A Weekend In Derry: The Perfect 2-Day Derry Itinerary (2024)

Want to know the best way to spend a weekend in Derry?

You are in the right place!

Derry, or as some may know it, Londonderry, is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. With its rich and complex history, charming walled city, and many great places to grab a pint of Guinness, you will quickly fall in love with Northern Ireland’s second-largest city.

When planning a weekend getaway, I know it can be hard to determine which activities and places are actually worth a visit. So, to help you out, I’ve created this 2-day Derry weekend itinerary. It’s based on my experiences traveling to Derry City multiple times and only includes the best the city offers.

Let’s jump in and look at how you can make the most of your trip to Derry!

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2 Days in Derry: Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1:

• Breakfast at the Scullery Cafe.
• Troubles-themed walking tour of the Bogside neighborhood.
• Museum of Free Derry and/or Tower Museum.
• Walk the Derry City Walls.
• Dinner and drinks at Peadar O’Donnell’s.

Day 2:

• Derry Girls Original Sites walking tour.
• Brunch at the Hidden City Cafe.
• Bedlam Market and Derry’s historic Craft Village.
• Walk the Peace Bridge.

How to Spend a Weekend in Derry

Day 1: The History of Derry

Morning

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or in one of the many great places around the City. For a traditional Irish Breakfast, I recommend the Scullery Cafe.

Next, learn about the history of the city by taking a walking tour of Derry’s Bogside neighborhood.

This tour gives you an in-depth look at Derry during the Troubles. You’ll visit the site of the Bloody Sunday massacre, learn about the Battle of the Bogside, and have access to a knowledgeable guide willing to answer all your questions.

The tour lasts about an hour, making it a convenient morning activity to fit into a short weekend trip.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon visiting two excellent museums in the city centre that are well worth a visit. These are the Tower Museum and the Museum of Free Derry. 

The Tower Museum is dedicated to the local history of Derry City. The museum is located in a historic tower just inside the old city walls. The two permanent exhibits include The Story of Derry, covering the history of the city from prehistoric times through the modern day, and An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera, about one of the largest ships of the Spanish Armada that sunk just off the coast.

The Tower Museum also hosts a series of rotating exhibits, so no matter how many times you’ve visited Derry, it’s a stop worth coming back to!

The Museum of Free Derry, located in the Bogside area, focuses on the city during the 1960s and 1970s. This era, known as the Troubles, was characterized by two decades of unrest and militant fighting. 

The museum’s exhibits showcase photographs, films, and personal artifacts relating to this period.

Pro tip: Both museums close at 4 pm, so if you want to visit both (which I recommend!), be sure to allow plenty of time at each.

The cost for both museums is £14.00, but you can score a discount if you book online in advance. 

Early Evening

One activity you have to do is walk the ancient City walls. It takes around 50 minutes and you will have great views of the city and beyond.

The walls never close and are free to explore, so you can walk them whenever you like. 

Even though the walls are free to explore alone, I suggest you take a tour. This way you’ll learn more about the city’s history, along with getting some local insights.

Evening

There are many great places within the Derry city walls to grab dinner and drinks.

You cannot visit Derry without grabbing a pint of Guinness and watching some live music!

One of my favorite spots is Peadar O’Donnell’s. The atmosphere here is epic and is a super popular place to spend an evening. It gets very busy here in the evenings, so go early to grab a table. 

Day 2: Derry Girls and Local Crafts

Morning

Start your day with the Derry Girls Original Sites Tour. This hilarious show is massively popular (if you haven’t seen it, make sure to watch it before your trip!). On the tour, your local guide will take you around to the sites and landmarks used in the show.

This tour is incredibly popular, so be sure to book in advance to reserve your spot! The guides are amazing and super knowledgeable. Even if you haven’t seen the show, the tour is a great way to learn about the city as well.

Pro tip: Keep in mind that this is a walking tour. Some sites, like the mural, are on a steep street. Wear practical footwear and bring layers and umbrellas in case of inclement weather.

The tour lasts around 2 hours, so afterward I recommend treating yourself to brunch. 

I recommend the Hidden City Cafe. They have a variety of options catering to all tastes, including plenty of vegan options. A must-try here is their Breakfast Burrito!

