Londonderry Craft Village — a hidden urban oasis tucked behind an archway on Shipquay Street, a lovingly reconstructed 18th-century street and 19th-century square that looks like something straight out of a Dickens novel. Cobblestone alleys, traditional gas lamps, balconied Georgian apartments and thatched-roof cottages sit side by side, with over 70 local artisans running independent craft shops, art galleries, boutique clothing stores and cafés. Originally part of a city centre regeneration project, it was designed to provide a dedicated space for local craftspeople to showcase and sell their work. The iconic "The Cottage" thatched-roof gallery café is the soul of the village — here you can enjoy freshly baked scones and sweet or savoury crêpes while browsing handmade ceramics and woven goods. The village walls also feature the famous "Factory Girls" mural, paying tribute to the shirt factory workers who once made Derry a global powerhouse. Attracting around 70,000 visitors annually, this is Northern Ireland's warmest cultural and creative corner.
From the handmade ceramics at the thatched-roof gallery to the industrial memory of the Factory Girls mural, from the charcoal-grilled meats at Soda & Starch to the sunset at Magazine Gate city wall exit — discover Londonderry's warmest handmade heart
Enter the Craft Village in the morning through the archway between 14-16 Shipquay Street — this "Harry Potter-esque" hidden entrance is exactly why it's called a hidden gem. Your first sight is Ivy Gate Coffee's floral arch, with Edel McBride's wool shop on the right and the enormous "Factory Girls" mural on the wall telling the glorious history of Derry's shirt factories (Tillie & Henderson was once the world's largest shirt factory). Cross the square, and The Cottage thatched-roof gallery café is a must-stop — order a freshly baked scone with clotted cream (£3.5) or a savoury crêpe (£8.5) and feel the warmth of a bygone era beneath the thatch. Then browse No.19 Craft & Design for contemporary handmade gifts, HAN* Clothing for iconic Derry beanies, and Sass & Halo for handmade crowns and wedding florals. In the afternoon, step into Soda & Starch Bistro for Moore on the Quay seafood or Kopa Grill charcoal-fired steak (£16-24). After your meal, exit the village via Magazine Street and climb the city walls — a 3-minute walk takes you to St Eugene's Cathedral, ending your half-day artisan journey beneath its 19th-century neo-Gothic spire.
The soul of the Craft Village, with the aroma of freshly baked goods drifting from beneath the thatched roof. Signature savoury crêpe with roasted vegetables and goat cheese (£8.5), freshly baked scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam (£3.5), white chocolate raspberry scone is an Instagram hit. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. Sit on the outdoor wicker chairs watching pedestrians pass through the cobblestone alley — time seems to slow down. Avg £5-12, no reservation needed, may queue during peak afternoon hours.
The village's flagship restaurant run by 30-year hospitality veteran Ray Moran, championing a "farm-to-plate" philosophy with local ingredients. Kopa Grill sealed charcoal oven locks in meat juices; signature Moore on the Quay seafood platter (£22), charcoal ribeye steak (£24) and seasonal vegetarian options impress. Four-time McKenna Guide listed, "Northwest Restaurant of the Year" winner. Outdoor Canopy space available for private parties. Avg £20-35, advance booking recommended.
A new specialty coffee shop opened in May 2024, founded by Yum Cakes founder Sean Breslin and Katie McConnell, named after their daughter. Features White Star Coffee (Belfast) plus carefully selected beans from Sweden, Amsterdam, USA and beyond. Artisan bread from Letterkenny's Blistered Bread and Belfast's Zaks Bread; sandwiches and pastries simple yet exceptional. Hosts "Wellness Tuesday" yoga and meditation sessions weekly. Avg £6-12, warm atmosphere, family-friendly.
A cosy spot on Magazine Street serving the most authentic Ulster fry — fried egg, bacon, sausage, black pudding (from Grace Hill, Antrim), white pudding, grilled tomato with homemade soda bread, a filling £9 meal. Rich coffee, relaxed atmosphere — the perfect refuel after wandering the Craft Village. Avg £8-12, no reservation needed.