County Londonderry, spanning from the dramatic northern cliffs to the rolling, heather-clad Sperrin Mountains, is a captivating blend of spectacular landscapes and profound historical significance. At its heart lies the famous Walled City, affectionately known as the “Maiden City,” which boasts the only fully intact mediaeval city walls in Europe. Its storied past echoes through ancient monastic roots, the legendary Siege of 1689, and its deeply compelling modern journey, making it a powerful and fascinating destination for history lovers.
Today, the city of Derry/Londonderry stands as a remarkably vibrant cultural hub, famously celebrated as a UK City of Culture. The iconic, S-shaped Peace Bridge elegantly arcs across the River Foyle, symbolising reconciliation and beautifully connecting the city’s revitalised waterfronts. Visitors can delve into the area’s rich narrative at the Tower Museum, marvel at the stunning stained glass of the Guildhall, or wander through the powerful Bogside Murals. The energy of the city is infectious, perfectly complemented by a thriving, modern culinary scene that effortlessly marries traditional Irish flavours with innovative, Michelin-starred dining experiences.
Beyond the city walls, the county’s natural beauty unfolds in breathtaking fashion. The world-famous Causeway Coastal Route winds through the region, revealing sweeping, dramatic sea views and architectural wonders like the magnificent Mussenden Temple, perched precariously on a cliff edge. Inland, the Sperrin Mountains offer a peaceful, wild retreat with a network of scenic walking trails, while the gentle waters of the River Roe provide an idyllic setting for kayaking and paddle-boarding. Whether tracing the steps of ancient history or exploring untamed landscapes, County Londonderry delivers a deeply enriching and unforgettable Irish adventure.
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The Agivey runs from the Sperrin foothills to the Bann near Ballymoney, one of Northern Ireland's better medium-sized salmon rivers, managed by an angling association since 1973. Salmon runs begin in May and peak in late August, all under strict barbless catch-and-release. Off the water there is the 20-metre Errigal Glen gorge, a clutch of old stone bridges and the Garvagh Forest walk.
Ballygroll, londonderry
Ballygroll is an 11-acre State Care site on a peat ridge near Claudy in County Londonderry, packing a Neolithic court tomb, two stone circles, several wedge tombs and cairns, and a Late Bronze Age barrow into one place. The catch is that most of it is swallowed by heather and hard to make out, with little to guide you past the gate. Come for the archaeology and the Sperrin views, bring walking poles, and keep your expectations in check.
Limavady, londonderry
Ballykelly blends tranquil seaside walking with a rich military past. From the flat-graded Lough Foyle shoreline path to the derelict hangars of the former RAF base, the village offers history and nature in one striking corner of County Londonderry.
Limavady, londonderry
A level sea-wall walk along Lough Foyle, built 170 years ago to drain the shore for the Belfast–Derry railway. The mudflats draw waders and wildfowl to this Ramsar and RSPB site, and the wreck of a WWII aircraft surfaces at low water about 2 km south of the start. Roughly 9 km, flat, and free.
Ballyscullion, londonderry
The present Ballyscullion Park, a Lanyon-designed house of 1840, replaced the Earl-Bishop's unfinished domed palace, demolished by 1825. The Mulholland family, who bought the estate in 1938, open the three-acre walled garden and grounds by prior arrangement, usually with coffee or lunch and a history talk from Richard Mulholland. Just offshore, Church Island and the Lough Beg strand sit at the heart of Seamus Heaney's country.
Banagher, londonderry
Perched on a grassy drumlin above the Sperrin foothills, Banagher Old Church is a striking medieval ruin that blends early Christian architecture with centuries of local folklore. Visitors can walk the historic nave, explore the unique mortuary house, and discover the legends that have shaped this quiet corner of Ulster.
Portstewart, londonderry
The Bann Estuary is where Northern Ireland's longest river meets the Atlantic at the Barmouth, reached on a 3.5-mile dune trail from Portstewart Strand. A 6,000-year-old dune system, designated an ASSI, it shelters bee and pyramidal orchids and a winter bird hide for shelduck, curlew and teal.
