Popular Tourist Attractions to Visit and Things to Do in Derry (Londonderry)
Londonderry, also known as Derry, is a city in Northern Ireland. The name Derry is an Anglican version of the Old Irish word Daire, which means Oak Grove. It was King James I who added the prefix London to Derry through a Royal Charter in 1613. It is the only remaining completely walled city in all of Northern Ireland. This fortification is one of the biggest Derry tourist attractions. People can take walking and bicycle tours along the length of these historic walls. You will also come across several other places to visit in Derry during this tour.
Historically, the city is well known for the civil rights and free Derry movement of the 1960s. There is a museum dedicated to this movement which you can explore during Derry sightseeing. There are also historical monuments that are living memories of the movement among the top things to do in Derry. Besides these, there is a museum dedicated to the history of the city and a few churches to explore as historical things to see in Londonderry.
If you are looking for Londonderry attractions outside the city, you should head towards the lakes and forests near the city for some nature exploration. You can also enjoy fun things to do in Derry such as paddle boating, kayaking, horseback riding, and ziplining at one of the adventure parks on the outskirts of the city.
This Blog Post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything from that link then I may earn a small part of the commission and for that, you do not need to pay any extra amount.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Tourist Places to Visit in Londonderry in 1 Day (Trip Itinerary)
1. St. Eugene’s Cathedral
This Roman Catholic cathedral is one of the most significant historical and cultural places to visit in Derry. It is considered the mother church for the town as well as the parish church for Templemore. You would need about an hour for this church when you visit Derry.
2. Museum of Free Derry
This museum is dedicated to the civil rights movement of the 1960s, which is also known as The Troubles or Free Derry Irish Nationalist Movement. It was one of the most important aspects of the nation’s history and hence this museum is revered among Derry tourist attractions. You would need 2 hours to explore this museum.
3. Free Derry Corner
Another major one of the historical thing to see in Derry Nothern Ireland concerning the 1960s movement. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this wall during Derry travel.
4. Derry City Walls
This is the only remaining completely walled city of Ireland. These walls are of great historical significance and a major part of Derry sightseeing. You would need an hour or so to explore these walls. If you wish, you can also take bicycle tours along these walls.
5. St. Columb’s Cathedral
This cathedral is the mother church of the Ireland Diocese of Derry. It is again among the culturally significant places to visit in Londonderry. The cathedral is dedicated to the Irish monk Saint Columb, who established Christian settlements in the region. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this cathedral.
6. Tower Museum
This museum is dedicated to the local history of Derry. This museum will help you put rest of Londonderry attractions in perspective. You would need an hour at least to explore this museum.
7. Enagh Lough
This pair of lakes is for those looking for some outdoor adventure. The lakes are quite popular for hikes, boating, birdwatching and few other fun things to do in Derry. You can easily spend a couple of hours around these lakes.
If you are for more Londonderry tourist attractions, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities you can explore when you visit Londonderry.
Things to do in Londonderry
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Londonderry
- Tower Museum
- Museum of Free Derry
- St. Columb’s Cathedral
- Guildhall
- Free Derry Corner
- Center of Contemporary Art
- The Derry Walls
- The Siege Museum
- St. Eugene’s Cathedral
- Foyle Valley Railway Museum
- Fort Dunree
- Seige Museum
- Bloody Sunday Obelisk Memorial
- Grianan of Aileach
- Sio Stables Museum
- St. Columba’s Church
- The People’s Gallery
- Apprentice Boy’s Memorial Hall
- Seamus Heaney House Museum
- Gasyard Heritage Center
- Mussenden Temple
- St. Augustine Church
- Inishowen Maritime Museum
- St. Columba Heritage Center
- First Derry Presbyterian Church
- Boomhall
- Fanad Lighthouse
- Culturlann ui Chanain
- Amelia Earhart Theatre
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Londonderry
- Enagh Lough
- Ness Wood
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Londonderry
- St. Columb’s Park
- Far & Wild Adventure Park
- Craft Village
- Brooke Park
- Creggan Country Park
- Ballyarnett Country Park
- Riverwatch Aquarium
- Wild Ireland Animal Sanctuary
- Oakfire Adventures
- Whitehorse Adventure
Shopping in Londonderry
- Craft Village
- Foyleside Shopping Center
- Richmond Shopping Center
- Lisnagelvin Shopping Center
- Quayside Center
Offbeat Places & Adventure Activities to Do in Londonderry
- Paddleboating
- Kayaking
- Bicycle tours
- Hiking
- Horseback Rides
- Surfing
- Boat Cruise
- Zipline
Sightseeing in Londonderry
- Peace Bridge
- Craigavon Bridge
- Foyle Bridge
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Londonderry
- The Sooty Olive
- Badgers Bar
- Walled City Brewery
- The House
- Pyke N Pommes
- Spaghetti Junction
- Primrose on the Quay
- Mandarin Palace
- Browns in Town
- Cedar
- Fitzroy’s
- Quay West
- La Sosta
Where to Stay in Londonderry?
Here below we have listed some of top rated Hotels in Londonderry
Top Rated Hotels
- Shipquay Boutique Hotel
- Maldron Hotel Derry
- Everglades Hotel
- The Belfray Country Inn
- Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel
Budget Hotels
- Da Vinci’s Hotel Derry
- Waterfoot Hotel
- Arkle House Bed and Breakfast
- City Of Derry Accommodation
- Chamberlain House
Custom Tours Package in Londonderry
How to Reach Londonderry?
By Air
The best option for Londonderry travel is through the city’s airport which receives direct flights from London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. You will get buses and cabs to take you to places to see in Derry.
Another option to reach Derry is through the Belfast International Airport which is roughly 100 km away. You can get a bus directly from the airport to get to visit Londonderry.
By Road
Londonderry is connected by train to Belfast. Some of the towns which can be encountered along the route are Coleraine, Ballymena, and Antrim. The bus network will take you to Derry from several towns and cities in Northern Ireland.
If you are looking to reach Londonderry by road, you should head for routes M2, A6, N2, N32, or A5.
By Water
There are no direct water routes to visit Derry.
