City of Derry Airport [url=http://www.cityofderryairport.com/]](airport code LDY) an airport serving Derry, [[Tyrone[/url]], and Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, located 11km north-east of the city centre.
* Flybe to [wiki=317532540adceb07d5e2ec62d5eacac2]Manchester[/wiki](seasonal).
* Ryanair [url=http://www.ryanair.com/]]to [[Alicante[/url]], [wiki=269cb914b20d49fb2f7cc5b1f602b7aa]Birmingham[/wiki], [wiki=11f7b1f5fd42a9b03a4f8de3bdbae7f2]Faro[/wiki], [wiki=d586293d554981ed611ab7b01316d2d5]Glasgow[/wiki] (Prestwick), London (Stansted), [wiki=afce84ff226407a47c9782a742ba02f7]Liverpool[/wiki], [wiki=c812662377f302492c797d04bae46d82]Tenerife[/wiki] (South).
Taxis are available from the airport, with the typical fares to the city centre around £12, with the journey taking roughly 15 minutes.
There is also a bus service but given the intermittent timetable, unless you're short of cash, you should just take a taxi. For details of Ulsterbus bus services visit [url=http://www.translink.co.uk]Translink[/url]. The typical fare to the city centre is £2.70 and the journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Northern Ireland Railways (a subsidiary of Translink [url=http://www.translink.co.uk])]usually have trains travelling to and from [[Belfast[/url]] regularly during the whole day. Trains arrive in Derry's Waterside, with a shuttle bus linking the train station to the (more central) bus station. However, this line will be closed for nine months between July 2012 and April 2013 for upgrade works to shorten the journey time and provide a smoother ride. [http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/derry-train-on-track-stormont-finds-27m-to-upgrade-crucial-route-before-culture-year-16060983.html]
The journey between Belfast and Derry takes just over 2 hours and between Coleraine and Derry affords great views along the shores of Lough Foyle, which was described by Michael Palin as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world”[http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/environment/beautiful-rail-journey-from-derry-to-coleraine-is-just-the-ticket-14868466.html].
From [wiki=623145997cee6352dace475eaf530fff]Belfast[/wiki]: Start on the M2 and you can either take the main road (A6)to Derry (signposted as Londonderry) via Dungiven or the scenic drive along the Antrim Coast, passing the [wiki=a341e4d544eeb965d865041f1c0f7494]Giant's Causeway[/wiki].
From [wiki=50fefb5efb085fd11b1a4fd2b6dda0aa]Dublin[/wiki]: Take the M1 motorway and go as far as the signpost for Derry and Ardee. Then take the N32 whick links to the N2. Follow the N2 via Carrickmacross and Monaghan to the Border where the road then becomes the A5. Travel northwards via Omagh and Strabane until you reach Derry. (Note: North of the border road signs will read Londonderry, South of the border Derry).
From [wiki=623145997cee6352dace475eaf530fff]Belfast[/wiki] International Airport: Take the main road to the M2 from the airport through Templepatrick. Follow the signposts onto the main road to Londonderry.
It is worth bearing in mind that while the road signs will normally show "Londonderry" it is common to see vandalism where the "London" part has been spray-painted over leaving only "derry" remaining. It is also possible to see some signs where "derry" has been painted over and directions for "London" are on display. This is often done as a joke by kids and is not done to intentionally confuse or misdirect tourists.
Translink's [url=http://www.translink.co.uk]]Goldline Express No. 212 departs to and from [[Belfast[/url]] regularly during the whole day.
[wiki=50fefb5efb085fd11b1a4fd2b6dda0aa]Dublin[/wiki] is connected with Goldine Express No. 274 and Bus Éireann service No. 33, which runs throughout the night.
There is also a connection with the west coast with Bus Éireann service No. 64, which runs to Sligo and Galway, then onwards to Limerick and Cork.
Full details of bus services are available from Translink and Bus Éireann [http://www.buseireann.ie/]
Further services, aimed mainly at travellers arriving into the local airports are operated byAirporter [http://www.airporter.co.uk].
Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in [wiki=06e415f918c577f07328a52e24f75d43]Ireland[/wiki] and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe.[url=http://www.brilliantireland.com/products/inc_productdetails.cfm/product_key/46][url=http://www.roughguides.com/website/Travel/Destination/content/default.aspx?titleid=160&xid=idh168000912_0583][url=http://www.irelandwide.com/regional/ulster/county_derry/index.htm]]The]walls]constitute the largest monument in State care in Northern Ireland and, as the last walled city to be built in Europe, stands as the most complete and spectacular.[http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/derry-lowres.pdf[/url[/url[/url]
The Walls were built during the period 1613-1618 by "the honourable the Irish Society" as defences for early 17th century settlers from England and Scotland. The Walls, which are approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) in circumference and which vary in height and width between 12 and 35 feet (4 to 12 metres), are completely intact and form a walkway around the inner city. They provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance style street plan. The four original gates to the Walled City are Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate and Shipquay Gate to which three further gates were added later, Magazine Gate, Castle Gate and New Gate, making seven gates in total. Historic buildings within the walls include the 1633 Gothic cathedral of St Columb, the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall and the courthouse.
It is one of the few cities in Europe that never saw its fortifications breached, withstanding several sieges including one in 1689 which lasted 105 days, hence the city's nickname, The Maiden City.[http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Historic-Walls-of-Derry-Londonderry-Derry-P7097]
Take a walk around the "Free Derry" corner between the Bogside and the western side of the old city walls. Stop and look at the political murals made by local artists during the 90's, depicting key events in the harsh conflict haunting [wiki=48a97757b79e27034f824854ee0f4f46]Northern Ireland[/wiki]. In the same area, the Free Derry monument, Free Derry Museum, and Bloody Sunday memorial are also located. Taking a guided tour of the Bogside is probably the best option for visitors, but please be warned, it is highly advisable to stay away from this area in the dark hours, especially at the weekend, as the area has a reputation among the locals as being one of the rowdiest areas of the city at these times, but saying that the area should be quite safe during the day.
The city is home to several museums. (Contact Tourist Information for their opening times which can be somewhat erratic):
* The Guildhall, recently refurbished it now contains an exhibition showing how the Plantation of Ulster shaped Derry and the local area. Open from 10pm-5.30pm 7 days a week. Entry is free. [http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/Guildhall/TheGuildhall]
* Tower Museum, Union Hall Place, Derry. Considered the main museum of the city, it tells the story of Derry from pre-historic times to the foundation of the city in 542, the siege of 1689, the Irish Famine of 1846, the partition of Ireland in 1921, the recent conflict of 1969-1994, up until modern times. The museum now houses a new exhibition of the Spanish Armada. Voted European museum of the year in 1994.
* Railway museum, Foyle Road, Derry. Details the city's railway heritage and four railway companies.
* Harbour Museum, Harbour Square, Derry. The city's maritime musuem.
* Workhouse Museum, Dungiven Road, Derry. A restored workhouse showing what conditions were like during the Irish Famine.
* Genealogy Centre, Butcher Street, Derry. Trace your Irish ancestry!
* Free Derry Museum, Glenfada Park, Derry. A museum of the Northern Irish conflict. A section is dedicated to the Bloody Sunday and its aftermath.
* The People's Gallery, Rossville Street, Derry. The "Bogside Artists" [http://www.freederrymurals.com], who painted the murals in the Bogside, tell the story of over thirty years of turbulent history and unrest through their paintings.
* Old Gaol, Fountain, Derry. A small museum of Loyalist memorabilia. Only one of the original gaol (jail) towers remain, the rest having been demolished in 1973. Theobald Wolfe Tone, one of the leaders of the 1798 United Irishmen rebellion, was imprisoned here prior to his execution. (Visit by prior arrangement only)
* Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, Society Street, Derry. A musuem is housed in the main building detailing the history of the Apprentice Boys and their prominent role in the 1689 Siege.
* Amelia Earhart Museum, Ballyarnett Country Park, Derry. Dedicated to the female aviatrix who landed in the city in 1936 becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. (Visit by prior arrangement only - small museum on the outskirts of the city)
The city is host to an annual Halloween Carnival on the 31st October. Upwards of 30,000 revellers dressed in fancy dress costumes throng the streets and bars til the early hours. It is the biggest festival of its kind in Ireland attracting visitors from as far as Australia, Japan and the USA. Information on each year's festival can be found on the [url=http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/]Derry City Council[/url] website. Almost everyone you meet on Halloween night will be dressed up so wearing a costume is recommended.
Derry City Football Club[http://www.derrycityfc.net/] play their home matches at the Brandywell Stadium, in the Brandywell area of the city, with most league matches taking place on Friday night. This club plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division (the league of the Republic of Ireland). Visitors to the club are assured of a warm welcome and a lively atmosphere, with the club being one of the top teams in the whole island.