Afternoon

Spend your last hours in Derry exploring the shops and markets. 

Bedlam Market Derry is a must-visit spot full of unique antiques and vintage finds. 

The Craft Village, a historic shopping district in the style of a 19th-century square, is full of souvenirs and crafts made by local artisans.

Evening

End your Derry city break with a stroll over the iconic Peace Bridge.

Derry sits along the banks of the River Foyle, and from the bridge, you’ll see the city walls and the river all lit up. It’s a beautiful sight and a wonderful end to a perfect weekend trip.

If you have time for one more meal before heading home, stop by Dungloe Bar. If you only have time for a quick nightcap, they do an amazing Irish Coffee!

Is a Weekend in Derry Enough?

Spending a weekend in Derry/Londonderry is plenty of time to get a taste of the city.

You can explore the well-preserved city walls, visit key historical sites like the Museum of Free Derry and the Tower Museum, and immerse yourself in the local cuisine and nightlife. 

However, if you want to delve deeper into Derry’s complex history, visit more museums, or explore the surrounding areas like the Causeway Coast, you should spend at least 3-4 days here. 

Have More Time? Other Things to Do in Derry

If you have more than two days in Derry, here are some other activities I recommend:

• Hang out in St. Columb’s Park: This beautiful park on the east bank of the river is a beautiful spot to walk and enjoy a bit of nature. Within the park, you’ll also find the ruins of a medieval church and an 18th-century manor house. If you’re visiting Derry with kids, the park also has a fantastic playground.
• Tour Ebrington Square: Originally built in 1841 as army barracks, today Ebrington has been transformed into a modern living and work space as well as a historic park.
• Visit the Siege Museum: The Siege Museum tells the story of the 1688 Siege of Derry, a landmark event in British and Irish history.
• Explore the Guildhall: This beautiful neo-Gothic building is worth visiting for its ornate stained glass windows. The town hall also contains a local history exhibit and an onsite cafe.
• Take a Day Trip: Derry makes a great base for exploring the Antrim coast, Northern Ireland, and County Donegal in the Republic. The best day trips from Derry are the Giants Causeway, Belfast, Binevenagh, Glenveagh Castle, and Glenveagh National Park. These take less than 2 hours to reach and are well worth the visit.

How to Get to Derry

How you get to Derry will depend on your starting location. 

The easiest way to get here is from Belfast via car, which takes under 2 hours. There are also buses connecting the two cities.

Below I’ve outlined your transportation options:

By Air

The nearest airport to Derry is the City of Derry Airport (LDY), which offers limited service to major cities in the UK, as well as to popular holiday destinations in southern Europe.

Alternatively, you can fly to the better-connected Belfast International Airport (BFS) or Belfast City Airport (BHD) and then take a bus or train to Derry.

Just be aware that if you are flying with a budget airline like Ryanair, their baggage rules are pretty strict. Don’t get caught out and make sure you have the best luggage for your flight!

By Train

Derry has a train station called “Derry/Londonderry.” You can take a train from Belfast to Derry, and the journey offers scenic views of the countryside.

By Bus

Bus services operate between various cities in Northern Ireland and Derry. 

Translink is the main bus company, and you can check their website for schedules and routes.

If you’re traveling from Dublin, you can take the AirCoach from Dublin city centre or Dublin Airport.

By Car

By far the easiest and fastest way to get to Derry is by car. Major roads connect Derry to Belfast and other cities in Northern Ireland. Use Google Maps to plan your route and get updates on current road conditions.

How to Get Around Derry

Derry is a great place to visit if you want to keep costs low as you won’t need to use transport unless you are exploring outside the city.

Aside from walking, the best options for getting around Derry are bus and taxi.

For £2.10 you can get an all-day bus ticket. This option is only for Foyle Metro services within Derry/Londonderry. 

Taxis are the more expensive yet convenient option. And they’re not overpriced in the city. I recommend taxis for their door-to-door service that gets you to your location as fast as possible.

If you are planning to see more of Northern Ireland or parts of the Republic of Ireland, I do recommend hiring a car for your trip. But you don’t need one if you are just visiting Derry as you probably won’t use it.

