County Londonderry Travel Guide

Plan your trip to County Londonderry with this extensive travel guide that covers everything from must-see attractions and outdoor adventures to food and drink options and cultural insights.


Introduction to County Londonderry

Located in Northern Ireland, County Londonderry is a beautiful region with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. With its blend of urban and rural landscapes, County Londonderry divides into two distinct regions, the Foyle and the Sperrins.

The Foyle region is home to Derry City, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage that’s known for its historic walls, museums, and vibrant nightlife. On the other hand, the Sperrins is a mountainous area of outstanding natural beauty with plenty of outdoor activities to explore.

List of Places to Visit in County Londonderry

If you’re planning a trip to County Londonderry, here are some of the must-visit attractions and destinations:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Derry City Walls: Built in the 17th century, these historic walls surround the old town and offer an excellent way to explore the city’s history.
  • Tower Museum: Located in Derry, this museum offers an excellent insight into the city’s history, including its role in the Titanic disaster.
  • Grianan of Aileach: Located in Burt, this ancient hillfort dating back to the Iron Age offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Museum of Free Derry: Located in the Bogside district of Derry, this museum tells the story of the civil rights movement and the often-violent conflict known as “The Troubles.”

Natural Attractions of County Londonderry: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Benone Beach: Located on the Atlantic coast, this long stretch of golden sand is perfect for beach lovers and surfers.
  • Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne: Located near Castlerock, this stunning clifftop temple offers magnificent views over the North Atlantic.
  • Sperrin Mountains: This area of outstanding natural beauty is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and nature walks.
  • Roe Valley Country Park: Located near Limavady, this park offers a range of outdoor activities, including walking trails, cycling routes, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of County Londonderry

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, County Londonderry offers a wide range of hiking and biking trails. Some of the best routes include:

  • The Foyle Valley Cycle Route: This 35-mile cycling route follows the River Foyle from the city of Derry to the Atlantic coast.
  • Binevenagh Way: This 22-mile hiking trail takes you through a breath-taking landscape of sandstone cliffs, woodland, and open moorland.
  • Causeway Coast Way: This 32-mile hiking trail takes you on a journey along the stunning North Coast, with its turquoise waters and sandy beaches.

Best Things to Do in County Londonderry: Activities and Tours

Apart from outdoor adventures, there’s plenty of exciting activities and tours you can enjoy in County Londonderry, including:

  • Walled City Brewery Tour: Discover the art of craft beer brewing by touring this brewery, located in the heart of Derry City.
  • Foyle Maritime Festival: Held every two years, this maritime festival is a celebration of the Foyle’s maritime heritage with sailing races, concerts, and a variety of family activities.
  • Brooke Park Guided Walks: Take a stroll through the award-winning Brook Park in Derry with one of the park’s trained guides, who will guide you through the park’s rich history and flora/fauna.

Week-Long Itinerary for County Londonderry

If you’re planning a week-long trip to County Londonderry, here’s a sample itinerary:

  • Day 1: Explore Derry City, walking along the walls, visiting the Tower Museum, and walking through the Bogside District.
  • Day 2: Visit the Sperrin Mountains, hike the Binevenagh Way, and drive through the picturesque villages of Garvaghy and Draperstown.
  • Day 3: Visit the historic town of Coleraine and take a drive along the stunning Causeway Coast.
  • Day 4: Explore the countryside with a visit to Grianan Fort, followed by a drive along the Inishowen Peninsula to enjoy the stunning views.
  • Day 5: Visit the historic city of Armagh, home to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Armagh Observatory.
  • Day 6: Take part in a cycling tour of the city, followed by a visit to the Walled City Brewery.
  • Day 7: Relax on Benone beach in the morning and enjoy an afternoon picnic at the Mussenden Temple.

Food and Drink Scene of County Londonderry

County Londonderry is known for its diverse food and drink scene, including:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ulster Fry: A traditional breakfast of sausages, bacon, eggs, black pudding, tomatoes, mushrooms, and soda bread.
  • Irish Stew: A hearty stew made with lamb or beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions.
  • Lough Foyle Seafood Chowder: A creamy seafood stew made with locally caught fish and shellfish.

Local Beverages

  • Bushmills Whiskey: This world-renowned Irish whiskey is produced in Bushmills, a small village in County Antrim, just across the River Foyle from County Londonderry.
  • Derry Ale: A locally produced beer with a slightly sweet taste, brewed using traditional Irish brewing methods.

