Derry~Londonderry Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Derry~Londonderry will land you in the centre of Northern Ireland&rsquos culture and creativity. With so much to see and do, our Derry~Londonderry Travel Guide is here to help you <a href="http://www.superbreak.com/derry_londonderry-hotels-DL.htm">plan the perfect short break</a> to the UK's very first City of Culture, awarded the honour in 2013. With over 1450 years of history, this timeless 6th Century city is found on the North-Western landscapes of Ireland astride the magnificent River Foyle. Famous for its contemporary vibes and vibrant personality, a city break in Derry~Londonderry will bring an eclectic mix of history, culture and Irish spirit like no other.<br /> <br />Roam through the city&rsquos bustling streets or stroll along the 17th century walls of the only completely walled city in the UK. It&rsquos the perfect way to discover Derry~Londonderry&rsquos vivid history, contemporary brilliance and their world-renowned friendly generosity. A wander across the impressive Peace Bridge as it curves over the River Foyle leads you to the famous Ebrington Square. As the centre of Derry~Londonderry&rsquos cultural events and festivals, Ebrington holds a truly energetic atmosphere, hosting exciting and inspiring celebrations throughout the year.<br /> <br />No matter what season you plan your visit to Derry~Londonderry, this city break promises enthusiasm and gusto by the bucketload. Celebrate the biggest and best of Irish culture with art, music and literature from around the globe! Peruse through our Derry~Londonderry Travel Guide for an insight into the culture and history that makes this North-Western Irish city the perfect place for short break away.Found in the North-Western settings of Ireland, Derry~Londonderry is easily accessible for a short break away. From <a href="http://www.superbreak.com/flights-hotels/derry-londonderry">affordable flights</a> and ferries to handy rail and road links, there&rsquos a mode of transport to suit your style and your budget. If you&rsquore travelling by air, you can choose from Northern Ireland&rsquos main airports Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport and City of Derry Airport, all of which offer flights to and from most UK cities. Crossing by ferry provides a short journey from England or Scotland with on-board shopping and entertainment. You can also utilise the excellent cross-border bus and rail links from the Irish Republic.Using the public transport to get around in Derry~Londonderry is easy. With so many different ways to explore the city, you can make your way around the sights by bus, taxi or bike. Within the walls you can easily get about on foot but for those travelling further afield the Ulsterbus and NI Railways are a good choice. There&rsquos plenty of reliable 24/7 taxi services available should you need it and for a more relaxing approach to sightseeing you can opt for a river cruise on the River Foyle.A trip to Derry~Londonderry offers a diverse mix of shopping opportunities. Perfect for any shopaholic, you can find everything from high-street shops and designer boutiques to traditional Irish gift and craft shops. Shoppers really are spoilt for choice in Derry~Londonderry with something to suit all budgets and tastes. From Foyleside, the largest shopping centre in Northern Ireland to Austins, the world&rsquos oldest department store, finding the perfect Irish souvenir or holiday treat couldn&rsquot be easier.When it comes to eating out in Derry~Londonderry, you&rsquore definitely in for a treat. Choose from the finest restaurants, bistros and brasseries in Northern Ireland for a culinary experience you will not forget. Using locally farmed meats, fresh seafood straight from the Irish waters and first-class dairy produce, the city boasts a range of outstanding gourmet delights just waiting to be discovered. With award-winning Taste of Ulster chefs, more than 198 Gold Stars awarded to producers and 3 Product of Geographic Indication Awards, Derry~Londonderry is firmly on the foodie map.If you&rsquore looking for a good night out with a range of traditional Irish pubs and contemporary bars to choose from, then the Derry~Londonderry nightlife will not disappoint. Head straight for the heart of the city centre where the energetic atmosphere really kicks off. Whether you&rsquore looking to enjoy live Irish music with a pint of Guinness or want to dance the night away at one of Derry~Londonderry&rsquos lively nightclubs, there&rsquos a bar and a pint with your name on it.With an impressive collection of pubs and bars in Derry~Londonderry to choose from, an evening out in the City of Culture 2013 has something to offer everyone. For an authentic night out with the Irish locals try a traditional pub for a pint of Guinness with live music and entertainment. If you&rsquore looking for something a little more sophisticated, you&rsquoll find plenty of contemporary bars offering a variety of beers, spirits and cocktails to suit your appetite.As the City of Culture 2013, Derry~Londonderry is at the heart of Northern Ireland&rsquos culture and creativity. Combining its colourful historic background with a contemporary atmosphere, you can find plenty of exciting and inspiring attractions to explore. Celebrate Derry~Londonderry&rsquos past and present with a walk along the 17th Century city walls or a stroll across the recently built Peace Bridge. Bringing you an extensive fusion of new and old, Derry~Londonderry is the perfect place to discover