- It is the only city in Ireland to have its original city walls completely intact, measuring roughly 1.5 kilometers in circumference.
- The city's official name remains a subject of ongoing legal and cultural debate, often referred to as 'Derry' by nationalists and 'Londonderry' by unionists.
- Derry hosted the inaugural UK City of Culture title in 2013, which spurred significant investment in its arts and urban infrastructure.
- The city is home to the largest collection of Irish nationalist murals outside of Belfast, many concentrated in the Bogside area.
- Derry's aviation history includes being the site of the first transatlantic flight by Amelia Earhart, who landed unexpectedly in a pasture in nearby Culmore in 1932.
About Derry
Derry, formally Londonderry, is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland, with fortifications dating back to the early 17th century. It sits on the banks of the River Foyle, serving as a gateway to both County Donegal and the Causeway Coast. The city is defined by its complex political history, documented at the Museum of Free Derry and memorialized at the Bloody Sunday Monument. Visitors can walk the circuit of The Derry Walls or traverse the iconic Peace Bridge to experience the modern transition of this historic site.
Highlights of Derry
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Walk the complete 17th-century circuit to view the original gates and cannons.
Places of interest
Cross this striking S-shaped pedestrian bridge connecting the historic city to Ebrington Square.
Museums
Explore the grassroots narrative of the Troubles through personal accounts and artifacts.
Museums
View the extensive collection of medieval silver and Armada shipwrecks found off the coast.
Historical places
Pay respects at this poignant site dedicated to the victims of the 1972 shooting incident.
Historical places
Visit this ancient stone ringfort located just a short drive from the city for panoramic views of the Foyle basin.
Temples
Admire the architecture of this 17th-century cathedral, which was the first significant building constructed in the city after the Plantation.
Parks
Enjoy the expansive Victorian-style park featuring a restored glasshouse and ornamental lakes.
Top things to do in Derry
The 115 highest-rated places in Derry, ranked by travellers.
1
Places of interest
Fanad Head Lighthouse is situated on the northern coast of the Fanad Peninsula in County Donegal, Ireland, between Lough...
2
Historical places
The Derry Walls are a complete circuit of 17th-century defensive fortifications surrounding the historic core of Derry,...
3
Historical places
Free Derry Corner is a landmark gable wall located in the Bogside area of Derry, Northern Ireland, bearing the iconic pa...
4
Places of interest
Fort Dunree is a former coastal defense fortification located on the western shore of the Inishowen Peninsula in County...
5
Historical places
The Grianan of Aileach is a stone hillfort situated on Greenan Mountain in County Donegal, Ireland. It serves as one of...
6
Places of interest
The Peace Bridge is a 235-meter long serpentine pedestrian and cycle bridge spanning the River Foyle in Derry. Completed...
7
Places of interest
Doagh Famine Village is an open-air museum located on the Inishowen Peninsula that depicts the evolution of rural Irish...
8
Parks
St Columb's Park is a 70-acre public park located on the east bank of the River Foyle in Derry. The centerpiece is the 1...
9
Venues
The Millennium Forum is Derry's premier performing arts venue, featuring a 1,000-seat main auditorium designed for large...
10
Museums
The Museum of Free Derry is a community-led archive dedicated to the history of the civil rights movement and the Troubl...
11
Historical places
Lloyds Signal Tower at Malin Head is a restored early 19th-century maritime communication structure situated at the nort...
12
Places of interest
Glenevin Waterfall is a 30-foot cascade located within a sheltered wooded valley in the Inishowen Peninsula of County Do...
13
Parks
Brooke Park Derry is a restored 32-hectare Victorian public park located on the site of a former barracks and estate. It...
14
Historical places
Malin Head is the northernmost point of mainland Ireland, situated at the tip of the Inishowen Peninsula in County Doneg...
15
Museums
The Tower Museum is housed within a reconstructed O'Doherty Tower overlooking the historic city walls of Derry. Its perm...
16
Temples
St Eugene's Cathedral serves as the primary Catholic church for the Diocese of Derry, situated on a hill overlooking the...
17
Historical places
Pólifreann, known as Hells Hole, is a significant geological chasm located on the northern coast of the Inishowen Penins...
18
Parks
Swan Park is a scenic riverside woodland park located along the Crana River in Buncrana, County Donegal. The park featur...
19
Temples
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Historical places
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Temples
22
Places of interest
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Beaches and ponds
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Places of interest
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Venues
26
Parks
27
Historical places
28
Historical places
29
Amusement parks
30
Zoos
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Derry on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Derry
May to August, when the weather is mildest and the city hosts major outdoor festivals including the Foyle Maritime Festival and Foyle Film Festival.
2-3 days to explore the walled city centre, local history museums, and take a short trip to nearby historical landmarks.
The historic city centre is highly compact and walkable, while local bus services connect the outer residential areas.
Stay within the Walled City for proximity to historic sites and nightlife, or across the Peace Bridge in the Ebrington area for modern hotel developments.
Mid-range; the city is generally more affordable than major hubs like Dublin or Belfast.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 115 curated attractions in and around Derry, ranked by traveller ratings.
Fanad Head Lighthouse is the highest-rated place to visit in Derry right now.
The largest category is temples, with 33 places to explore.
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