Fiorentini's: Italian-owned cafe, known throughout the city for its great value meals, and home to the best ice-cream in town. Be sure to try the Knickerbocker Glory! Great food, staff very helpful, especially the three owners.
*Guapo, 69 Strand Road (next door to Fiorentini's. Newly opened Mexican restaurant. Food here is tasty, fresh and affordable. Prices are roughly £4-5 for a meal. [http://www.facebook.com/GuapoFreshMex]
Danano's: A really nice Italian that is relatively cheap but great food.
*Badgers: A great port of call for lunch while shopping. Can be crowded and cramped at busy times.
*Quaywest: Strand Road: by the Waterfront, quite near the Mandarin Palace. Opened in recent years and is quite successful. Serves light and sumptuous cuisine. Relatively cheap. [http://www.quaywestrestaurant.com]
The Mandarin Palace, Strand Road: Long established Chinese food restaurant with excellent service and value. Has a tapas/cocktail bar as well as a restaurant. Can be pricey but they have very good early bird prices. [url=http://www.mandarinkarma.com]]
*The Exchange: The best restaurant in Derry in the opinion of many ... try the duck! [http://www.exchangerestaurant.com[/url]
*Custom House, one of Derry's newer restaurants. Has a good selection of meals however can be slighty expensive. Early bird prices start from £16 for 2 courses. [http://www.customhouserestaurant.com]
*Timberquay Restaurant & Wine Bar , Strand Road: A new vibrant dining experience located on the banks of the River Foyle. [http://www.timberquay.com]
*Brown's Restaurant and Champagne Lounge, Certainly one of the North West's finest restaurants and first champagne lounge. On the Waterside of the City but can be reached quickly by walking across the Peace Bridge. They also have a sister restaurant in the city centre. [http://www.brownsrestaurant.com]
The Merchant's House, 16 Queen Street, phone +44 28 7126-9691/4223. A wonderful old house with Bed and Breakfast. Nice and clean, good breakfast. No en suite bathroom because it would be a pity to change the house.
*Groarty House And Manor, Groarty Manor is a newly built house, set in its own one acre site surrounded by trees, and is tastefully furnished in warm relaxing colours. Has disabled access and disabled bathroom facilities on the ground floor. Telephone +44 28 7126-1403. It offers a great base for touring County Londonderry, Donegal, and Derry City itself with its historic walls, museums and various other tourist attractions.
* A friendly, independent hostel, run by two backpackers who have been travelling around the world for quite some time themselves. The hostel actually consists of three separate houses, all spread out within walking distance of the old town and the [wiki=9b4dd369a51175dbd6a495a67bfb8b89]Bogside[/wiki] murals.
*
City Hotel, Queen's Quay, off Foyle Street, Derry BT48 7AS. Contemporary four star hotel centrally located on the bend of River Foyle, 200 metres from Guildhall - Many rooms overlook these points of interest. Rooms fairly spacious. Restaurant serves very good food, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Underground parking provided.
*Tower Hotel, Butcher Street. Modern Four star hotel, centrally located inside the city walls, 200 metres from Guildhall. Underground parking provided.
*Travelodge, Strand Road. Centrally located, 200 metres from Guildhall. Use of adjacent multi-storey car park.
*Da Vincis Hotel [url=http://www.davincishotel.com/sleep.php]]- 15 Culmore Road, Derry BT48 8JB. Modern four star hotel, 2km north of the city centre. Large bar and good restaurant. Free car parking.
*Broomhill Hotel, Limavady Road, Derry BT47 6LT, Tel: +44 28 7134-7995. Three star hotel, 3km north of the city centre on the east bank of the river (Waterside). Free car parking.
*The Waterfoot Hotel & Country Club,14 Clooney Road, Derry BT47 6TB, Tel: +44 28 7134-5500. Located 5km north of the city centre on the east bank of the river (Waterside). Free car parking.
*BT48 Apartotel [http://www.derrycityaparthotel.com[/url] - 5 Star Self Catering Accommodation, luxury 1-3 bedroom apartments on the banks of the River Foyle.
Everglades Hotel, 41-53 Prehen Road Derry BT47 2NH. Four star hotel, 2km south of the city centre on the east bank of the river (Waterside). Free car parking.
*Beech Hill Country House Hotel, 32 Ardmore Road, Derry BT47 3QP, Tel: +44 28 7134-9279. Five star hotel as stayed in by Bill and Hilary Clinton. Small hotel in a converted country house, located in large grounds 5km east of the city centre on the east bank of the river (Waterside). Free car parking.