56 | THE LOCAL TOURIST
September/October 2023
A Derry Special City
“I showed you the walls and they’re nothing short of spectacular!” - Why not come and be a Derry Girl yourself and take a dander in the Maiden City...
BY SARAH PICKERING
sarah@nitravelnews.com
THE Maiden City, The Walled City, Londonderry/Derry… Northern Ireland’s second largest city has received many nicknames over the years yet if you ask anyone from here, they will simply reply that it is ‘our city’.
Although a world away from the modernised Belfast, the maiden city is actually only two hours from the capital by car- a delight for any tourist venturing through the country with limited time, mind you, anywhere in Northern Ireland is never far away!
As a native to the county I hold a certain sense of pride for the city, despite not actually being from the area, which spills over when you finally get to bring along a Belfast native to explore all there is to offer- And there is a lot to offer!
Quoted day and daily, watched (and loved) by thousands, Derry/Londonderry is the birthplace of the beloved Channel 4 hit tv- series Derry Girls and therefore it would be a wasted trip if it did not involve attending the newly opened Derry Girls Experience. Located in the Tower Museum in the centre of the city, the Derry Girls experience is a gem for any Derry Girls Fanatics- Take a seat next to Granda Joe, eat alongside Aunt Sarah or take
an exclusive sneak peak inside Erin’s diary, the
juicy goss
is absolutely cracker! Find memorabilia from the series such as the iconic union flag vest worn by ‘Clare’ or the ballot box used in the closing episode.
Between history and laughs, the exhibition showcases what life really was, and is, like for those living in the area and gives a taster of what lies within the rest of the museum- Think of it as a soft launch into the vivid and expansive history of the city and how it came to be. Tour through the early years of how a town
grew to a city and waltz into the fascinating history surrounding the Siege of Derry. Ever wondered where the Londonderry/Derry debate stemmed from? Find the answer within the museum and become an expert on the in’s and out’s of the modern day maiden city along the way.
Protruding close to the square of the infamous Guildhall you will find the Visit Derry Tourism Centre. Opening back in 2020, the revamped visitor centre stands out on Waterloo Place and features all the information you would ever need for any kind of stay in the city. Unique to the tourist centre and for Northern Ireland, you can pick up a visit derry pass which is valid for one to two days and provides access to ten different attractions across the city and features discounted admission tickets, local tips and a free map; All you will need is a mobile phone to host the pass. The centre will also provide you with interesting facts (if you have space for anymore knowledge after the tower museum!) such as the story of Amelia Earhart and it would be hard to miss the giant Oak tree situated in the middle for the building, giving a nod to Derry which means ”Oak Grove”. Of course, an obligatory selfie featuring as one of the Derry Girls on the Smash Hits cover is a must! Speaking of the Guildhall, one should not miss the opportunity to rub shoulders with the high powers of the world, including President Clinton. After the Derry Girls Experience you will recognise the building at the centre stage for the final episode which, of course, is the beautiful orange and brown
Bishops Gate Hotel
bishopsgatehotelderry.com
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. Built in 1899, Bishop’s Gate Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel and a member of Ireland’s Blue Book blends stunning Edwardian architecture,
stylish
appointments and luxurious facilities which have been sensitively restored to pay homage to the rich heritage of the building, whilst exceeding the contemporary needs and desires of its guests.
In its reincarnation no detail has been left to chance; this iconic landmark is an intimate urban oasis 30
featuring luxurious
guestrooms, including
suites,
9 apartments, The Wig and Gown Champagne and
The Hervey Library and
cathedral-like building standing tall in the Guildhall Square just off of the end of the peace bridge. Delegates announced the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement from here to the world and kick-started our now well-known Northern Ireland. The mosaic windows and intricate architect dazzles in the sunlight and has become a famous symbol of the city- A now must visit. Peer inside at a brief history of the building and explore the grand hall a the top of the stairs, where the Derry City and Strabane council regularly meet. Fascinating artefacts belonging to the late John Hume are preserved within and on public display to visitors- These include his joint 1998 Nobel Peace Prize with Sir David Trimble, Martin Luther King Jar Non-Violent Prize and Mahatma Ghandi Peace Prize. To this day, John Hume is the only person to have received all three awards making this collection a unique find in his home city.
Bar
Restaurant, Northern
Counties Ballroom.
Ebrington Hotel EXPERIENCE
a
luxury city centre sanctuary at The Ebrington Hotel & Spa where a warm welcome will await. Enjoying a privileged and unique location, overlooking
The
River Foyle and entire historic city with
many attractions on their doorstep.
theebringtonhotel.com
museums, entertainment
shopping, and
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