GG and I have been eager to explore Ireland more and Derry has been on our must-visit list for years. One of the advantages of getting older is that we both have free travel passes north and south, so we took the train to Belfast first and then another one on to Derry. It was a very relaxing 4.5 hours in comfortable carriages, travelling through pleasant countryside.
THE EBRINGTON HOTEL
Within 12 minutes of arriving at Derry station, we checked in at The Ebrington Hotel. Sitting on an elevated position on the site of a former military barracks, it overlooks the River Foyle and The Peace Bridge.
The 4-star hotel was built just over a year ago to the very highest standards. Our room was modern and very comfortable, with complimentary tea and biscuits and we also took advantage of the lovely wellness suite.
Breakfasts were delicious with the usual buffet, but also cooked-to-order dishes, with GG indulging in Eggs Benedict on the second morning. We spent ages enjoying the view over the city each morning.
THE GUILDHALL
One of Derry’s most notable landmarks is The Guildhall, situated between the Peace Bridge and the city’s 400-year-old Walls. You can see it in the above photo. Built in a neo-gothic style, dating back to 1877, it is the home of the City Council’s Chamber and one of its most outstanding features is the collection of stunning stained-glass windows representing everything from fishmongers to musicians in the city’s history.
The Guildhall Clock was modelled on London’s Big Ben and the building also has an impressive free exhibition illustrating the history of the city and explaining the Plantation of Ulster (effectively the organised colonisation of the Ulster province in the reign of King James VI).
WALLED CITY
We walked the legendary walls, constructed over 400 years ago during the Plantation. They were built to protect the British settlers from being attacked by the displaced native Irish.
There is plenty to learn about its history on your way around, or you could opt for a guided tour. Below is the view we had overlooking The Bogside and beyond.
‘DERRY GIRLS’
Of course, we had to visit the iconic mural depicting the characters from the hugely popular Channel 4 sitcom ‘Derry Girls’.
We also popped into The Tower Museum. There are three different exhibitions: The Story of Derry, The Trinidad Valencera Shipwreck and The Derry Girls Experience. All are worth visiting. Below you can see one of the original sets from The Derry Girls.
EATING OUT
There is no shortage of eateries in Derry and we availed of two restaurants that had been recommended by a neighbour who comes from the city.
The Exchange was a busy place on a Tuesday evening and operates a first-come, first-served basis with no bookings. Fortunately, we only had to wait for about 20 minutes, the buzz was great with families, couples and gangs of friends enjoying good food and wine.
Mekong is an award-winning Vietnamese restaurant whose owner/chef travels to Vietnam every year to find new recipes and flavours. It was booked out on the Wednesday evening such is its reputation – our meal was simply delicious and is an absolute must if you come to Derry.
DO NOT MISS IN DERRY
The Museum of Free Derry in The Bogside – a very powerful and visually impactful exhibition detailing the Unionist discrimination of the Catholic majority that led to protests, violence and deaths during The Troubles from the late ‘60s.
‘You are now entering Free Derry’ mural – an iconic mural in the city’s history.
St. Augustine’s Church of Ireland church – known locally as ‘The Wee Church on the Walls’
FINAL THOUGHTS ON DERRY
We loved Derry. It is a compact city and there is plenty to do and see. But what really stands out is the friendliness of its people. We loved greetings such as ‘With you in a wee minute’, ‘How’s about ye’ and ‘Are ye alright there?’
We had two days there and the first was freezing cold. The second was beautifully warm. Remember in Ireland pack for all eventualities. My Max Mara Weekend mac was a godsend.
I will have more pics up on Instagram. As always thank you for reading. I have taken a break from posting over the summer, but I am back now. Lots to come.
Hilda x