Bellarena, londonderry
Bellarena is a small village of 341 people on the Causeway Coast in Co Londonderry, tucked under the basalt scarp of Binevenagh. The draw is the setting rather than the village itself: a free 18th-century demesne garden on the River Roe, a gliding club on the airfield, and a rail halt on the scenic Derry–Belfast line. A £30 million championship golf links is due to open nearby in 2029.
Dungiven, londonderry
Second-most northerly summit in the Sperrin range, Benbradagh crowns the landscape with remnants of a Cold-War US communications base. From its stone cairn hikers enjoy 360° panoramas of the Sperrins, Vale of Roe and distant Mourne peaks.
Benone, londonderry
Benone Strand offers seven miles of firm, golden sand backed by sweeping dunes and Binevenagh Mountain. Enjoy award-winning watersports, rare wildlife, and Northern Ireland’s first fully inclusive beach with free mobility-aid loans.
Binevenagh, londonderry
Binevenagh forms a dramatic basalt escarpment on the Causeway Coastal Route, offering rugged hill walks, historic ruins and sweeping views over Lough Foyle. The area blends active outdoor pursuits with rich archaeological heritage.
Derry (Londonderry), londonderry
The Bogside lies just outside Derry’s historic walls, serving as a living museum of civil rights, resistance, and reconciliation. Its famous People’s Gallery of murals and the preserved Free Derry Corner offer a powerful, open-air chronicle of the Troubles and the peace process, while summer festivals bring contemporary energy to the cobbled streets.
Claudy, londonderry
Sir Edward Doddington built Brackfield Bawn for the Skinners' Company soon after 1611; its square enclosure and two egg-shaped flanker towers still stand beside the A6 near Killaloo, six miles from Derry. Next door, the Woodland Trust's Brackfield Wood is Ireland's First World War Centenary Wood, its path lined with eight stone sculptures carved with Sam Burnside's verse. Entry is free; park at Oaks Wood or Red Brae and allow about an hour.
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Built in the 1820s to carry kelp and shellfish ashore, the Broharris Canal lasted barely a decade and is now a shallow ditch on the south shore of Lough Foyle. Its line forms part of the eight-kilometre Lough Foyle Trail, a flat, free walk along the sea wall past a bird hide and the wintering flocks of a Ramsar wetland.
Ness Country Park, londonderry
The Burntollet River carves a steep gorge through Ness Country Park, culminating in a 30-foot waterfall recognised as the highest in Northern Ireland. Ancient oak, ash, and beech woods shelter red squirrels and otters, while a network of trails invites walkers to explore the valley’s wild beauty and rare mosses.
Castlerock, londonderry
Set where the River Bann meets the Atlantic, Castlerock is a seaside village defined by its sweeping Blue Flag beach and the iconic Mussenden Temple perched on a basalt cliff. Visitors come for the Atlantic surf, the heritage of the Downhill Estate, and easy access to the wider Causeway Coast attractions.
Coleraine, antrim
From the thunderous basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway to the tranquil waterfalls of Glenariff, this region blends wild Atlantic sea-scapes with deep, forested glens and lively seaside resorts. Follow the 120-mile Causeway Coastal Route to experience world-class geology, centuries of Irish history and some of the island’s best coastal walks.
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Claudy sits where the River Glenrandal meets the River Faughan, with a memorial to the nine people killed in the 1972 car bombing on its Main Street. It works best as a base for the Faughan Valley woodlands, including Ness Country Park and the highest waterfall in Northern Ireland.
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Saint Patrick’s legendary gift of a fern-covered plot gave Coleraine its Irish name, Cúil Rathain, long before its market charter. From the 7,000 BC Mountsandel Fort to the bustling Diamond and modern university campus, the town bridges deep archaeological roots with contemporary coastal life.
Derry, londonderry
A striking steel spine crosses the River Foyle in Derry, carrying traffic on two levels and pedestrians along wide footways. The bridge preserves its railway past through station murals and remains a historic crossing point between the Cityside and Waterside.
Derry, londonderry
Creggan Country Park is a 100-acre, community-run outdoor centre five minutes from Derry city centre, built around three freshwater lakes with woodland and meadow. The grounds are free to walk; the draw is the watersports, from kayaking and raft-building to aqua-zorbing and a put-and-take trout fishery, mostly seasonal and booked ahead.
