The Derry Girls Mural — commissioned in January 2019 by Channel 4's creative agency 4Creative and painted by Derry-based non-profit street art organisation UV Arts C.I.C., this giant 9-metre-high wall mural covers the entire gable end of Badger's Bar & Restaurant, permanently freezing Erin, Michelle, Orla, Clare and "the wee English fella" James in their Immaculate Conception College uniforms. Located on Orchard Street at the foot of the city walls, directly opposite Foyleside Shopping Centre, the mural quickly became Londonderry's hottest free photo spot since its unveiling — thousands of tourists come specifically to pose with the characters, completely transforming the city's cultural tourism landscape. The show was created by Derry native writer Lisa McGee, premiering on Channel 4 in January 2018 and exploding across the UK, averaging 2.9 million viewers per episode — Channel 4's most successful comedy debut in fifteen years. It later landed on Netflix for global distribution and was hailed by The New York Times as "a witty comedy that presents Northern Ireland's Troubles era with intelligence." At the 2023 BAFTA TV Awards, it won three major awards: Best Scripted Comedy, Best Female Comedy Performance (Siobhan McSweeney) and Best Writer – Comedy (Lisa McGee). One mural turned Derry from a "city of troubled memories" into a "global fan pilgrimage destination."
From the giant mural at Badger's Bar to the Limewood Street school run, from St Columb's Hall Halloween set to a sunset stroll across the Peace Bridge — step into Lisa McGee's bittersweet 1990s Derry
Start your morning at Badger's Bar on Orchard Street, posing with the full-wall mural of Erin, Michelle, Orla, Clare and James — this is the "Mecca" for Derry Girls fans worldwide, with thousands queuing daily for photos. Step inside the bar for a local craft beer and soak up the "after-hours" atmosphere the characters would love. Then walk two minutes around the corner to Pump Street, pop into Doherty's Home Bakery for Granda Joe's favourite cream horn (£1.80) — the authentic way to start a Derry morning. Next, head to Limewood Street, retracing the gang's daily steep uphill school run, with the city walls and Bogside skyline forming the real backdrop of classic shots from the series. In the afternoon, visit St Columb's Hall — the Grade A listed 1886 building where Fatboy Slim's Halloween concert (Season 3 Episode 6) was filmed. Then step into the Tower Museum's "Derry Girls Experience" exhibition, browse Erin's original diary, try on Aunt Sarah's famous pyjamas and Ma Mary's Woolworths jumper, and even sit in Sister Michael's chair. End the day with a sunset stroll across the Peace Bridge, reflecting on your "teenage Derry" adventure.
Located right at the foot of the mural, Badger's Bar is an award-winning restaurant operating for over 30 years. Signature Irish stew (£12), Guinness pie (£11) and handmade burgers (£10) are exactly the kind of "after-school" food the characters would love. The outdoor seating area faces the mural directly — order a craft beer and watch tourists taking selfies for the most authentic "Derry Girls-style" afternoon. Average £10-18, no reservation needed but recommended for dinner.
Granda Joe's favourite cream horn (£1.80) — a puff pastry cone filled with thick whipped cream. Lisa McGee revealed the proper eating technique in an iNews interview: "Bite the tip off first, then eat upwards." This family bakery run by four brothers and one sister has been operating for over 80 years, starting with grandmother Mamie Doherty kneading her first dough in her Rosseville Street kitchen. Besides cream horns, the Ulster fry (£9) and homemade vegetable soup are local staples. The Pump Street main shop is just a 2-minute walk from the mural. Average £5-10, no reservation needed.
A family-run institution on Strand Road, celebrating its centenary in 2013. Their signature hand-cut fish & chips (£8.50) uses local fresh cod and hand-cut thick chips, described by Tripadvisor reviewers as "the best chips in Derry, incomparable." Homemade Italian gelato follows a family secret recipe, with over 30 flavours of sundaes and milkshakes — the chocolate nut sundae (£5) is the kind of sweet treat the girls would share. Open Wed-Sat 12:00-17:00 — early closing is its only "downside." Average £8-15.
UK's Best Taproom, located in the former Ebrington Barracks at the east end of the Peace Bridge. Among 200+ craft beers, several Derry Girls-themed brews stand out — "Wee English Fella" strawberry pale ale (a nod to James) and "Sister Michael" coconut stout (dark and intense like the headmistress's presence). Pair them with locally sourced slow-cooked dishes: beer-battered fish & chips (£13), McAtamney's bone-in ribeye steak (£22). You can also join a Beer Masterclass to brew and taste 10 different beers. Average £20-35, advance booking strongly recommended.