Derry - Do & See

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Derry

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Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2023-10-26

On the border with the Republic of Ireland, the city is a great base to explore the stunning beaches and hills of Donegal. In the town itself, an abundance of pastimes is available to visitors. Learn about local history at one of the many Derry museums, take a guided walking tour and catch an evening show at one of many local art centres. For a short nature getaway, stroll through St. Columb's park or venture out into Ness Wood a few miles away from the city.

Guildhall

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.

Saint Columb’s Cathedral and Chapter

Saint Columb’s Cathedral and Chapter

Built between the years of 1628 and 1633, St Columb’s Protestant Cathedral is the oldest surviving building in Derry. It's monumental appearance conceals a cosy, intimate interior, and the nearby Chapter House contains a number of historic artefacts.

Historic City Walls

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.

Museum of Free Derry

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.

Tower Museum

Tower Museum

This is an award winning museum that houses two permanent exhibitions, telling the stories of the City of Derry and of an Armada shipwreck found off the coast of Donegal in 1971 through a range of displays and interactive exhibits. The top floor provides panoramic open air views of the city and the River Foyle.

Free Derry Tours

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.

The Nerve Centre

The Nerve Centre

The Nerve Centre is an innovative multi-media centre housing a bar, café, cinema and two venues regularly hosting music performances, film shows and various cultural happenings. The center is also home to the Foyle Film Festival (annually in November).

Void Art Centre

Void Art Centre

Void Art Centre is Derry’s artist-led gallery of contemporary art, which showcases non-conventional, yet thought-provoking works of established local, national and international artists. Talks and workshops are hosted here, and exhibitions change frequently.

The Playhouse

The Playhouse

One of Derry's favorite cultural haunts, The Playhouse is an award-winning Community Art Centre that houses a small theatre (known for its outstanding performances), a dance studio and hosts visual art shows on a regular basis. Check the program to see what's on when you are in town.

Brunswick Moviebowl

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).

Bloody Sunday Memorial

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.

Millennium Forum

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.

Ness Wood

Ness Wood

The Ness 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.

St. Augustine's Church

St. Augustine's Church

St. Augustine's might not be Derry's most prominent architectural monument, but it is a lovely old Anglican church enclosed in a cosy garden and radiating tranquility. Sometimes they have concerts here, and the church is worth a visit even if only for a short while.

St. Columb's Park

St. Columb's Park

St. Columb's Park is a perfect spot for a getaway in nature while still in close proximity of the city. Pack a picnic and, if you are lucky, there will be a fun event taking place at the St Columb's Park House. There is a children's playground at the bottom end of the park.

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