The best things to do in Derry~Londonderry and County Donegal

Northern Ireland's second city and Ireland's northern-most county sit rather snug together in the corner of the island of Ireland. But many are yet to discover the two make a fantastic combination for a twin break. Blending thought-provoking history, striking landmarks and an incredible natural world, Derry~Londonderry and County Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula offer everything you could wish for in a short, action-packed getaway.

Here, Wanderlust Digital Editor Jessica Reid picks out her top activities from her summer adventure to this northern pocket of the Emerald Isle.

8 best things to do in Derry~Londonderry and County Donegal 

Calling itself the 'Walled City', there's no doubt Derry~Londonderry's star attraction is its spectacular City Walls, and walking around them just has to be one of the first activities to tick off your list.

Dating back to the early 1600s, the walls were built under the reign of King James I to protect English and Scottish settlers from Irish rebels. Forming a complete circle, the fortification is 1.5 km in length and ranges from 12 to 35 ft in width (making it wider than the Great Wall of China), as well as boasting the biggest cannon collection in Europe.

You can access the walls at several points around the city, but a guided tour from a friendly and knowledgeable local is highly recommended to understand the backstory of not just these fantastic walls, but to piece together the history of the entire city. You'll get to learn more about Derry~Londonderry's historic buildings, including the towering 17th-century St Columb's Cathedral and the dazzling Guildhall, and hear the poignant stories of Bloody Sunday, the Apprentice Boys of Derry and the famous murals in the Bogside. 

Tours start at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm with the meeting point outside the entrance to the Foyleside Shopping Centre. 

With heritage at its heart, various museums dotted around the Derry~Londonderry can help you understand different areas of the city’s complex past.

The Tower Museum, located in Union Hall Place, has an impressive exterior which replicates a medieval tower. Inside is two permanent exhibitions. One guides you through the history of the 16^th century Spanish Armarda and the ship wreck discovered off County Donegal’s coast. The other tells entire Story of Derry, from the earliest human inhabitants, right through its complicated history and ending with Derry~Londonderry in the present day.  

The Siege Museum and the Museum of Free Derry are two more museums worth visiting in the city, both shining a light on very different areas of Derry~Londonderry’s past with the help of interesting artefacts and interactive displays.

Over in County Donegal, Doagh Famine Village will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into the past. With white walls and crimson doors, the charming, traditional Irish cottages here were inhabited less than 50 years ago, and inside you’ll get an insight of what life was like living in this rural community with little connection to the outside world.

And finally, a visit to Wild Ireland will allow you to learn about the animals which were once native in Ireland thousands of years ago. Wolves, bears and lynx are among the species that once roamed the rainforest-covered environment, which has diminished over the centuries. At this wildlife sanctuary sitting in a pocket of woodland, you’ll get to see these gorgeous animals up close and learn the importance of conservation.

Derry~Londonderry has gained greater attention since 2018 when the Channel 4 sitcom Derry Girls hit our screens. Fans of Erin and the gang can explore the city in search of the series’ most popular filming locations, including Dennis’ Wee Shop, St Augustine’s Church (also known as ‘The wee Church on the Walls) and Pump Street. If you’d prefer to be guided, there’s an option of Derry Girls Walking Tours to choose from to you help you navigate the city. Of course, you cant' miss the giant Derry Girls mural featuring the five main characters, brightening up the wall of Badger’s Bar and Restaurant.  

For the full Derry Girls experience, head to the Everglades hotel on the Waterside of the city where you can tuck into an afternoon cream tea themed around the show. As well as usual favourites (jam and cream scones and Victoria sponge cakes) expect to be presented with cheese and onion crisp sarnies, sausage roll baps, cream horns and a paper cone of thick-cut chips, giving it that Derry Girls twist!

If the Derry Girls afternoon tea has whet your appetite, you couldn’t be in a better place to indulge in some local cuisine.

Derry~Londonderry has lucked out with some delicious eateries. For a lunch time snack, head to the Dickensian-style Craft Village hidden in the centre of town and tuck into street food from Soda & Starch followed by an hour or two browsing the charming artisan shops.

