28 | THE LOCAL TOURIST


www.nitravelnews.com A DERRY LANDMARK REBORN


Following the partition of the island in 1921, Derry-Londonderry became a border city and has seen its fair share of conflict. Today however, Derry is a top tourist destination for both international and local tourists, made famous by the popular TV series Derry Girls. For such a small corner of the world, you’ll find there’s very rarely a dull moment in the Walled City.


STEEPED in history, Derry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of only a few across Europe with fully intact city walls. Named by Lonely Planet as the fourth- best city to visit in 2013 and awarded the first-ever UK City of Culture in 2013, Derry’s


diversity and vibrancy make it a destination with something for everyone.


The 400-year-old City Walls offer a great vantage point to see many of the attractions in the city to help you find your bearings and to plan your path for exploring. There are many information points along the walls providing information about our city’s history.


One of the best ways to gain a more in- depth insight into the history of the city is to take a guided tour with a local tour guide such as: • Martin McCrossan City Tours • Derrie Danders • Bogside Tours • Derry Blue Badge Tours


Recently Derry has received world-wide publicity for being the location of the popular TV series Derry Girls created by talented local writer Lisa McGee. Some tour guides are now offering tours based on filming locations used by the TV series.


TAKE A STROLL ALONG THE PEACE BRIDGE AND EXPLORE THE GREENWAYS


Opened in 2011 as the third bridge to


span across the River Foyle and as the first footbridge to link the city side and waterside areas of the city the Peace Bridge has been designed to represent a “Structural Handshake” between the city’s communities to show regeneration and the peaceful era the city has moved into. In 2012 the city council invested in revamping the city’s riverside area to create a new walkway and cycle paths which link from Craigavon Bridge through Ebrington Square and St Columb’s Park to Foyle Bridge and along the west bank including access to the Peace Bridge.


Whether you are looking for a relaxing walk after dinner or an energising morning run there are lots of options available


CHECK OUT THE ARTS & MUSIC SCENE


Check out the art exhibitions at the Void Art Gallery, or a dance performance at Echo Dance Theatre. The Bogside artists have created an outdoor art gallery in the Bogside area of the city which highlights some important events in Derry’s history, each of the murals features an information point so you can explore at your leisure or you can book on to one of the walking tours.


VISIT DERRY’S LOCAL THEATRES


The Millennium Forum and Playhouse Theatre are both located within walking distance of Bishop’s Gate Hotel and offer a wide choice of shows to suit all tastes while the Waterside Theatre is just a few minutes drive away.


TOUR THE HISTORIC CHURCHES Derry boasts two cathedrals along with a


within easy access of the hotel. VISIT THE GUILDHALL


Derry city’s town hall was originally built in 1887 and has recently received a £9.5m restoration to its stunning stained glass and architectural features. The Guildhall provides a civic function but is now also a central hub for visitors exploring the city with a multifaceted tourism experience including building tours, temporary and permanent exhibitions including a special collection of the world renowned peace accolades awarded to the late John Hume.


LEARN ABOUT DERRY’S RICH HISTORY IN THE CITY’S MUSEUMS


Derry city has such a varied history, from shirt making to emigration to maritime history. There are a number of museums within walking distance where you can learn more including the Siege Museum, Museum Of Free Derry and Tower Museum.


number of churches which date back to the 17th Century. Bishop’s Gate’s neighbour, St Columb’s Cathedral, is the city’s oldest building. Built-in 1633 the cathedral team offer tours of the building and grounds to give visitors a chance to learn more about the “The Promised Chalice” and “Heroes Mound” amongst other stories. Construction on St Eugene’s Cathedral, the city’s Roman Catholic Cathedral began on 1849. Located just a short walk from our hotel and visible from the city walls. Due to changes in the design of the windows and bell tower work was not completed until 1903.


