Family fun days out in Derry-Londonderry this Summer
Visiting Derry-Londonderry this Sumer? Not only is it Northern Ireland’s second city, the gateway to the north west and the Wild Atlantic Way, but it is also packed with great family attractions, so you can enjoy some truly memorable days out. If you need some inspiration, we have selected just a few of our favourites…
No visit to Derry-Londonderry would be complete without a walk around the city walls. This is the only completely walled city on the island of Ireland is renowned as one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. The walls which are approx. 1.5km in circumference form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town. Guided walking tours are available.
Doagh Famine Village on the Inishowen Peninsula provides a great variety of exhibitions telling the story of famine, fear and eviction. It has preserved the customs, traditions and history of the people of Inishowen in a permanent and respectful way. The attraction is built around and includes a series of original thatched dwelling which remained inhabited until 1983. Tour Guides will take visitors on a journey showing how communities have lived generation after generation, adapting and surviving as the environment and society changed around them.
Riverwatch Visitor Centre and Aquarium
A great day out for all ages is to be had at the visitor centre located just outside the City Centre. Admission is free and guests can watch the fish swim around the tanks and learn about local wildlife. The aquarium is home to lobster, crabs, starfish, coalfish and lots of other marines and freshwater fish. Kids will receive a free activity pack and the centre offers a range of workshops, demonstrations and educational programmes.
No day out in Derry-Londonderry is complete without a walk across the iconic Peace Bridge. Since its launch, the Peace Bridge has drastically changed who visitors and residents perceive the city and it has become a focal point for activities and festivals in the city and has provided the backdrop to major events including the Clipper Homecoming festival and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend Concerts in 2013 during the City of Culture celebrations. The Peace Bridge links the city centre for the first time with the Waterside and Ebrington Square.
Just a 40 minute drive from the city centre visitors will find the popular Ulster American Folk Park. Located between Strabane and Omagh and nestled in the heart of the Sperrins, the site allows visitors to immerse themselves in the story of Irish emigration down through the centuries. With 30 buildings and exhibits to explore including a full-scale emigrant sailing ship and replica log cabins, younger visitors will enjoy learning about the journeys their ancestors were forced to make for hundreds of years.
An hour south of Derry-Londonderry visitors can explore Seamus Heaney HomePlace celebrating the life of the poet and Nobel Laureate. HomePlace illustrates Seamus’ life and works in a series of interactive exhibitions and the centre is filled with personal stories, family photographs, video recordings and messages from leading figures and visitors will hear Seamus Heaney’s iconic voice as they take the journey throughout the centre.
Stay at the Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry this Summer with prices starting from just £45pps. For further information contact our team now on 028 7132 1066.