Limavady, londonderry
Crindle Stables is a family-run riding school and competition yard near Limavady, on the Causeway Coastal Route below Binevenagh. The standout is the guided beach ride along Benone and Downhill strands, with Mussenden Temple on the skyline. Lessons, toddler and autism-friendly sessions run alongside, but everything is by appointment, so book ahead.
Derry, londonderry
Completed in 1618, the Derry City Walls form a continuous 1.5km promenade around the historic core of the city. This remarkably preserved fortification offers free access to sweeping views of the River Foyle, the Bogside, and St Columb's Cathedral, alongside interpretive signage detailing the sieges of 1689 and the city's complex history.
Northern Ireland, londonderry
Derry’s 17th-century walls have never been breached – a free, mile-long rampart walk open day and night above the River Foyle. Below them, the twelve Bogside murals and the Museum of Free Derry cover the civil-rights years, while the Peace Bridge curves across to Ebrington Square. Come for the walls; stay for the May jazz festival or the Halloween carnival.
Mussenden Road, londonderry
Downhill Beach stretches 11 km of golden sand beneath the iconic Mussenden Temple, offering award-winning water quality, dramatic dunes and sweeping Atlantic views. From surfing and horse-riding to bird-watching and Game of Thrones backdrops, it’s a playground for families and adventure-seekers alike.
Dungiven, londonderry
At the foot of Benbradagh, Dungiven blends Gaelic heritage with outdoor adventure. Walk the heritage trail to the 12th-century Augustinian priory, explore the O’Cahan tomb, and use the town as a base for Sperrin hiking, forest walks and riverside trails.
Derry, londonderry
Set on the east bank of the River Foyle, Ebrington Square transforms a former military fort into a bustling public realm. Visitors can wander beneath the Peace Bridge, admire contemporary installations and historic walls, and savour local food and drink beside the water.
Killaloo, londonderry
Tucked into the northern slopes of the Burntollet Glen, Ervey Wood offers a quiet escape into native Irish woodland. Follow the 3 km riverside trail past ancient oaks and interpretive panels, with opportunities to spot red squirrels and seasonal wildflowers.
Derry/Londonderry, londonderry
A single free-standing gable wall in Derry's Bogside, painted in January 1969 with the words 'You are now entering Free Derry', marks the self-declared nationalist area that held out until 1972. It anchors the People's Gallery murals and stands a short walk from the Museum of Free Derry.
Garvagh, londonderry
Discover Garvagh, a planned 17th-century village on the River Agivey. Visit the largest private rural folk museum in Ireland, walk through bluebell-carpeted forest trails, and trace the area’s rich heritage from Neolithic times to the modern era.
Glenullin, londonderry
A quiet drumlin valley just north-west of Derry where early Christian ruins, a protected raised bog and a tranquil lough sit side by side. Walk the river paths, step among ancient inauguration stones, and feel the rhythm of a close-knit rural community.
Derry, londonderry
Built in 1890 and rebuilt with its Big Ben-modelled clock tower in 1912, the Guildhall holds a collection of stained-glass windows gifted by London trade guilds and a 3,132-pipe organ by Sir Walter Parratt. Entry is free; guided tours are £3. The square outside hosts Derry Halloween, the jazz festival and the Spring Carnival.
Castlerock, londonderry
Hezlett House offers a rare glimpse into 17th-century Irish vernacular architecture with its original cruck-frame timber roof and thatched exterior. Managed by the National Trust, the cottage blends mid-Victorian domestic life with structural history, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Causeway Coast.
Killaloo, londonderry
Killaloo is a compact rural settlement where 17th-century stone ruins meet tranquil managed woodlands. Just six miles from Derry, it offers a quiet base for exploring County Londonderry’s drumlin landscape, historic farmsteads, and scenic walking routes.
Limavady, londonderry
Limavady is a market town of about 11,300 people on the River Roe, laid out on a cruciform plan in 1610 and overlooked by the basalt cliffs of Binevenagh. It gave the world the tune of 'Londonderry Air', and its 18th-century distillery, closed in 1915, was revived as a whiskey brand in 2021 with a new facility due to open near Magilligan in late 2026.
