Derry

Derry, United Kingdom

Situated picturesquely on the River Foyle, surrounded by hills and a stone’s throw away from the rugged Northern Coast, Derry is a city steeped in history. The famous Free Derry Corner and the murals of the Bogside and Fountain areas serve as reminders of Derry's tumultuous political past turned mindful present epitomised in the "Hands Across the Divide" monument. Today, 20 years after Bloody Sunday, the 2013 UK City of Culture has a lot to offer visitors in the way of art, culture, gastronomy and entertainment.

Population:

107,000

Currency:

1 pound £ = 100 pence

Emergency Numbers:

Police, Fire and Ambulance: 999

Opening Hours:

City Centre Shops generally open Mon- Sat 09.00-17.30 and Thurs and Friday until 21.00. In the summer, some shops are open on Sunday.

Newspapers:

Derry Journal
Irish News

The City

Northern Ireland’s second largest city is located on the border with Donegal, Republic of Ireland. From the Irish Doire (meaning "oak tree") Derry, or the Maiden City, was renamed Londonderry in 1613 during the Plantation of Ulster. The name is still a source of contention, with Nationalists calling the city Derry and Unionists preferring the official Londonderry, with the former being most commonly used colloquially.
The city is famous as the scene of Bloody Sunday, one of the grimmest massacres of the Troubles, and in recent years both communities have worked at breaching the political divide symbolised in the sobering statue "Hands Across the Divide", which shows two persons reaching out to hold hands across a crevice.
Native city of poet and Nobel Prize winner Seamus Heaney, Derry has a strong literary, as well as musical tradition, evident in the vibrant art centre and an abundance of theatres and galleries. Derry is the only remaining walled city in Ireland, and is one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe.
Revelling in its cultural heritage, it also looks with pride and confidence into the future.

Do & See

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.

Dining

For such a small city, Derry boasts a remarkable range of dining options. The city specialises in locally caught seafood and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you are looking for a chic restaurant or laid back bistro, or even some tasty pub food and a pint (evenings at the pub are a part of local culture), Derry's restaurant scene has something to offer anyone. Many local eateries offer significant discounts on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Cafes

Although perhaps not as popular as pubs, cafés in Derry are frequented by locals and visitors to the area. Sandwich shops, coffee houses and elegant bistros dot the city and can be easily found throughout.