What to do in County Londonderry

The Derry City Walls are among the best examples in Europe of a fortified commune. Derry was one of the last cities in Europe to build a protective wall, which is well preserved today. Walk the walls and encounter churches, cannons and shops along the way.

It’s also home to the largest theatre stage in Ireland, making it a brilliant venue for plays, shows, concerts and musicals. The Millennium Forum stands on Newmarket Street close to the River Foyle and is distinctive for its high, rounded corner face. Inside, visitors are greeted with an impressive entrance foyer and a sweeping stairway framed by a mural that takes them down to the auditorium and a marble-floored piazza with a brasserie restaurant.

The Museum of Free Derry is a fascinating institution with collections and displays on momentous parts of Ireland’s history. The Irish conflict between unionists who wanted to stay in the United Kingdom and nationalists resulted in bloody battles in the second half of the 20th century. Learn about the societal changes to Derry during the civil rights movement of the 1960s and the Irish Troubles a decade later. See the Bloody Sunday Memorial that honors civilians violently killed by British soldiers.

One of the most photographed structures in Northern Ireland, the circular Mussenden Temple sits on the edge of a 36-metre cliff and gives fantastic views out to the ocean. Take the time to explore the temple and the surrounding Downhill Estate.

Guildhall is a structure of fascinating design. Here the elected council of Derry gathers and social events take place. It has been a significant part of the city’s culture, politics and architecture since its construction in 1890. Capture photos of the neo-Gothic façade that makes this building an iconic part of the city.

The Peace Bridge is a stylish structure that curls across the River Foyle. Constructed in 2011, it is a bright and innovative addition to the Derry cityscape. Learn about its emblematic meaning as a peaceful channel between the nationalists and unionists who have fought for centuries.

Castlerock Beach is a sandy area with picturesque dunes and sea cliffs. Standing between the rugged coastline of Downhill and an estuary, the serene shore has an RV park and a golf course. Explore the shops and traditional restaurants of this quaint coastal town and appreciate the calm ambiance.