Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Sorry! We don't have any recommendations for Derry right now.
If there’s one thing about Derry, it certainly knows how to throw a good party. A maelstrom of creative energy was released by the city’s role in 2013 as the U.K. City of Culture, and through that cultural transformation the city strengthened its musical mojo. Long celebrated as a place of music, Derry has always expressed its soul in words and songs. Phil Coulter, its most famous musical son, wrote "Ireland’s Call," the politically neutral anthem played at Irish rugby, cricket, and hockey internationals, and composed a new song, "Bright, Brand New Day," to celebrate the cultural year. Other famed musical offspring of the city include Feargal Sharkey and his band the Undertones, and Nadine Coyle from Girls Aloud.
Music festivals take pride of place in the annual calendar of events. During the City of Derry Big Band Jazz Festival in May, it’s a case of boogie all over town: R&B, swing, jive, soul, and blues singers, as well as tribute acts, take over bars, cafés, hotels, restaurants, and community centers. Music also tops the bill at the Foyle Folk Festival, the Walled City Music Festival, and the Maiden City Festival. Literature, drama, and film are all given prominence throughout the year. During the last week of July the Foyle Maritime Festival features keynote events, live performances, food trails and visiting ships (www.foylemaritime.com). For one week in mid-August the Foyle Pride Festival celebrates diversity and equality hosting a wide range of cultural activities including films, plays, storytelling, and lectures. Organizers create a Pink Mile of bars and cafés recommended as fun spaces for Pride regulars and visitors. On October 31, the Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival morphs into what the tourism bureau calls "the largest street party in Ireland." As part of the Halloween season, the Legenderry Food Trail has been established embracing in cafés, restaurants and bars on both sides of the River Foyle with chefs inviting visitors to sample a range of bespoke dishes (www.derryhalloween.com/food). The city has also reinvented itself with cultural centers and new galleries sprouting up—excellent places for visual snacking.
This catchall venue hosts everything from boy bands and comedians to plays, musicals, tattoo conventions, and even weddings (invitations required). The Arbutus at the Forum restaurant on the ground floor offers discounts on show nights and snacks during the day from noon.
With its impressive auditorium and workshop spaces, the Playhouse stages traditional and contemporary plays and holds concerts.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
