With heaps of history and a jovial atmosphere, Derry is a great destination to explore. Packed with great attractions and fascinating museums, it’s also a great gateway for the region’s spectacular coastline.
Walk through Derry’s history
There’s only one place to start a tour of Derry, 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 beautiful 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 Museumhouses 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 for 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 with several large malls and a wealth of independent stores.
The Richmond, Foyleside, Quayside malls are all centrally located within easy distance of each other, and 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 at Brickwork. This casual restaurant inside the city walls uses locally sourced ingredients in exotic dishes like cod in a beer tempura batter, crispy Kimchi chicken strips, and braised lamb shank with Bombay potatoes.
Drive through stunning coastal scenery
A trip to Northern Ireland wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the magic of the Causeway Coast. 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.