Also close to the hotel is St Columba’s Church, Long Tower, which has become famous in recent years after it featured in the global hit TV series “Derry Girls”. NI Travel News recommends picking up


the Visit Derry Pass, the Official Sightseeing ticket for the Walled City. Valid for one or two days the pass provides access to ten handpicked attractions, saving money on admission fees whilst seeing the best the city has to offer. You will also receive a Visit Derry map, local tips and offers to make sure you get the very most from your trip. Insightful and inspiring, the Visit Derry Pass is a winner for all ages and a great way to save money and time. After a busy day exploring the city and all it has to offer there is no better way to relax and unwind than at the Bishop’s Gate Hotel.


Built in 1899, the exquisite Grade B1 listed Bishop’s Gate Hotel, is perfectly positioned within the historic city walls in the heart of Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter.


A luxury boutique hotel, and a member of Ireland’s Blue Book, Bishop’s Gate blends stunning Edwardian architecture, stylish appointments and luxurious facilities all of which have been sensitively restored to pay homage to the rich heritage of the building.


In its reincarnation no detail has been left to chance; this iconic landmark is an intimate urban oasis featuring 30 luxurious


guestrooms, including suites,


nine apartments, a fitness room, The Wig and Gown Champagne Bar and Restaurant, The Hervey Library and Northern Counties Ballroom.


Expect unrivalled service - the way in which Bishop’s Gate welcomes guests, attends to them during their stay and remembers them when they come back... that is the essence of great hospitality and the signature of the Bishop’s Gate Hotel. Bishop’s Gate is ideally located within the historic city walls in the heart of Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter providing


the


perfect base to explore Derry’s iconic tourist landmarks including the historic Walls, St. Columb’s Cathedral, The Guildhall, The Tower Museum and the iconic Peace Bridge. A shopper’s paradise, the hotel is minutes from the city’s main shopping district, Foyleside Shopping Centre and Richmond Shopping Centre with many independent stores close by. Also on the hotel’s doorstep are the Millennium Forum and Playhouse theatres offer


along with exciting programs of


Derry Void which events and


exhibitions. At the heart of Bishop’s Gate Hotel, the Wig and Gown Champagne Bar & Restaurant offers a superb, informal dining experience. The hotel is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner and delivers on comfort, style, taste and quality as standard.


Using locally sourced seasonal produce across a range of classic style dishes,


February 2023


along with an extensive drinks &cocktail menu, the Wig & Gown Champagne Bar & Restaurant is a great meeting place for friends, family or work colleagues. With a simple, honest approach to food our Executive


Chef Paul Sharkey and his team, offer stunning seasonal dishes presented in their own contemporary style, delivered with the impeccable service that comes as part of the Bishop’s Gate Hotel experience.


THE GOWN RESTAURANT


Fronting London Street, in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, The Gown is the culinary focal point of Bishop’s Gate Hotel, offering seasonally inspired menus of locally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared by Executive Chef Paul Sharkey and his talented team.


This vibrant eatery boasts several original features including the original wall panelling which has been superbly restored to create a charming venue which oozes character and delivers a delightful ambience. As the menu is modified several times per year to incorporate seasonality, the flavours and themes are constantly fresh and exciting,


promising a sensational


dining experience on every occasion. NI Travel News recommends the GREENCASTLE FISH TACOS (Red Cabbage & Celeriac Slaw, Salad Leaves, Salsa, Chilli & Lime Dressing & Skinny Fries) for lunch, while for dinner we recommend the ROASTED CAULIFLOWER & HAZELNUT CARBONARA (Pasta Tossed in a Cream Sauce, Shaved Parmesan & Dressed House Salad). Follow it with the APPLE TART TATIN, Crispy Baked Apple Galette with Vanilla Ice-Cream and Toffee Sauce.


THE WIG CHAMPAGNE BAR


The Wig is a buzzing Champagne Bar which exudes its own unique style and ambience. This trendy lounge has a distinctive legal theme in terms of décor and features a beautiful original fireplace


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