Activities & Attractions

Londonderry / Derry has a rich and varied cultural heritage and the City Walls are home to a number of museums, galleries and theatres, as well as thriving musical and literary scenes. Step back in time and relive the city’s past on an Inner City Guided Walking Tour, Bus Tour, Cruise Boat tour or taxi tour, where you'll discover a wealth of history.

The impressively overwhelming Tower Museum tells the story of Londonderry / Derry's history, from its geological formation millions of years ago, right up to the present day, covering everything from the Plantation, through to the Siege of Londonderry / Derry and the city's troubled political past. The museum also houses the Armada Shipwreck exhibition which deals with the recovery of La Trinidad Valencera which was shipwrecked off the coast of Donegal in 1588.

The Museum of Free Londonderry / Derry in the Bogside encapsulates the city's living history of the Troubles and the Story of Bloody Sunday. The Harbour Museum places its emphasis on not so dry land focusing on the city's maritime connections. In the Ballyarnett area the Amelia Earhart Centre commemorates the unexpected landing of Amelia Earhart on her historic solo flight across the Atlantic in 1932.

Londonderry / Derry's mighty City Walls may never have been breached, but throughout the years many of the city's ancient buildings were destroyed by the many sieges on the city, in the 17th century. Situated on the Waterside area is Riverwatch Visitor Centre and Aquarium at the Lough's Agency which provides the opportunity to explore the Foyle and Carlingford Loughs. The Workhouse Museum tells the story of the famine and the Battle of the Atlantic. Prehen House is home to one of Ireland's greatest love stories, the legend of Half Hung McNaughton whilst the Foyle Valley Railway Museum (summer opening) explains the history of the railways that operated through the city.

The Apprentice Boy's Memorial Hall is where the Siege of Londonderry / Derry celebrations take place each year and it is well worth a visit. One building that amazingly survived the Siege of Londonderry / Derry is the magnificent St Columb's Cathedral. Built in 1633, the cathedral is the city's most historic building and is filled with centuries of relics and artifacts. Another must-see is the magnificent neo-Gothic Guildhall, complete with one of the largest and most striking collections of stained glass windows in Ireland.

Equally as impressive are the wall Murals that dominate the skyline of the Bogside, The Fountain as well as the Waterside area of the city. The murals are a poignant reminder of key events in Londonderry / Derry's more recent history. You can even visit the Bogside Artist's studio to learn the stories behind these murals.

Source: DerryVisitor