level of professionalism, passion, and energy that really sets the tone.
The tour takes you through the walled old town, past striking murals and key sites of the Troubles: a period of political and sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland that spanned from the late 1960s to the late 1990s.
What I especially loved was Charlene’s ability to share the city’s complex history in a way that was sensitive, approachable, and full of warmth, with just the right touch of humor.
It was the perfect way to start our weekend in the city. The tour was informative and personal, filled with insights you’d easily miss just wandering around on your own. If you’re into history, storytelling, and want to understand the deeper layers of Derry-Londonderry, this walking tour is an absolute must.
2. Street Art in Derry-Londonderry
The street art in Derry-Londonderry really stuck with me. It’s not just decoration—every mural tells a story, many of them deeply woven into the city’s complicated past. Some of the most powerful pieces are in the Bogside neighborhood, where the walls remember the Troubles—a decades-long conflict between Catholic nationalists and Protestant unionists that left a lasting mark on Northern Ireland.
One of the most striking pieces is The Petrol Bomber, a mural referencing the unrest of the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the city became a focal point of protests and clashes. Just nearby, you’ll see the iconic You Are Now Entering Free Derry wall—a symbol of a self-declared autonomous zone where locals resisted state control.
Then there’s the Derry Girls mural on Orchard Street, which adds a fun twist to the city’s street art. It features the five main characters from the hit Netflix series about a group of teens growing up in Derry during the 1990s, the final years of the Troubles. Thanks to the show, Derry-Londonderry has gained a bit of pop culture status, and it’s clear the locals are proud of it.
The murals are definitely more than just street art. They bring the city’s history to life in a way that really stays with you.
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3. Museum of Free Derry
The Museum of Free Derry really moved me. With a self-guided 90-minute tour, it offers a deeply personal look into the history of a city caught for decades between conflict and hope. The focus is on the Troubles, especially the events surrounding the iconic “Free Derry” sign. The exhibition doesn’t just walk you through political developments; it gives you a glimpse into what everyday life was like during that time.
For me, it was a powerful visit that brought even more meaning to the murals you see around the Bogside. If you want to understand the more recent history of Northern Ireland on a deeper level, don’t miss this museum.
4. Peacemakers Museum
Just a short walk away is the Peacemakers Museum, which offers a completely different perspective on Derry-Londonderry’s past. Here, the focus isn’t on conflict, but on the road to peace and the people who made it possible.
It’s less political and more personal, filled with moving stories, short films, and interactive exhibits. I found it really inspiring to see just how much hope and dedication has gone into shaping a better future for this city. It’s the perfect complement to the Museum of Free Derry. If you’re curious not just about what happened, but also where things are headed, this one’s for you.
5. The Craft Village in Derry-Londonderry
Tucked away in the heart of the city, the Craft Village is a charming cluster of historic buildings that now house local workshops, artist studios, and cozy cafés. As you wander through the little cobbled lanes, you’ll come across everything from glassblowing and pottery to quirky textiles and handmade gifts. In some spots, you can even watch the artists at work.
It’s the perfect place to slow down and soak in the more relaxed, creative side of Derry, especially after a morning filled with history and museums.
One spot I absolutely loved was Number 19 Boutique. It’s filled with beautifully curated, handmade pieces by local artists. Whether you’re hunting for a thoughtful souvenir or just something special for yourself, you’ll find plenty of treasures here that reflect the city’s vibrant arts scene.
6. Guildhall
The Guildhall isn’t just one of the most beautiful buildings in Derry-Londonderry, it’s also packed with history, and best of all, it’s completely free to visit. With its red sandstone exterior and clock tower modeled after Big Ben, it’s hard to miss. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by stunning stained-glass windows, a grand organ, and rotating exhibitions on everything from the Ulster Plantation to the Saville Inquiry into Bloody Sunday.
One of the real highlights is the Nobel Peace Prize on display, awarded to John Hume, one of Northern Ireland’s most influential peacemakers. He’s the only person in the world to have received the Nobel, the Gandhi Peace Prize, and the Martin Luther King Prize.
You’re free to explore on your own, or you can join a guided tour for just £2–3. The guides are fantastic storytellers, sharing everything from tales of bombings and time capsules to little hidden details you’d otherwise miss.
7. Boom Board Tour around Derry-Londonderry
If you’re up for stepping a little outside your comfort zone, a Boom Board Tour might be just the thing. Think of it as longboarding with a city twist. The adventure starts with a beginner session in St Columb’s Park, perfect for getting a feel for the board. If you’ve tried snowboarding before, it might come a bit more naturally.
