Derry City Walls — built between 1613 and 1618 under the supervision of The Honourable The Irish Society (composed of London livery companies), these Renaissance-style fortifications are the only completely intact city walls in Ireland and the best-preserved 17th-century city walls in Europe. The 1.5km diamond-shaped walkway encircles the old city, standing 4-12 metres high and up to 9 metres thick at the base. Never breached in four hundred years — in 1689, Williamite defenders held out here for 105 days against the besieging army of King James II, earning the city the nickname "The Maiden City." Seven gates (four original 17th-century + three 19th-century additions) provide access on and off the walls, 24 restored cannons line the walkway, the most famous being "Roaring Meg" which rests upon the Double Bastion. From atop the walls, one side overlooks Georgian terraced houses and the spire of St Columb's Cathedral, while the other reveals the Bogside neighbourhood and the slogan wall of Free Derry Corner — eight centuries of history converging at your feet. In 2022, approximately 577,000 people walked the walls, making this Northern Ireland's most visited free attraction.
From the ancient cannon array of 17th-century bastions to the stained glass of the Guildhall, from the Bogside murals seen from atop the walls to sunset strolls on the Peace Bridge — step into "The Maiden City" that never fell in four centuries
In the morning, ascend the walls at Shipquay Gate and begin the 1.5km circular walk anticlockwise — widely considered the "golden route," culminating in the stunning panorama over the Bogside from the Royal Bastion. Pass the "Roaring Meg" cannon at the Double Bastion, one of Europe's largest collections of cannons (24 restored pieces line the walkway), which roared during the 1689 siege. Stop at Magazine Gate, one of the best photo spots on the walls, offering sweeping views of the Guildhall's sandstone clock tower and the River Foyle. Walk along Cathedral Walk, with the spire of St Columb's Cathedral close at hand. In the afternoon, step inside the Guildhall to admire the exquisite stained glass windows depicting the history of the Ulster Plantation beneath the Big Ben-inspired clock tower. Then visit the Tower Museum, cleverly embedded within the Magazine Gate bastion, tracing from St Columba's monastery to Spanish Armada shipwreck artefacts and the "Derry Girls Experience" exhibition. In the evening, gaze at the S-shaped arc of the Peace Bridge from the eastern section of the walls, then cross this steel "handshake" connecting two communities in the golden sunset — the perfect conclusion to your half-day walls tour.
A Michelin-recommended restaurant on Strand Road, showcasing modern Northern Irish cuisine with local ingredients. Signature caramelised butter Foyle salmon with sea asparagus (£18), slow-braised veal cheek with black garlic sauce (£22) — each dish presented like a work of art. Exposed red brick walls and local artwork create a warm atmosphere. Average £40-60 per person, advance booking recommended two weeks ahead, weekend dinners are particularly sought-after.
UK's Best Taproom, located in the former Ebrington Barracks at the east end of the Peace Bridge. 200+ craft beers paired with locally sourced slow-cooked food — Greencastle fresh fish, McAtamney's bone-in ribeye steak, beer-battered fish & chips (£13). Join a Beer Masterclass to brew and taste 10 different beers. Average £20-35, advance booking strongly recommended.
A container kitchen run by Kevin Pyke, grown from a food truck into Derry's most popular lunch spot. Signature Notorious P.I.G. (slow-roasted pork with chilli sauce wrap, £9.50) and fish with scallops (£12) use Foyle River fish landed the same day. Sit on the riverside benches watching pedestrians cross the Peace Bridge. Average £8-15, arrive before 12:30 to beat the lunch crowd.
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 a walls walk. Average £8-12, no reservation needed.