Travel to Derry

Travel to Derry

Northern Irelands second city offers visitors a well-balanced blend of the modern and the very old. This lovely and interesting city is also a convenient doorway to the beautiful countryside of Northern Irelands northwest.

Much of Derry Countys shoreline is as impressive as anything you'll find in Ireland and therefore it is unlike other parts of the north, as it has always attracted a wealth of tourists. On fine days, the Mull of Kintyre and the islands of Islay and Jura can be clearly seen across the water, and much of the primarily Protestant population originally derives from Scotland.

Transportation to Derry

Derrys location means it is easily reachable from Belfast, while Derry Airport is regularly served by British Airways from Glasgow and Manchester, and by Ryanair from London Stansted. At the airport, the number 43 Limavady bus stops and takes passengers the eight-mile journey into Derrys centre. If you're arriving at either of Belfasts airports without a connection to Derry, the Airporter bus offers a direct service to Derry.

Northern Ireland Railways operates frequent trains from Belfast and Portrush, which arrive at the Northern Ireland Railways station on the eastern side of the Foyle River. A free Linkline bus takes passengers from the train station to the city centre.

The fastest bus between Belfast and Derry, the number 212 Maiden City Flyer, is operated by Ulsterbus and is twice as quick as the train, taking just over 1 hour 30 minutes. Ulsterbus also offers a service from Portrush and Portstewart. From the Republic, Bus Eireann runs three buses a day from Galway via Sligo and Donegal, and there's one bus a day going to and from Cork. Lough Swilly bus service has connections to Derry from several towns in County Donegal including Dunfanaghy and Letterkenny.

What to see

Derry is Irelands fourth largest city and the only city whose ancient walls have survived undamaged. Built between 1613 and 1618, these glorious walls encircle the old city for one mile. Walk the whole way around and read the strategically placed plaques that feature the walls history. The captivating Tower Museum at Union Hall Place charts the history of the city from its early stages right up to the 1970s using multimedia displays. Dominating the citys skyline, St Columbs Cathedral has stood on its prominent site within the walls of the Old City since 1633. Designed in Planters Gothic style, it was the first Protestant church built in Britain and Ireland after the Reformation. The cathedral is home to a small museum displaying some paintings and old photographs and the huge padlocks and keys used to lock the city gates in the 17th century.

Daytrips

Irelands true lure is its delightful countryside, typified by green rolling hills and lovely lakes. Within a few hours drive is the unforgettable and isolated Donegal County, with its incredible coastline and barren peaks. Farther south on the coast, near Galway, is the wild and desolate Connemara - a striking collage of bogs, forlorn valleys, mountains and lakes. Nearby, at Ballyarnet, is a monument marking the landing of the first woman to fly across the Atlantic solo, Amelia Earhart (1932).

Activities and leisure

The city has a wealth of outdoor activities to suit all ages and abilities. The River Foyle is one of the richest fishing rivers in Europe, swarming with salmon and trout. Eager anglers can also enjoy tranquil fishing at the nearby Creggan Country Park, where a variety of water sports and other activities are available for those looking for the thrill of the great outdoors.

If you like cycling, then you should follow the Foyle Valley Cycle Route, linking the historic walled city to the border towns of Lifford and Strabane. The route is made up of a series of traffic-free paths and quiet country roads, which are a joy to ride.

Safety issues

As with all tourist destinations, visitors should take care of their valuables, especially during the high season. The main threat to your safety in Ireland is road accidents, resulting from gusty one-lane roads.