Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Derry? Are you thinking of a trip to Europe and wondering what to explore in Derry? We’ve got you covered. Londonderry, also known as Derry, can be described as a Northern Irish city. Derry, an Anglican translation of the Old Irish word Daire which means Oak Grove, is the name. King James, I was the one who changed the prefix London from Derry to Derry in a Royal Charter in 1613.
It is the last remaining fully walled city in Northern Ireland. This fortification is one of the most popular Derry tourist attractions. These walls are accessible for walking or biking along their length. During this tour, you will also find many other places in Derry.
The city’s civil rights and free Derry movement from the 1960s are well-known. You can visit the museum during Derry sightseeing. Many historical monuments are living reminders of the campaign, among the top things you can do in Derry. These are not the only historical things you can see in Londonderry.
You can find Londonderry attractions in the surrounding areas. For some nature exploration, head to the nearby lakes and forests. Derry has many fun activities, such as horseback riding, paddle boating, and kayaking. You also have the option to zipline at one of the adventure parks near the city.
Derry City Walls
Derry City Walls is one of the best places to visit in Derry. You can walk alongside the ramparts dating back to the 1600s and provide panoramic views of Maiden City. One of Europe’s most impressive examples of a fortified community is the Derry City Walls.
Derry was one of the last European cities to build a protective wall. It is well preserved today. You will find churches, cannons, and shops as you walk along the walls. To learn more about the wall’s features, take a guided tour. The walls have a length of approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) and a height range between 12 feet (4m) and 35ft (11m).
You can visit the original four gates connecting the walls, including Bishop’s Gate’s triumphant arch. Three more gates were added to the wall in the past few centuries. From the top of the walls, enjoy the view of the city and its charming streets in Renaissance style.
Some portions of the ramparts rise above the city’s center. The structure is impressive and makes Derry Ireland’s only remaining walled city. Admire the historic features within the walls, including the 24 restored cannons that provided security for the city. The Roaring Meg cannon is one of the highlights. It played an essential role in the Siege of Derry (1689).
Look up at the walls surrounding you from the center of the city. These walls are an essential part of Derry’s urbans cape. Find out more about the history of the structure. They were constructed between 1614-1619. The fortifications have remained strong despite numerous attacks. The walls are built from stone, lime, and earth.
The Tourist Information Centre is near the River Foyle and offers information and tours. The walls are free to visit and remain open to the public anytime. The Derry City Walls surround the city’s central section. You can enter the city via one of the original 17th-century portals, such as Ferry quay Gate or Butcher’s Gate.
Bogside Murals
Bogside’s People’s Gallery is a must-see attraction. Walking through Bogside takes you on an emotional journey reflecting on the Troubles’ injustices, and conflicts. Many murals depict social injustices throughout the world today.
The Bogside artists are brothers Thomas and William Kelly and Kevin Hanson, their friends. They spent over a decade creating murals for buildings in the Bogside. These murals portray essential moments in the civil unrest that erupted across Northern Ireland’s six counties over the past 30 years.
These murals are a tribute to Derry City and other human rights activists such as Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela. This is a sad reminder of how difficult times were with war-themed paintings. The Derry Murals Tour provides an excellent overview of the murals and the history surrounding Derry.
Bloody Sunday Monument
Bloody Sunday, which occurred on January 30, 1972, when British paratroopers opened fire on protestors, was one of the most important events of that time. British Soldiers killed 14 civilians that day and injured many more. You can pay your respects at the monument dedicated to the memory of those who have died.
One essential mural depicts a young girl who was shot and killed that day. Anette McGavigan, only 14 years old, was killed in the attack. She was still wearing her school uniform, and the objects she was collecting for a school project were at her feet.
Her death marked the 100th civilian casualty in The Troubles. We recommend the Bloody Sunday Bogside Tour to learn more about Derry’s modern history. There have been many unrests and conflicts since the split of Ireland, the Battle of the Bogside massacre, the Civil Rights period, and the Bloody Sunday massacre. This tour provides insight into Derry’s past and shows how things are now.
Roe Valley Country Park
Roe Valley Country Park offers spectacular riverside views. Peaceful woodland walks along with opportunities for salmon and trout fishing (license required), canoeing for the experienced, bouldering and rock climbing, and orienteering.
There is plenty to do and plenty of space! The river, which can sometimes be quite wild, plunges through stunning gorges creating spectacular rainbows and great photos. In addition to being a haven for foxes and badgers and over 60 bird species, the park has been home to more than 60 species.
The woodland floor is carpeted with wildflowers in spring, making it an excellent spot for photos with children. However, you are asked politely not to take more than one. A disabled angler’s jetty is located by the river.
There is also a specially-designed trail that highlights the park’s wildlife. The park also has an audio guide available for partially blind visitors. The newly renovated ”’Ritter’s Tea Room,”’ open daily, is also worth a visit.
The Museum And Countryside Centre offers information about the region industrial and natural heritage. A restored water wheel and many of its original equipment can be seen. You can also learn more about Ulster first domestic hydroelectric power station.
Guildhall
Guildhall is one of the best places to visit in Derry. The Guildhall is a landmark in the city. Londonderry In Northern Ireland has been the heart of city life since the late 19th century. The Honorable Irish Society built the building in neo-Gothic design.
It dominates Guildhall Square. The Guildhall, made with red sandstone, consists mainly of a hall and clock tower. It was initially the administrative hub of the Londonderry Corporation. It serves as the City’s Council Chamber and Mayor’s Parlor. This makes it Ireland’s last working Guildhall.