Dinner at Browns in Town is a must for casual dining and mouth-watering meals. On their winter menu, we suggest the local seafood chowder starter followed by a succulent rump steak main and a white chocolate blondie for desert. Alternatively, cross the Peace Bridge and visit the Walled City Brewery for their award-winning craft beer and flavourful meals. 

Finish the day with a pint at the liveliest joint in town. Peadar O’ Donnell’s hosts trad music sessions every night from 10pm, so grab a barstool, mingle with the locals and tap your foot along to the soul-stirring violin, guitar and folk song.

Although Derry-Londonderry is small and compact, it had the bustling energy of a larger city. For a chance to slow it down and see its more natural side, join a stand-up paddle boarding tour on the River Foyle. An expert guide from Far and Wild will provide you with the gear you need and show you how to use the paddle board, before you set out onto the water.

Once floating along the river, you’ll pass underneath two bridges in Derry~Londonderry’s: The Craigavon and the Peace Bridge. The SUP guides have a wealth of knowledge about the city and will be and be happy to chat about Derry~Londonderry’s history as you glide past the city's landscape, pointing out landmarks and telling stories from the past and present day. 

Once at the Peace Bridge, you'll have the perfect opportunity to take an insta-worthy snap with the city as a backdrop. To make this activity even more special, ask to go on an evening tour where you'll see the city lights sparkle as the day turns to dusk. 

Just a 15-minute drive from Derry~Londonderry across the border in neighbouring County Donegal, is a peaceful, natural world away from the crowds.

Spend half a day walking, or even better, cycling, around Inch Wildfowl Reserve. Here, an 8km flat and circular route fringed with wildflowers allows you to pedal through sheltered woodland, and then across a vast, open wetland brimming with birdlife. Bring a pair of binoculars and stop off at one of the various bird-watching boxes to take a closer look at the various feathered species. Winter brings thousands of greylag geese and hundreds of whopper swans, while summer is equally as lively with sandwich terns and black headed gulls, to name a few. In the warmer months, don't be surprised if you keep having to stop to inspect the colourful flowers, butterflies and bees. 

Once you’ve finished here, an extra 10-minute drive on country roads and up a 244-metre hill will lead you to Grianan of Aileach. At this historic hilltop fortress, you’ll feel as if you’re on top of the world, with sweeping 360-degree views across the luscious Irish countryside, including the wildfowl reserve you were just exploring.

Not much can beat the feeling of standing on the top of Donegal’s hills looking out across Ireland’s arguably most scenic coast. But what can improve it? Being accompanied by a funny, furry, four-legged companion.

At the Wild Alpaca Way, join a guided group walk where you will be given your very own alpaca for an hour-long, laughter-filled trudge up and down Donegal's rolling green hills. Once you reach the top of these mounds, get ready to gasp with glee as the stunning ocean vista reveals itself. While cuddling up to your alpaca, gaze out across the white sands of Five Finger Strand and watch the waves lap up against the dunes. There’s plenty of photo opportunities, so you won’t ever forget this highly-entertaining ramble.

Those keen to keep walking are spoilt for choice on the Inishowen Peninsula. We suggest a visit to Malin Head, Ireland’s northern-most point, for more blustery and beautiful coastal hikes, or perhaps take a more sheltered stroll through woodlands to the picturesque Glenevin Waterfall in Clonmany. 

After exploring Donegal’s coastline in a car, on a bike, and on foot, it’s time to see it from a different perspective – out on the Atlantic Ocean's waves.

In the bustling market town of Moville, on the east coast of the Inishowen Peninsula, you can hop in a kayak and venture out onto the Foyle Estuary’s calm waters with a guide from Inish Adventures. Paddle up the coastline and admire the miniature honeycomb sand coves, bookended by jagged rocks, before stopping off at Greencastle fishing village to rest your hard-worked arms. Jump back in your seat before floating back to Moville.

If you’d prefer to see more of Donegal's coastline, join the talented skippers at Amazing Grace Yacht Charters for an afternoon of boating. Sit back, relax, and take in the spectacular green-glazed cliffs as you bounce gently over waves towards Malin Head. Stop off in a quiet bay for cheese and biscuits and a swim with a resident seal before setting sail again. Although not guaranteed, you’ll likely spot some porpoise fins emerging from the water, and even some friendly dolphins leaping alongside the boat making it a truly memorable experience. 

For more information, visit ireland.com

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