Car Rental - Derry
Artistic ambition runs through the historic streets of Derry, Northern Ireland’s second-largest city. Standing on the banks of the River Foyle close to the north-west border with the Republic of Ireland, it’s established itself as a center for culture, music and the arts.
Book a rental car in Derry to explore both the city and nearby coastline with ease. Unravel its roots, sample local cuisine and experience the spellbinding beauty of the Causeway Coast.
There are no hidden extras to pay on your business or holiday car rental. And zero cancellation or amendment fees (when the reservation is changed or canceled up to two days before collection).
Plus, our best-price guarantee means that, in the unlikely event you find a lower Hertz price, we'll refund the difference.
Derry Locations
A Quick Guide to Derry
With heaps of history and a jovial atmosphere, Derry is a top destination to explore in a rental car. Packed with great attractions and fascinating museums, it’s also a gateway for the region’s spectacular coastline.
Walk Through Derry’s History
There’s only one place to start a tour of Derry in your holiday rental car, and that’s with a walk around its mighty city walls. It’s one of Europe’s best examples of a completely walled city, and the only one in Ireland.
Head to one of the seven historic gates (Bishop’s, Ferryquay, Butcher and Shipquay are the originals) and make your way up to the 17th century walls. From the wall’s bastions, you’ll be treated to views of both the city and the nearby countryside that rolls beyond.
After you’ve completed your circuit, make your way to the neo-Gothic Guildhall, one of the city’s most important and visually striking buildings. Pictures snapped, head inside this 19th century red sandstone building to see its beautiful stained-glass windows. Afterwards, take a walk to the nearby Peace Bridge, which spans the River Foyle and offers great views of the city.
Back on the western bank of the river, you’ll find two unmissable museums. The Tower Museum houses two permanent exhibitions – one is the self-explanatory ‘Story of Derry’, while the other focuses on the remarkable tale of La Trinidad Valencera.
A Spanish Armada ship, it sank off the nearby Donegal Coast in the 16th century and was found by local divers during the early 1970s.
Next, head to the Museum of Free Derry, where you can learn all about the city’s civil rights movement – a significant historical milestone in Derry’s history.
A Great Shopping Experience
Derry is a great place for shopping. After you rent a car in Derry, you’ll find several large malls and a wealth of independent stores within easy reach.
The Richmond, Foyleside and Quayside malls are all centrally located and in easy distance of each other. They house many big-name stores and mainstream fashion brands.
For that perfect souvenir, head for Shipquay Street where you’ll find the Craft Village, a reconstructed 18th century street and 19th century square with more than 70 artisanal craft shops.
After you’re all shopped out, enjoy a bite to eat. You’ll find many restaurants inside the city walls using locally sourced ingredients.
Drive Through Stunning Coastal Scenery
A trip to Northern Ireland wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the magic of the Causeway Coast. And a Derry car rental makes it a breeze.
The drive along the Atlantic-battered shore is truly spectacular, with pristine, unspoiled beaches, castle ruins and mythical sights to see on the way.
The Giant’s Causeway takes the mantle for the best attraction though. Legend has it this UNESCO World Heritage Site was the work of the Irish giant Finn McCool, who was creating a path to Scotland.
In reality, it’s a geographical wonder formed millions of years ago, following volcanic eruptions. You can see the wondrous basalt stone columns from the clifftop path, or you can venture down to them and explore their mystical organ-like formation for yourself.
Discover Derry’s history and the nearby Antrim Coast when you book a rental car with Hertz in Northern Ireland’s second-biggest city.
Driving In and Around Derry
With three main roads spanning out to access the rest of Northern Ireland, it’s easy to make your way around Derry city center, and the towns and countryside beyond. Simply hop into your Derry rental car and off you go.
The A2 runs from the suburbs and crosses the river, providing a glimpse of the famous Peace Bridge. Park in the lot on Foyle Street to explore the historic district of Derry by foot. More parking lots are peppered throughout the city, including at the major malls.
Planning on heading out of the city and exploring nearby attractions in your Derry car rental? You’ll find the road network is easy to navigate. Follow the A6 and M2 to reach Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. You could be there in 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, the A2 snakes past City of Derry Airport and north towards the coast. In just an hour, you can be standing on the spectacular Giant’s Causeway, the country’s top attraction.
If you want to cross over into the Republic of Ireland, follow the N13 west out of Derry. Just beyond the border, the R238 branches off to the wildly beautiful Inishowen Peninsula, where among the rugged coastal landscape you can find beautiful castles and forts, including the 18th century Fort Dunree.
As it’s part of the UK, Northern Ireland’s road rules mean you need to drive on the left-hand side, and all passengers must wear seatbelts.
Speed limits here vary by road type:
- 30mph in built-up areas
- 60mph on single-lane roads carrying the National Speed Limit (marked by a round white sign with a black diagonal line)
- 70mph on highways (known here as motorways) and many divided highways.
These can change quickly though, so keep a close eye on the signs after you’ve rented a car from Derry.
Also note that the main primary roads in Northern Ireland are prefixed with ‘A’, while in the Republic they’re prefixed with ‘N’. In both countries, highways are prefixed with ‘M’.