Northern Ireland, londonderry
Blasting the Downhill tunnels in 1846 took 3,600 lb of gunpowder and drew a crowd of up to 12,000, and the company celebrated with a banquet for 500 inside the tunnel. Ordinary NI Railways trains now run the line hourly, skirting Lough Foyle and Benone Strand and passing directly beneath Mussenden Temple.
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St Lurach’s Old Church stands as a testament to Maghera’s early monastic past, while the town’s heritage centre brings local linen and agricultural history to life. A welcoming base for exploring the Glenshane Pass and the Sperrin Mountains.
Northern Ireland, londonderry
Step into Magherafelt’s compact diamond centre, where the refurbished Bridewell courthouse now hosts the town library and visitor information. Just minutes from the Sperrin foothills and Lough Neagh, this Mid-Ulster hub offers guided Seamus Heaney tours, family-friendly parks, and a welcoming pub scene.
Sperrin Mountains, londonderry
Rising to 625 m in the heart of the Sperrin Mountains, Meenard Mountain offers a rugged, pathless ascent through abandoned hamlets and heather-clad slopes. The reward is a quiet peat-capped summit with sweeping views over Lough Neagh, the Mournes and Lough Foyle.
Moneymore, londonderry
Conyngham family’s 17th-century plantation plan still shapes Moneymore’s tidy streets, a legacy of the Drapers’ Company’s orderly settlement. Springhill House, now a National Trust treasure, displays an impressive costume collection and offers three garden walks that sweep toward the Sperrin Mountains.
Coleraine, londonderry
Situated just south of Coleraine, Mount Sandel preserves the stone-lined foundations of Ireland's oldest known settlement, dating back to 7,900 BC. Visitors can explore the Mesolithic site and a later Norman motte within the tranquil, dog-friendly paths of Mountsandel Forest.
Castlerock, londonderry
Perched on a 120-foot limestone cliff, Mussenden Temple offers striking sea views and a poignant 18th-century story. Just steps away, the Mussenden Championship Course winds through towering dunes and the River Bann, delivering a classic links challenge with uninterrupted Atlantic vistas.
Myroe, londonderry
Set on reclaimed marshland beside Lough Foyle, Myroe is a peaceful farming hamlet in County Londonderry. Visitors can explore the well-preserved 19th-century Presbyterian church, wander the wildlife-rich Myroe Levels or follow the flat Lough Foyle Trail for scenic coastal views.
Killaloo, londonderry
Ness Country Park offers a dramatic 30-foot waterfall, miles of waymarked trails and the ancient, moss-rich Ervey Wood. With free parking, wheelchair-friendly routes and abundant wildlife, it’s a perfect day-out for families and nature lovers alike.
Limavady, londonderry
Roaring waters carve a steep gorge around O’Cahan’s Rock, an 80-ft limestone outcrop that dominates the Roe Valley Country Park. Step onto the viewing platform to hear the river’s thunder and trace the footsteps of the medieval O’Cahan clan, whose legends of a leaping wolfhound and a daring horseman still echo through the oak-lined woods.
Queens Quay, londonderry
Derry~Londonderry’s most recognisable modern landmark stretches 235 metres across the River Foyle, linking the historic walled city with the revitalised Ebrington Square. Its asymmetrical arches glow with dynamic lighting at night, framing panoramic city views and offering a free, accessible crossing steeped in the spirit of reconciliation.
Portstewart, londonderry
Portstewart blends a sweeping two-mile blue-flag beach with a historic crescent promenade, a celebrated 54-hole golf complex and a striking modernist town hall. Atlantic scenery, coastal walks and local maritime lore make it a standout seaside destination.
Limavady, londonderry
The RAF Limavady trainer dome near Aghanloo is the only surviving example of its kind on the island of Ireland, one of just six ever built across the UK. A concrete-and-steel structure from 1942, it trained anti-aircraft gunners with projected images of enemy aircraft. A £1 million National Lottery Heritage Fund investment is restoring it to open as a 360-degree immersive heritage venue in autumn 2026.
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Rising on the slopes of Sawel, the River Faughan carves a steep, wooded valley before meeting Lough Foyle. The adjacent Faughan Valley Woodlands offer 35 km of free, daily trails through ancient oak, wildlife habitats and whimsical wicker sculptures, making it a top spot for anglers, walkers and nature lovers.
