Overlooked Irish city is a must-visit for all types of travelers

Ireland, the Emerald Isle, is home to a few cities that often go unnoticed by tourists. One such city that deserves more attention is Derry . Many travelers exploring Ireland tend to overlook this vibrant and cultural city in favor of more popular destinations .

Derry, located in Northern Ireland , offers a plethora of experiences for culture enthusiasts , history buffs , nature lovers , and all types of visitors.

Here's your guide to visiting Derry, including top attractions, travel tips, and food and drink recommendations. The most convenient way to reach Derry is via the City of Derry Airport, which operates flights to and from various UK cities and European destinations. Alternatively, visitors can also arrive through Belfast International Airport or George Best Belfast City Airport.

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If you're touring around Ireland, there are bus services connecting Derry with Belfast, Galway, Dublin , and Limerick. Most visitors usually head to Derry after spending some time in Belfast, enjoying the stunning views along the Causeway Coastal Route.

Derry boasts the only intact old city wall in Ireland. A stroll around these walls is a great way to start your visit as it provides an overview of the city's historical sites. The Walls, a walkway encircling the inner city, were constructed between 1613-1618 by the Irish Society as fortifications for early 17th-century settlers from England and Scotland.

For those keen to delve into Derry's complex history, the Tower Museum is a must-visit. It houses two permanent exhibitions. The first, The Story of Derry, chronicles the city's history from its earliest known existence in pre-history to the present day. The second exhibition, An Armada Shipwreck - La Trinidad Valencera, narrates the tale of one of the Spanish Armada's largest ships, La Trinidad Valencera.

This ship sank off the Donegal coast in 1588 and was rediscovered by divers from the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971. The Museum of Free Derry, on the other hand, recounts the story of Derry's people, their struggle against government oppression, the civil rights movement in the city and Northern Ireland, the conflict, Free Derry and Bloody Sunday.

Opened in 2007, the museum focuses on the narrative of Derry between the years 1968 and 1972, a period widely known as Free Derry. The museum stands where many of the key events during this time unfolded, and the story is told from the perspective of those who were most involved and impacted.

The Channel 4 comedy sensation, Derry Girls, has put Derry on the map. The show, which follows five teenagers navigating life in the city during the tumultuous period of The Troubles in the 1990s, has brought international attention to many of Derry's landmarks.

Derry Girls walking tours are plentiful and include visits to key sites such as the city walls, the iconic Derry Girls mural, and Dennis' Wee Shop.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Derry is surrounded by stunning locations perfect for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Must-visit spots near Derry include Ness Country Park, Slieve Gallion, Creggan Country Park, and Brooke's Park.

Additionally, The Gobbins Cliff Path offers truly awe-inspiring views of the Irish coast.

For the more active visitors, Carrowmena Activity Centre and Splash Outdoor Waterpark are great options. Moonlight Kayaking, located right in the heart of Derry, starts from £40 per person. One of the most tragic events in Derry's history was Bloody Sunday, when British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civilians during a protest march in the Bogside area of Derry on January 30, 1972.

The Bloody Sunday History Tour provides an on-site analysis of the massacre, taking visitors to the exact locations where the victims were wounded and died.

No matter what your taste buds are craving, you're likely to find it in Derry. The city boasts a wide variety of dining and drinking options. The city is home to a diverse range of restaurants offering a plethora of cuisines. From gastropub favorites at Quaywest, Indian delights at Mama Masala, pub grub at Walled City Brewery, Italian dishes at La Sosta, and much more.

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