Irish history and culture at its best.Choose from a wide range of flights and ferries for an easy way to travel to Derry~Londonderry. There&rsquos also plenty of handy road and rail links to help you navigate your way around Ireland. The Translink NI Railway integrates the metro and rail services for easy and accessible journeys between Derry~Londonderry and Belfast. Offering a combination of express services and multi-stop services, you can choose from 6-7 trains per hour at peak times.The Ulsterbus is also part of the Translink NI Service providing local bus services across Northern Ireland. With regular schedules running day to day, it&rsquos the most efficient and cost-effective way to travel to Derry~Londonderry.The 3 main airports to choose from in Northern Ireland are Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport and City of Derry Airport. Serving BA, Ryanair, easyJet and Aer Lingus, you can easily get to Derry~Londonderry from most UK cities within 1 hour.Ulsterbus offers regularly scheduled bus services across the city providing a quick and easy way to see the city sights in Derry~Londonderry.Whether you prefer to travel by bus, by boat or by taxi, there&rsquos loads of great ways to get around in Derry~Londonderry. Within the city walls you can get about on foot and to go further afield, you can use the reliable public transport.You&rsquoll find many reliable taxi services in Derry~Londonderry with experienced firms such as Derry Taxis, Foyle Delta Cabs and The Taxi Co. From local tours to airport transfers, finding a 24/7 professional taxi service is simple in Derry~Londonderry.For truly unique view of the city you can opt for a river cruise down the River Foyle. Perfect for a day or night excursion, you can sit back and relax while the city sights of Derry~Londonderry drift past you.Treat yourself to a pint of Guinness at Mason&rsquos BarVisit Saint Columb's Cathedral, the city&rsquos most historic buildingExperience an evening cruise down the River FoyleEnjoy stunning neo-Gothic architecture at The GuildhallDon&rsquot miss dance & theatre productions at The PlayhouseWalk along the Peace Bridge over the majestic River FoyleTravelling by rail in Northern Ireland is a great way to get to Derry~Londonderry. The Translink NI Railway combines metro and rail services for easy and affordable journeys to the city. Whether you&rsquove arrived by air or
sea, there&rsquos a connecting rail journey available to get you Derry~Londonderry.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline">Approx. journey times by rail:</span><br /><strong>Belfast &ndash Derry~Londonderry</strong> 2hrs 5mins<br /><strong>Larne &ndash Derry~Londonderry</strong> 3hrs 50mins<br /><strong>Dublin &ndash Derry~Londonderry</strong> 4hrs 35minsHire a bike in Derry~Londonderry for a leisurely and inexpensive way of exploring the city. There&rsquos cycle routes throughout the city centre leading to surrounding areas, and even the countryside. From as little as £12 a day, bike hire in Derry~Londonderry is an experience worth trying.<br /><br /><strong>Claudy Cycles</strong><br />556 Barnailt Road, Derry~Londonderry<br />(028 7133 8128)With plenty of taxi firms around the city there&rsquos no need to worry about hailing a cab in Derry~Londonderry. Head to Foyle Street or Duke Street for taxi stands or call one of the many professional 24/7 taxi services available through the city.<br /><br /><strong>City Cabs Derry</strong> (028 7126 4466)<br /><strong>Derry Taxis</strong> (028 7126 0247)<br /><strong>Foyle Delta Cabs</strong> (028 7127 9999)<br /><strong>The Taxi Co.</strong> (028 7126 2626)You&rsquoll find the local bus services in Derry~Londonderry run regularly from the bus station on Foyle Street. With more than 10 routes leading to the surrounding areas in the city, you can plan your sightseeing itinerary the way you want.<br /> <br />The Ulsterbus also provides a day ticket with unlimited travel across the city for a very affordable price.Flights to Northern Ireland depart from most UK cities to 3 main airports Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport and City of Derry Airport. Supported by BA, Ryanair, easyJet and Aer Lingus, a flight from the UK to Northern Ireland is definitely the quickest way to get to Derry~Londonderry.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline">Flights to Belfast:</span><br /><strong>London</strong> 1hr 25mins<br /><strong>Newcastle</strong> 55mins<br /><strong>Glasgow</strong> 45mins<br /><strong>Liverpool</strong> 50mins<br /><strong>Manchester</strong> 55mins<br /><strong>Birmingham</strong> 1hr 10mins<br /><strong>Leeds Bradford</strong> 1hr 5mins<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline">Flights to Derry~Londonderrry:</span><br /><strong>London</strong> 1hr 30mins<br /><strong>Glasgow</strong> 45mins<br /><strong>Liverpool</strong> 55mins<br /><strong>Birmingham</strong> 1hr 15mins Travel from coast to coast within a couple of hours to Northern Ireland from Scotland, England and the Isle of Man. With on-board entertainment and shopping, choosing the ferry is a cost effective and relaxing way to travel to Derry~Londonderry.