Derry in a Day: Best Walking Tours, History & Must-See Sights for First-Time Visitors
Are you planning a trip to Derry, Northern Ireland, and wondering how to make the most of your time in this historic city? When I visited, I wanted more than just to admire the famous murals—I wanted to understand the people behind them. I kept telling myself I owed it to myself, especially now, to really learn about the events of Bloody Sunday.
I always say: if you’re curious, go see for yourself. Give the people who lived through it the chance to share their stories.
And in Derry? The most powerful way to do that is on a Bogside walking tour with a local guide.
That’s exactly why I booked the Bloody Sunday Walking Tour. I didn’t just want a history lesson—I wanted to walk the same streets where history unfolded, guided by someone who lived it.
And with Donegal being so close to Derry, I knew I had to go!
At a Glance: One Day in Derry
Tour to Book: Bloody Sunday Bogside Walking Tour
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Cost: Around €20 per person
Highlights: Bogside murals, Free Derry Corner, stories told by locals like John McKinney, whose brother William was killed on Bloody Sunday
Other Stops in a Day: Museum of Free Derry, lunch in town, Peace Bridge, Derry Girls mural, city walls
Tip: Book your tour ahead—it regularly sells out, especially in summer.
Derry in a Day: Your itinerary for your perfect day in Derry
Use my sample itinerary from my time in Derry to take advantage of your time there. I wish I had the chance to stay overnight and experience longer in Derry, but one day!
Morning: Walk the Bogside on a Bloody Sunday Tour
We began on Rossville Street, in the heart of the Bogside. Towering above us were the murals of the “People’s Gallery,” painted on the sides of buildings. These aren’t just colorful artworks; they’re memorials to the men, women, and children caught in the Troubles.
Our guide, John McKinney, wasn’t just telling a story. He was sharing his own life. His brother, William, was one of the 14 people killed on Bloody Sunday in 1972.
Standing beside the murals, John spoke about that day. His voice was steady, but his words carried the weight of lived memory. At one mural, he paused and said softly: “That was my brother. That was my life.”
It’s one thing to read about Bloody Sunday in a history book. It’s another to stand in the streets where it happened with someone who lived through it. That’s what makes this tour unforgettable.
Book the Bloody Sunday Walking Tour here to hear John and other locals share their stories in person.
Midday: Museum of Free Derry
After the tour, we visited the Museum of Free Derry, just a short walk away. Inside are photographs, protest banners, handwritten letters, and personal belongings donated by families affected by the Troubles.
The exhibits aren’t vast, but they are intimate and emotional. Seeing William McKinney’s belongings displayed, alongside those of others killed that day, deepened the weight of John’s words.
Give yourself at least an hour here—you’ll want time to reflect.
Lunch in Derry
After such an emotional morning, lunch was a welcome pause. Derry’s food scene is lively and full of great choices. A few good spots to try:
- Pyke ’N’ Pommes – A funky riverside spot known for burgers and tacos.
- The Scullery – Cozy café with hearty lunches and excellent coffee.
Afternoon: Peace Bridge & Derry Girls Mural
Refueled, it’s time to explore modern Derry. Start with the Peace Bridge, which sweeps across the River Foyle, connecting the Bogside with the Waterside. Built in 2011, it symbolizes unity in a city once defined by division. Standing at the center, looking back at the Bogside murals, I felt the weight of the past and the hope for the future side by side.
From there, head to the Derry Girls mural, painted on the side of Badgers Bar. It’s a must for fans of the hit TV series, but even if you haven’t watched, it captures the city’s humor and resilience—a lighter moment after a morning of heavy history.
Evening: Walk the Walls & Enjoy a Pint
End your day with a stroll along the 17th-century Derry Walls—the only intact city walls in Ireland. The full circuit takes about an hour, with views over the Bogside, the River Foyle, and the city’s spires.
Finally, settle into one of Derry’s pubs. Sandinos is a favorite for live music and atmosphere, while The Guildhall Taphouse offers a more modern vibe with craft beers. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your day.
Other Things to Do in Derry
If you have more time, consider:
- Guildhall – Free to enter, with beautiful stained glass.
- Tower Museum – Excellent for maritime history.
- Craft Village – Shops, cafés, and artisan crafts tucked into cobbled lanes.
You can also browse other Derry tours on Viator to round out your trip with food, music, or additional history walks.
Practical Tips for Visiting Derry
- Getting There: Derry is about 2 hours by train from Belfast, 90 minutes by car, and 3 hours from Dublin. Ulsterbus also connects major towns.
- What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket (the weather shifts quickly), and a bit of cash for cafés.
- Solo Travel Safety: I felt safe exploring Derry solo. Like anywhere, stick to well-lit areas at night and trust your instincts.
- Emotional Preparedness: The Bogside tour and museum can be heavy—give yourself space afterward.
Where to Stay in Derry
Even if you’re only planning one day, staying overnight gives you more time to absorb the city. Here are a few good picks. I thought I was going to stay in Derry before I made solid plans and these were the two choices I loved. :
- Bishop’s Gate Hotel – Boutique luxury inside the city walls.
- Maldron Hotel Derry – Mid-range with central location.
Final Reflections
My day in Derry wasn’t about ticking off attractions. It was about listening—listening to John share his brother’s story, listening to the echoes of history in the Museum of Free Derry, and listening to the city itself as it tells a story of resilience and reconciliation.
If you only have one day in Northern Ireland beyond Belfast or the Causeway Coast, make it Derry. Walk the Bogside, cross the Peace Bridge, see the murals, and give this city the time it deserves.
👉 Click here to book the Bloody Sunday Walking Tour and experience Derry’s history firsthand.
Planning a Longer Trip?
If you’re exploring Northern Ireland, Derry pairs perfectly with a week in Donegal. Rugged coastlines, cliff walks, and quiet villages are only an hour’s drive away.
👉 Read my 7-Day Donegal Itinerary for inspiration and ideas on how to extend your trip beyond Derry, or maybe you want to hike in Northern Ireland?