Where to Stay in Derry 

There are many great hotel options in Derry, but I always end up staying in the same 2 hotels. I wouldn’t say I’m a creature of habit, I just find them the best options every time.

These are my top choices for where to stay in Derry:

The Maldron Hotel 

This is my top hotel choice and where I always try to book. It is located within the city walls and walking distance of the Derry Girls Mural and Peace Bridge.

The Maldron is my go-to hotel because the staff are so helpful and friendly. They go out of their way to help you plan your itinerary by providing recommendations on things to do and places to see and have let me check in early in the past.

The Da Vinci

This hotel is not in the most central location, but the traditional Irish bar makes this an epic stay on the weekend!

The rooms have super comfy beds and amazing tea and coffee options. When I stayed they even had Earl Grey.

But the real highlight for me is the live music in the bar, which they only have on the weekends.

Just note, this hotel is about a 20-minute walk along the River Foyle to reach the city centre. If you want, the receptionist will order you a taxi (about £3.50 from the hotel to the city centre). 

Where to Eat in Derry 

From fast food chains to locally owned restaurants, Derry is a burgeoning foodie destination with many delicious eateries to choose from.

If you hate trying to decide where to eat or just want to know where is good, check out these spots:

Walled City Brewery: Food here is inspired by the local landscape. A great spot if you want to try a Sunday Dinner. 

Shipquay Restaurant: Amazing selection of meals, including Irish and Donegal seafood. It also has a great wine list.

The Bentley Bar: Great pub atmosphere with super friendly staff. Whatever you order, make sure you grab a side of tobacco onions!

Best Time to Visit Derry

You will have an epic weekend break in Derry all year round because none of the attractions are seasonal.

Derry is amazing during Halloween and Christmas. The City comes alive during these festive periods and your visit will be unforgettable.

However, if you want to try and be around when there is good weather, the best time to visit is June-September.

This is peak travel season, so do expect more crowds and tourists, especially during the school holidays.

My main tip, no matter the season, is to bring a good water-resistant coat. This is still Ireland, and there’s always a chance it will rain.

Cost of a Weekend in Derry

The cost of visiting for a weekend can vary depending on how you want to spend your time.

But to help you out, this is the average cost of a 48-hour stay in Derry:

Accommodation: £80-£150 per night

Food: £15.00 per pub or restaurant meal

Transportation: £35 including a return Aircoach ticket to Belfast International Airport

Activities: £100

TOTAL COST: £400-£550

Is Derry Safe to Visit?

I’ve always felt perfectly safe when visiting Derry, even when I had to walk through the city late at night.

However, like any location, crime does happen. Make sure you keep an eye on your belongings, don’t walk alone in badly lit locations, and take basic safety measures.

Due to the past and history of Northern Ireland, it is also best not to bring up the conflicts in a disrespectful manner. You should feel free to ask questions of your tour guides and museum docents but remember that this issue is personal to locals, so be respectful and sensitive around the topic.

Is Derry Worth Visiting?

There are plenty of great places to visit in Northern Ireland and Derry has to be my favourite!

If you are looking for a city with plenty to do, a friendly atmosphere, and easy links to other locations across Northern Ireland, Derry is absolutely worth visiting. 

One of Derry’s greatest features is that it is a compact city and very walkable so you can reach all the main attractions from the city centre. Also, many of the main attractions here are free which is great if you’re on a budget!

It is also an easy destination to visit because there are direct connections from Belfast International and Dublin Airport. I have taken the direct bus from both airports and it was a comfortable journey (even though the one from Dublin takes around 4 hours). 

Final Thoughts on Spending a Weekend in Derry

I hope this post has helped you plan your weekend trip to Derry. I love Derry, and I’m sure you will too. 

If you’re planning a trip to Derry as part of a longer Ireland/Northern Ireland vacation, be sure to check out my other posts about Ireland.

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About the Author:

Lowri from Many Other Roads has been exploring Europe for over 10 years and has been to 38+ countries so far. Originally from Wales, you will now find Lowri exploring Europe with her border collie Scout, sharing in-depth knowledge and tips for those wanting to hit the road!