Once you’ve got the basics down, you’ll roll out with your guide across the Peace Bridge, along the riverfront, and past some of the city’s prettiest spots. The tour usually ends either at the Walled City Brewery or back at the St Columb’s Park car park.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t exactly look graceful on the board, and it definitely wasn’t my most athletic moment but it was so much fun. Learning something new, pushing through the wobbles, laughing the whole way…and yes, some absolutely hilarious videos were made. It ended up being a real highlight of the weekend.
More Weekend Getaway Ideas in Derry-Londonderry
If you’re planning a weekend getaway to Northern Ireland, I highly recommend renting a car for one of the days and heading out on a little road trip. You’ll find car rental stations either at the airport or about 30 minutes outside the city (bus lines 143, 144, and 145) will get you there easily from the center.
Here are a few incredible spots you can explore in a day, from dramatic coastlines to mysterious ruins:
1. Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once you see it, you’ll understand why. These striking hexagonal basalt columns were formed by volcanic activity around 60 million years ago, but they look like they were placed there by hand.
According to local legend, the path was built by the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (also known as Finn McCool), who wanted to fight his Scottish rival Benandonner. But when he realized Benandonner was way bigger, he disguised himself as a baby to scare him off. The Scottish giant fled back home, destroying the causeway as he went.
Folklore aside, the Giant’s Causeway is one of Northern Ireland’s most visited natural wonders. To really enjoy it, try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when it’s less crowded and you can soak in the atmosphere at your own pace.
2. Dunluce Castle
Even from a distance, Dunluce Castle looks like something straight out of a fantasy film, perched dramatically on cliffs high above the Atlantic. The medieval ruins date back to the 16th century, but honestly, it’s not the history that makes this place so unforgettable, it’s the setting. Those jaw-dropping views of the coastline make it an absolute highlight.
For me, Dunluce was one of the most unexpected surprises of the whole trip. I could’ve spent hours just gazing out toward the sea arches at Whiterocks Beach. The atmosphere here is especially magical at sunset, when the light turns golden and the whole scene feels almost otherworldly.
A walk around the site is just as rewarding as going inside. If it looks familiar, you’re not imagining things: Dunluce Castle was used as the filming location for House Greyjoy’s stronghold in Game of Thrones.
3. Portrush
Portrush is a laid-back coastal town with plenty of maritime charm. It reminded me a bit of Brighton in England. On sunny days, it almost feels like a proper holiday vibe: people strolling along the promenade, enjoying ice cream, and sitting in cozy little cafés right by the sea. The town is famous for its three long sandy beaches, the West Strand, the East Strand, and Whiterocks Beach.
4. Whiterocks Beach
Just a few minutes from Portrush, Whiterocks Beach is a long, pale sandy stretch backed by dramatic limestone cliffs and little caves you can explore at low tide. It’s popular with surfers and walkers alike. For me, it was the perfect spot to breathe deeply, walk barefoot on the sand, and soak in that salty Atlantic air. If you’re craving sea and wide open space, this is the place to be.
- For a bite nearby, Portrush has plenty of great options.
5. Mussenden Temple
Perched spectacularly on a cliff above the Atlantic, Mussenden Temple is one of Northern Ireland’s most dramatic viewpoints. This small, round temple was built as a library in the 18th century and is part of the Downhill Demesne estate. What makes it truly breathtaking is its location. It almost seems to float over the cliff edge with uninterrupted views of the sea and the beaches below.
The walk around the grounds is well worth it, especially on clear days when you can see for miles along the coast. Even in the fog and rain we had, the landscape left a huge impression.
- The temple is managed by the National Trust. There’s a small car park on-site, so try to visit early or late in the afternoon when it’s quieter. Pack a picnic, the setting couldn’t be more perfect for a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
How to get around when you visit Derry-Londonderry
- Direct flights to Derry-Londonderry from Europe are limited, so flying into Belfast or Dublin often makes more sense.
Where to stay when you visit Derry-Londonderry
For your stay in Derry-Londonderry, the Shipquay Boutique Hotel and the Bishop’s Gate Hotel are two great picks. Both are centrally located, cozy, and full of character. Shipquay impresses with stylish interiors and a prime spot right in the old town—perfect for exploring on foot. Bishop’s Gate combines modern comfort with historic charm, plus a delicious breakfast.
If you prefer something a bit quieter and outside the hustle, accommodations by the river or near the Peace Bridge are excellent choices. For a truly authentic experience, try one of the many warm and welcoming B&Bs around the area. You can find all these options linked here.
This city surprised me in the best way. It really brings history to life with a diverse mix of culture, street art, and fascinating museums. Add to that the laid-back atmosphere, friendly people, and fantastic spots to eat and relax, and you have a destination that works for history buffs and casual travelers alike. Whether you want a weekend packed with discovery or a chill break with great food and atmosphere, Derry is definitely worth a visit. Plus, with so many amazing day trips nearby, you can easily fill a long weekend with memorable adventures!
