The Derry Walls encircle the city centre in a circuit about 1.5 kilometres long. They also tell the story of a specific founding: The Honourable the Irish Society had the fortifications built between 1613 and 1618 to protect English and Scottish settlers. Today, the walls are open to the public and free to visit. Construction work may occasionally restrict access, so check access information before your visit.
Literature and architectural history
Seamus Heaney HomePlace is an arts and literature centre in Bellaghy, Co Derry, dedicated to the poet’s life and work. The interactive exhibition spans two floors and brings together personal stories and photographs with Heaney’s voice, as well as a reconstruction of his Dublin study. Biographical insights and a specific place of work are thus presented side by side. The year-round programme includes readings, concerts, events and workshops; individual dates vary. If you want to attend a specific programme item, check the event dates in advance.
Another perspective on history can be found at Mussenden Temple, a striking landmark on the edge of the cliffs at Downhill Demesne. The Earl Bishop had the temple built around 1783; it was designed by Michael Shanahan, whose design was based on the Temple of Vesta in Italy. The building originally served as a library for the Earl Bishop. Downhill House is now a ruin and was built around 1780 to designs by Michael Shanahan, the Earl Bishop’s architect. The similar dates therefore refer to two different buildings.
Cliffs, beach and protected landscape
The Binevenagh AONB stretches between the Roe Estuary and Magilligan. Its cliffs form a striking contrast with the wide expanse of Magilligan Strand. The beach is about eight kilometres long, extending from Downhill to the narrows of Lough Foyle. The designation of the Binevenagh SAC is based on geological and geomorphological features. These have contributed in part to distinctive cliff vegetation, species-rich grasslands, and rare plants, mosses and fungi.
Trails and activities
Ness Country Park includes Ness Wood, Ervey Wood and Donaghy's Farm. More than five kilometres of trails pass through its woodlands and across the meadow by the main visitor centre. Maintenance work or weather may temporarily affect the trails. From Benone Strand, you can extend a beach walk east to Downhill Beach or west to Magilligan Point. As beach access may vary depending on conditions, check the situation before setting out.
For cyclists, the Ancient Sights of Ulster Cycle Route connects Toome and Coleraine in County Londonderry. The route is more than 40 miles long, runs mostly on roads, and passes historic monuments and ancient woodlands. Check route conditions before setting off. Another way to see the city’s sights is to take to the River Foyle: stand-up paddleboarding can offer a view from the water. Whether this activity is currently available depends on providers and conditions.
A delicious discovery
In Castlerock, County Londonderry, The Chocolate Manor offers scheduled and private workshops where you can make your own chocolate treats. Check dates and booking arrangements in advance. The wider context is also useful when planning a longer route: Derry~Londonderry is a cosmopolitan gateway between the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route.
Discover more destinations: Londonderry, Eglinton, Dungannon, Belfast, Limavady, Armagh, Tyrone, Lisburn.
For the main travel overview: Northern Ireland.