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline">Approx. journey times by sea:</span><br /><strong>Cairnryan &ndash Belfast</strong> 2hrs 15mins<br /><strong>Douglas &ndash Belfast</strong> 2hrs 45mins<br /><strong>Liverpool Birkenhead &ndash Belfast</strong> 8hrs<br /><br /><strong>Cairnryan &ndash Larne</strong> 2hrs<br /><strong>Troon &ndash Larne</strong> 2hrs 15mins<br /><strong>Douglas &ndash Larne</strong> 2hrs 45mins<br /><br />Ferry services are available to both foot and vehicle passengers. Top 5 Shopping Centres in Derry~LondonderryTop 5 Restaurants in Derry~LondonderryAs Derry~Londonderry&rsquos most historic building, visitors can experience a piece of the city&rsquos past. A truly stunning cathedral with displays of artefacts from the Siege.The perfect place to head on a night out – don't miss the Rocking Chair Inn for a great, friendly atmosphere.With an enviable reputation for high-quality and creative dishes, you can experience fine dining at its best in this luxurious and celebrated restaurant.Not only the largest shopping centre in Northern Ireland, but also the &lsquoBest Shopping Centre&rsquo as acknowledged by NIRSC.Mason&rsquos Bar is renowned in Derry~Londonderry for fantastic live music performances and entertainment from local, national and international talent.A modern triumph in the city, connecting the two sides of Derry~Londonderry over the River Foyle. Perfect for those exploring the city sights on foot or bike.Built on Richmond Street within the historic city walls, this renowned shopping mall is one of the most popular places for retail therapy.Considered the best place to be for dance music in Derry~Londonderry. You can party the night away in this lively and atmospheric nightclub.Renowned for their warm and inviting atmosphere, this award-winning restaurant serves traditionally cooked, local and seasonal produce with a contemporary twist.Famous for traditional live music and its outgoing atmosphere, you can experience Irish nightlife the way the locals do in this extremely popular bar.Located in the centre of the city, The Guildhall is a striking and beautiful neo-Gothic building originally built in 1887.Experience some of the city&rsquos history with a visit to Ireland&rsquos first department store. Specialising in fashion items and giftware, it&rsquos the perfect place for a shopping trip.Winner of the Taste of Ulster Award and a local restaurant for more than 15 years, Fitzroy&rsquos offers delightful European cuisine in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.For the best DJs and the trendiest tunes in the city, get yourself to the stylish Earth Nightclub on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.Attached to Peadar O&rsquoDonnells, Gweedore Bar is another great place for traditional live bands and modern music in true Irish surroundings.Described as one of the best live music spots in the city, a night at Sandino&rsquos offers an impressive range of musical talents from traditional Irish to popular DJs.From lunchtime meals to evening dining, this restaurant is a favourite in the area! Try tasty, locally sourced food while enjoying a delightful glass of wine or cocktail.With its central location in Derry~Londonderry, you can enjoy a mixture of local and national shops and eat from the many food outlets on offer.A genuinely pleasant local pub with a friendly atmosphere – popular with locals, The Diamond is a great social hub and a good place to meet up with friends.Built between 1614 and 1619, a walk around the historic 17th Century city walls delivers an insight into the colourful history and culture of Derry~Londonderry.Learn about the Irish people&rsquos story of the civil rights movement, the Battle of the Bogside, Internment, Free Derry and Bloody Sunday.The village of craft and culture with all the characteristics of years gone by. Find plenty of quirky craft shops offering wonderful gifts and Irish souvenirs.Located in a bustling and lively area of the city, diners can enjoy a la carte dishes focussing on local produce and outstanding quality.Home to a nightclub, sports bar and the largest rooftop beer garden in the city, you&rsquore sure to have a good night at Downeys.Celebrated for its friendly vibe and Irish tones, visitors to Tinneys Bar can enjoy a pint of legendary Guinness by the warm open fire.Set on the banks of the River Foyle, the City Hotel Derry is only a stone&rsquos throw away from the historic 17th Century walls. Offering spacious and contemporary bedrooms, you can enjoy a home from home in this relaxing and comfortable hotel in Derry~Londonderry.Enjoy traditional Irish music as it takes over the city for 8 days
From popular high-street shops and designer boutiques to quirky Irish gift shops, Derry~Londonderry is a shopaholic&rsquos heaven with something to suit all budgets.Marvel at this spectacular display of talent reflecting on the city&rsquos historyChoose from Derry~Londonderrry&rsquos finest restaurants, bistros and brasseries to discover locally sourced produce and the freshest seafood around. Finish your meal with a pint of Guinness in true Irish form.Celebrate 4 days of choral activities involving choirs from around the globeThe nightlife in Derry~Londonderry offers a range of traditional pubs, contemporary bars and nightclubs all set in the heart of the city centre social scene.Enjoy a pint of Ireland&rsquos favourite Guinness at one of the many traditional pubs and trendy bars. For a night of live music try Mason&rsquos Bar or Peadar O&rsquoDonnells Bar.This spooky 5 day festival offers a whole host of ghostly goings-onExperience a magical winter spectacle at Europe&rsquos largest light festivalDerry~Londonderrry Guide – A City Guide to Derry~Londonderry – SuperbreakBrowse through our Derry~Londonderry guide and make the most your of your break. You'll find tips and inspiration on the best attractions, events, restaurants and hotels in Derry~Londonderry.
