A legendary walled city, spectacular Atlantic beaches, fascinating history and a county with plenty of character.
There's something special about County Derry. Maybe it's the history, maybe it's the coastline, or maybe it's the humour and warmth of the people. Whatever it is, it leaves an impression.
Derry city is one of Ireland's most fascinating places to visit, famous for its walls, colourful streets, culture and, of course, a certain TV series about a group of teenagers growing up in the 1990s.
Beyond the city, there are enormous sandy beaches, a temple on a cliff, seaside towns and the quiet countryside that shaped Seamus Heaney's poetry. Whether you're into history, culture, coast or somewhere a little different, County Derry has plenty to explore.
Derry city is minutes from the Donegal border, and there are no border checks. Prices are in pounds sterling (£) and speed limits are in miles per hour. Check your phone plan and car insurance cover before you go.
Built between 1613 and 1619, Derry's walls are the most complete city walls in Ireland and one of the finest examples in Europe. You can walk the whole circuit, about a mile, past bastions, cannons and views over the streets below.
Why visit? History, photography and walking.
The curving foot and cycle bridge across the Foyle, opened in 2011, links the city centre with Ebrington Square and has become a symbol of connection and reconciliation.
Why visit? Photography, riverside walks and modern architecture.
A grand neo-Gothic building just outside the walls, with beautiful stained glass and exhibitions on the city's story.
Why visit? History, architecture and heritage.
In the Bogside, this museum tells the story of the civil rights movement, the Troubles and Bloody Sunday in January 1972, when 13 people were shot dead by British soldiers and another later died of his injuries.
Why visit? Visitors who want to understand modern Derry.
At the Tower Museum: original memorabilia from the show, including Erin's diary and those Spice Girls costumes, plus a replica of the Quinn family kitchen. Don't miss the Derry Girls mural on Orchard Street afterwards.
Why visit? TV fans, pop culture and a good laugh.
Perched on a cliff above Downhill Strand, Mussenden Temple was built in 1785 as a summer library by Frederick Hervey, the eccentric Earl Bishop. The ruins of his Downhill House and the clifftop grounds make a wonderful walk.
Why visit? Photography, architecture and coastal scenery.
A huge sandy beach beneath the cliffs, perfect for long walks. Game of Thrones fans will know it as Dragonstone.
Why visit? Beach walks and dramatic scenery.
Two miles of sand backed by dunes, cared for by the National Trust and an important habitat as well as a favourite seaside spot.
Why visit? Beach walks, scenery and nature.
One of the longest beaches in Northern Ireland, with Binevenagh rising behind it. Beautiful on a clear day.
Why visit? Families, beach walks and photography.
An attractive seaside village with its own beach and a railway station, handy if you're travelling by train.
Why visit? Seaside walks and car-free day trips.
A dramatic escarpment above the coast, with sweeping views over Lough Foyle to Donegal.
Why visit? Scenery, photography and walking.
In Bellaghy, celebrating the life and poetry of the Nobel laureate who grew up nearby. The exhibition explores his childhood and the places that shaped his work.
Why visit? Literature, culture and heritage.
Riverside paths, woodland, waterfalls and old industrial heritage near Limavady.
Why visit? Woodland walks, families and wildlife.
A historic town on the River Bann, a good base for the coast and the Causeway Coast next door in Antrim.
Why visit? Town exploring and a central base.
Woodland, riverside walks and the highest waterfall in Northern Ireland.
An atmospheric ancient woodland near Dungiven.
Medieval priory ruins with the carved tomb of an O'Cahan chieftain.
A 17th-century house near Moneymore with a famous costume collection. Check current opening arrangements.
Quiet woodland trails in the countryside.
A spit of land with a Martello tower, looking across the mouth of Lough Foyle to Donegal.
Mudflats and shoreline that attract huge numbers of birds in winter.
Quiet uplands in the south of the county. Check that the routes you pick are on the County Derry side.
Our Hidden Ireland collection is where we keep the places most visitors drive straight past.
History and legend, clearly labelled.
In December 1688, thirteen apprentice boys shut the city gates against the troops of King James II. The siege that followed lasted 105 days and caused terrible suffering before relief ships broke through the boom on the Foyle.
It's still remembered in different ways by different communities, and the walls themselves are its biggest reminder.
The city's Irish name, Doire, means 'oak grove'. Tradition says St Colmcille founded a monastery here in the sixth century before leaving for Iona, and he's still the city's patron saint.
Frederick Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol, was famously eccentric. He named the temple after his cousin, Frideswide Mussenden, which fuelled plenty of romantic gossip, and is said to have raced his clergy along the beach on horseback for vacant parishes.
Heaney grew up on a farm at Mossbawn, near Bellaghy. Bogs, wells, digging and family life in this landscape run all through his poetry.
The Foyle made Derry a port, a trading town and, for millions of emigrants, the last sight of Ireland.
Our Friday Night Frights series explores ghost stories, myths and folklore from all over Ireland.
Realistic days, each focused on one part of the county.
Places with a strong local reputation. We haven't eaten at these ourselves yet, so treat this as a starting point rather than our personal picks, and check opening hours before you set off.
Prices are in pounds sterling (£). Please check opening hours before you travel.
Prefer a guide, a ready-made tour or someone else to do the driving? These are good places to start:
Disclosure: GetYourGuide, Klook and TourRadar links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours on TourRadar are our picks, not trips we've taken ourselves. Availability and prices change, so always check the provider's page before booking.
Opening times and access arrangements change, so please check official websites before you travel. Useful links: Visit Derry, Discover Northern Ireland, National Trust and Seamus Heaney HomePlace.
Next door, and well worth the trip:
Slán go fóill, and safe travels! — Nicola & Podge