The Guildhall has received a stunning new look thanks to restoration work completed in 2013. Its stonework, roof, and windows were restored to their original glory. A new exhibition space describing the history of the Ulster Plantation was also added.
What to Do and See at the Guildhall
The Guildhall’s impressive façade aside, the interior offers many attractions for visitors. The main hall, which boasts one of Europe’s most delicate concert organs and magnificent stained glass windows, can be admired from the inside.
The elegantly carved staircase, oak-paneled corridors, and marble sculpture are just a few of the other exciting features. These were all made alive by interpretative panels. The Guildhall’s Plantation of Ulster exhibit is also available.
This exhibition tells the story of Londonderry’s growth during the 17th century through original artefacts and digital displays. Admission is free, and the Guildhall is open every day between 10 am and 5:30pm.
Peace Bridge
The PS14.6 million Peace Bridge was opened to the public in 2011. Londonderry, The second-largest city in the country, is in Northern Ireland. The municipality covers both banks of River Foyle. Catholics live on the west bank, while Protestants live on the east. The Peace Bridge, which is impressive and seems to be working, aims to bring both sides closer together.
Many Catholics and Protestants were hesitant to cross the river in the past. However, the Peace Bridge has overcome this problem. The landmark structure became a focal point of the city after more than three million people crossed the river in its first three years.
It hosted New Year celebrations and the official launch of the Londonderry’s City of Culture Year.
Wilkinson Eyre Architects designed the S-shaped footbridge and cycle that connects Ebrington Square (on the east) and Guildhall Square (on the west). This bridge was also responsible for Gateshead Millennium Bridge which spans the River Tyne.
It measures 312m, about the same length as two-and-a-quarter football pitches. It was constructed using funds from the Peace III programme of the European Union.
It took only 18 months to build, and approximately 1,000 tonnes of steel (the equivalent of more than 140 buses) were used to construct the bridge, which many consider an iconic symbol for a new Northern Ireland.
Hunger Strike Monument
During his 66 days, one hunger striker was elected. Bobby Sands, along with nine other protestors, eventually succumbed to starvation. It is incredible to read these stories and view the photos. It was something we had not heard about in Canada, but visiting the Derry memorials allowed us to see the faces of those who were there.
They will be remembered, and their stories will be told. We spent hours looking at the murals and memorials in Derry. We reflected upon the current times and saw that humanity is a cycle of violence and hate. I hope we find our way one day.
Sperrin Fun Farm
Sperrin Fun Farm is one of the best places to visit in Derry. Sperrin Fun Park is a small indoor play area ideal for younger children. It features a double-level safety padded climbing structure for kids and a side section with rockers and balls for little ones. Bouncy Castles are also available in this area, which is excellent for getting the kids’ attention!
You can also enjoy a more challenging adventure play experience outside, with slides better suited for older children. You can take a Quad Train Ride and visit the Duck Pond. Also, you will see the Eggcellent Chicken Run and the Quackers.
You can take waymarked Farm Walks that will allow you to explore the entire area, including the wonders of the Aviary, Small Animal Shed, and the educational bonus of Heritage Viewing Gallery. They can also book school trips or birthday parties.
Tower Museum
The kids can engage in interactive displays and watch films while they play video games. Tower Museum offers stunning views of the city’s centre and is an exciting site. The museum houses two permanent exhibits that tell the story of Derry and a shipwreck from Spain’s Armada. The interactive displays offer a fun way to learn about the region.
The restored castle combines medieval stone and modern panels. Admire the combination of old and contemporary in this old building. To reach the viewing platform, climb to the top of the structure. You can see central Derry from the viewpoint, which includes Guildhall, River Foyle, and the rural Waterside area to the east of the stream.
The Story of Derry exhibit will tell you about the city’s evolution over the centuries. It covers the area’s prehistoric and geological origins through the present. You can enjoy an entertaining and colourful look at the city wherever you stand.
For more information on the boat that went down off the Donegal Coast in 1588, please visit the exhibits at An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencia. Divers discovered the vessel in 1971. It was one of the largest vessels in the Armada fleet.
The displays allow you to picture life on a ship from the 16th century. The kids’ section has games, quizzes, and a laboratory that make science fun for the younger ones. Learn more about the Spanish Armada’s more profound meaning.
You can visit the many temporary exhibits that are located throughout the region. A guide is also available. The museum is located in Union Hall, a castle-like structure. It opens every day from morning to late afternoon. Adults pay an entrance fee, while groups and children are eligible for discounts.
Tower Museum can be found near the Peace Bridge, on the west Cityside bank of River Foyle. It is located within the Derry City Walls. The nearby highlight of Guildhall is located just a few blocks from the Diamond. There is parking available at the museum.
Derry Girls Filming Locations
Derry Girls Filming Locations is one of the best places to visit in Derry. Derry Girls is a TV series about growing up in Derry during the last years of The Troubles. It has received more attention than Bridgerton. At least that’s what we thought.
The show stars Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Feathering ton. Although most of the show was shot in Belfast, the exterior scenes were shot in Derry. All locations mentioned in the show are in Derry. To see places such as Long Tower Church, Bishop’s Gate and Dennis Wee Shop, you can go on a walking tour through Derry. The Derry Girls Mural is a must-see. They even have their mural in Derry.
The Derry Girls Tour To Some of the Show’s Most Famous Filming Locations, including Bishop’s Gate and Long Tower Church, Dennis Wee Shop and the Derry Girls mural on Badger’s Bar.
Conclusion
All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, Tower Museum is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Derry.
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