Derry City – An Essential Travel Guide for 2026

Resting on the River Foyle, Derry City impresses with its 400-year-old walls and fascinating history. On our visits to Northern Ireland’s second largest city we’ve explored the walls, wandered the streets and seen firsthand why its heritage draws so many visitors.

This guide is for anyone who loves history combined with a lively city vibe. Derry’s mix of culture, architecture and local character makes it ideal for those wanting more than a typical shopping trip in 2026.

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Public Transport: Derry connects to Belfast, Coleraine and Antrim by train through Derry – Londonderry Railway Station but poor investment means the train is a slower option than the bus from Belfast to Derry. There is no direct train to Dublin so passengers must catch a connection in Belfast.

The frequent Ulsterbus Goldline 212 connects Derry to Belfast in around 2 hours. Their X3 and X4 routes take you to Dublin City via Dublin Airport in around 4 hours 10 minutes. The city can easily be explored on foot but the red Foyleside Metro buses are handy if you need them.

A serious taxi shortage means they are not a viable option.

A great international cuisine scene offers everything from Asian to South American. We love a burrito but often struggle to find somewhere to match Boojum in taste. We believe we’ve found the answer in Guapo on the Strand Road however. The queues can be long but my word is it worth it for the finest Mexican food in the north. It’s relatively cheap too with many burritos costing under £6.

Umi on the Strand Road is deservedly getting a lot of hype lately for serving sensational Asian dishes in a marvellous setting. The service, cocktails and wines are all absolutely splendid. A Thai green curry costs £19 which isn’t bad for fine dining.

If international eateries aren’t your vibe then head to Badgers Bar and Restaurant for traditional pub grub. It’s unmissable from the city walls because the famous Derry Girls mural is painted on its side! The fish and chips is a classic and the portion sizes are huge. It’s also a fantastic pub so grab a pint of Guinness after your meal.

Hot Beverages: There is something supremely relaxing about the interior at The Scullery Café on Waterloo Street. The interior is fabulous, the staff are lovely, the brews are delicious and there is a lovely little outdoor area where you can people-watch during the summer. It’s in a great location in the buzzing heart of the city and the toasties are to die for! It is also dog friendly which is a huge bonus.

Alcohol: Derry City’s pub scene is mostly centred around Waterloo Street which is essentially the city’s alternative to Temple Bar but much cheaper! The boozers in this area are primarily traditional Irish pubs, with trendier bars dotted elsewhere around the city.

Peadar O’Donnells is the most famous of these traditional pubs due to its lively atmosphere and penchant for trad music. There are 3 interconnected bars on site; Peadar O’Donnell’s, the Gweedore Bar and Fifty Seven Waterloo Street, which is handy as the main bar is quite cramped. They host live music almost every night and the pints are delicious.

For something completely different head to Sandinos on Walter Street. The drinks and music are tremendous but it’s the Latin American vibe that attracts most patrons to its doors. The multiple bars on site are all fantastically decorated with trinkets and brimming with colour and characters.

Nothing better symbolizes the beauty of a modern Derry City than the Peace Bridge. Along with being visually stunning, this pedestrian bridge has also improved the link between the unionist Waterside and the nationalist Cityside of the city. The winding Peace Bridge has become iconic since its completion in 2011 and on a sunny day you can observe buskers playing along its walls.

The Catholic Bogside area outside the city walls of Derry rose to prominence during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The issues here began with the Battle of the Bogside in 1969 and continued for several years. Today the Bogside is famous for the Bogside Murals depicting these troubled times.

Painted by a trio of artists known as the Bogside Artists, the murals beautifully depict Derry’s civil rights issues of the past. The murals themselves are beautiful but a knowledge of the history behind them will make you appreciate tenfold. We highly recommend visiting the nearby Museum of Free Derry first to appreciate the historical significance of the area.

The Bogside Walking Tour

Derry City inevitably draws comparisons to Belfast because of its history but these two cities are vastly different

Belfast feels like a modern city where you can easily visit the historical areas but also avoid them if you wish. In Derry the prominent areas of the Troubles surround you no matter where you go. A walk around the city walls brings the Catholic Bogside and the Protestant Fountain into full view and a short stroll from the city gates will bring you right into these areas.

Derry doesn’t have the fun atmosphere that Belfast has because history takes centre stage here. It’s not just the recent events of the Troubles either – The city walls date back to the 1600s which shows just how long this city has been at the forefront of Irish history!

It’s a beautiful city that is better explored on a day trip than a multiday holiday because the main points of interest are all in close proximity to each other. If you want a trendy vibe head to Belfast but if you want a beautiful city with a story to tell then Derry is perfect for you.

Our Things to do in Belfast

The first thing to do upon visiting Derry City is head to the Museum of Free Derry in the Bogside. For just £8 per adult you’ll get an understanding of the city’s history and each sight you visit thereafter will seem more significant. The museum is close to the famous Free Derry Corner and features video exhibits with actual footage from the height of the Troubles.

It will take you around 1 hour to get around and is an absolute bargain at this price.

Derry is the only completely walled city in Ireland and my word are those 400-year-old walls amazing! Just 1.6km long and in tremendous condition, the walls are ideal for wandering at a leisurely pace to enjoy some stunning views.

They were initially built to protect the English and Scottish settlers of the new town that appeared here during the Plantation of Ulster and have stood strong ever since. Wander the rampart walkway at your own pace whilst reading the informative signs dotted around the bastions and soaking in views of the Bogside, the Fountain and the Derry Girls Mural.

There are plenty of steps to disembark the walls as you please. You can head shopping by descending towards the Foyleside Shopping Centre and Primark. We found the shopping in Derry to be quite poor so you might be better off descending towards the pretty Craft Village instead.

The City Walls are one of the coolest attractions we have ever visited on this island.

Derry City Walls Walking Tour

The Derry City council is housed in The Guildhall, a striking old building in the heart of the city. There are tours available but it is free to wander in and marvel at the beautiful interior of the building by yourself. Stained-glass windows, beautiful paintings, winding stairwells and a magnificent organ are just some examples of the neo-gothic design on view. You won’t spend long here but it’s definitely worth having a look at for free.

Although not in Derry City the Grianán of Aileach fort is well worth the 25 minute drive on a sunny day. Actually situated in County Donegal towards Buncrana, the stone fort has its own car park atop a steep hill. From there it is only a 1 minute wheelchair accessible walk to the base of the structure.

Get yourself some treats at Joe and Sadies Coffee truck in the carpark and climb the 1700BC fort for spectacular views of Inch Island and the Atlantic Ocean. The views from the foot of the structure are well worth it too for those in wheelchairs.

Read our Travel Guide to Buncrana