Where to Stay in County Londonderry: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

County Londonderry has a range of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to quaint guesthouses and hostels. Some of the top hotels in the area include:

  • The Bishop’s Gate Hotel: A luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Derry City.
  • Roe Park Resort: A four-star hotel with a spa and golf course, located near Limavady.
  • Da Vinci’s Hotel: A contemporary hotel located in Derry, overlooking the River Foyle.

What to Buy in County Londonderry: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking to bring home some souvenirs from your trip to County Londonderry, some of the popular local products include:

  • Bog Oak Crafts: Handcrafted souvenirs made from wood extracted from the bogs of the Sperrin Mountains area.
  • Ariminum Honey: Produced in County Londonderry using traditional beekeeping methods.
  • Bog Bean Jewelry: Handcrafted jewelry made from bog beans that grow in the Sperrins Mountains.

Local Culture and Customs of County Londonderry

County Londonderry has a rich cultural heritage, which locals are proud to share with visitors. Some of the notable cultural traditions in the area include:

  • Music and Dance: County Londonderry is known for its vibrant music and dance scene, with traditional Irish music played at local pubs and in the streets during festive events.
  • Gaelic Language: Although English is the most widely spoken language in County Londonderry, many locals also speak Irish Gaelic.
  • Local Festivals: County Londonderry hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, including the Foyle International Maritime Festival, the Halloween Festival in Derry, and the Derry Jazz Festival.

Best Time to Visit County Londonderry

The best time to visit County Londonderry is during the summer months of June to August, when the weather is at its warmest and the days are longest. Spring and fall are also good times to visit, with fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Winter, however, can be cold and dark, so it may not be the best time for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of County Londonderry

Do:

  • Be respectful of the local culture and customs.
  • Take the time to learn some basic Gaelic phrases, which will be appreciated by locals.
  • Be mindful of the history and significance of the Troubles and their impact on local communities.
  • Take advantage of the many outdoor activities and scenic views available in the area.

Don’t:

  • Make insensitive comments about the Troubles or other political issues.
  • Assume that everyone speaks English fluently.
  • Be disrespectful of any religious sites or traditions.
  • Litter or damage the natural beauty of the area.

Safety and Health

Safety in County Londonderry

County Londonderry is a relatively safe place to visit, with low levels of violent crime. However, as with any tourist destination, visitors should take common-sense precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Health in County Londonderry

County Londonderry has a relatively good standard of health care, with a range of hospitals and clinics in the area. However, visitors should purchase travel insurance before their trip to avoid any unexpected medical costs.

Getting to County Londonderry: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near County Londonderry

The nearest airport to County Londonderry is City of Derry Airport, located just outside the city of Derry. However, most visitors to County Londonderry arrive via two other airports in Northern Ireland: Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport.

Bus Stations Near County Londonderry

County Londonderry has excellent bus connections to other parts of Northern Ireland, with the main bus station located in Derry City.

Other Options

Visitors to County Londonderry can also arrive by train, with the nearest train station located in Coleraine, just a short drive from Derry City.

How to Get Around in County Londonderry

County Londonderry has an excellent road network, with plenty of car rental options available for tourists. Alternatively, visitors can also take buses or trains to get around the area, with the city of Derry serving as the main transport hub.

Where to Go Next from County Londonderry: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to visit nearby destinations after your trip to County Londonderry, some excellent options include:

  • County Antrim: Home to the famous Giant’s Causeway, the Causeway Coastal Route, and the Nine Glens of Antrim.
  • Donegal: This beautiful county is located just across the border in the Republic of Ireland and boasts stunning scenery, impressive cliffs, and quiet beaches.
  • Belfast: Northern Ireland’s capital city, home to the Titanic Quarter, St. George’s Market, and the Ulster Museum.

Conclusion

County Londonderry is a captivating destination with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s history and culture, getting active in the great outdoors, or simply enjoying some good food and drink, County Londonderry is a must-visit destination that is sure to provide you with many special memories.

Ferryquay Gate in the walls of Londonderry Ferryquay Gate in the walls of Londonderry Mussenden Temple Mussenden Temple


    Castlerock
    Coleraine
    Magherafelt
    Portstewart