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Rising in the Sperrin Mountains and winding through Limavady to Lough Foyle, the River Roe offers a peaceful escape with firm riverside walks, a historic linen mill museum, and one of Ireland’s few dedicated disabled-angler’s jetties.
Aghanloo, londonderry
Roe Estuary Nature Reserve sits on Lough Foyle at the mouth of the River Roe, 6km north of Limavady. Its mud-flats, salt-marsh and eel-grass draw thousands of wintering waders, and the high-tide view from the car park is the safe way to watch them.
Limavady, londonderry
Roe Valley Country Park stretches along three kilometres of the River Roe, offering dramatic gorges, woodland trails and the restored water-wheel of 19th-century linen mills. The nearby Carrick Mills car park gives instant access to riverside walks, picnic spots and a glimpse of the valley’s industrial heritage.
Park, londonderry
Rising to 678m on the Derry–Tyrone border, Sawel Mountain offers a rugged, unmarked ascent through ancient heathland to a trig point with sweeping views across the Sperrins. The summit also marks the site of a 1944 Royal Navy plane crash, adding a layer of solemn history to the landscape.
Bellaghy, londonderry
Housed in a repurposed former barracks, Seamus Heaney HomePlace guides visitors through the poet’s life and work using his own voice, original artefacts and immersive displays. Beyond the exhibition, the self-guided Open Ground trail leads you to the lakes, rivers and bogs that shaped his verse.
Slieve Gallion, londonderry
Slieve Gallion stands at 528 metres as a striking volcanic plug on the eastern edge of the Sperrin Mountains. Its steep, bog-clad slopes give way to a flat summit plateau where a telecommunications mast and trig point mark the highest point. Walkers come for the unbroken views across Lough Neagh and the Mourne Mountains, while nature lovers appreciate the quiet blanket bogs and ancient woodland that shape this highland sanctuary.
Northern Ireland, tyrone
The Sperrins run 64 km from Strabane to Lough Neagh, the largest mountain range in Ireland and its quietest. Sawel tops out at 678m, more than 90 Bronze Age stone circles dot the bog, and the OM Observatory at Davagh Forest sits under Northern Ireland's first Dark Sky Park.
Moneymore, londonderry
Springhill House offers a rare glimpse into Ulster’s Plantation past, with restored 17th-century interiors, a library of 3,000 volumes, and Northern Ireland’s largest costume collection. Step outside to wander ancient beech avenues or follow the River Blackwater on the famous Snowdrop Walk, where hundreds of bulb varieties bloom each late winter.
Derry~Londonderry, londonderry
Rising above London Street in Derry’s walled city, St Columb’s Cathedral has stood as a spiritual and architectural landmark since 1633. Step inside to see Ireland’s oldest surviving bell peal, original city keys, and stained glass that tells centuries of local history.
Derry, londonderry
St Columb’s Park offers a peaceful escape on the banks of the River Foyle, blending centuries of history with modern leisure facilities. Wander past the ruins of St Brecan’s Church, explore the restored Georgian manor, or enjoy a brisk walk across the Peace Bridge.
Swatragh, londonderry
Swatragh is a quiet Mid Ulster village where the past is powerfully present. Home to Gorta – Swatragh’s Famine Story, the village preserves the legacy of Dr Mooney’s 19th-century soup kitchen, while nearby Carntogher Mountain offers the emotional Emigrant’s Walk and ancient Neolithic court tombs await quiet exploration.
The Cutts, londonderry
Carved through rock in the 1660s to tame the Lower Bann’s rapids, The Cutts lock and weir now frame a stunning stretch of river. Join the historic M.V. Kingfisher for tea and cake on a two-hour cruise, or wander the banks to spot kingfishers and herons.
Derry, londonderry
Explore Derry’s layered history without leaving the city walls. The Tower Museum packs permanent collections, pop-culture exhibits, and a rooftop terrace with River Foyle views into a compact, award-winning five-storey building.
Belfast, antrim
Conceived in 1946 and officially restored in 2009, the Ulster Way stitches together dramatic coastlines, ancient peaks and historic towns across six counties. Walkers can tackle the entire loop or explore individual stages, all clearly signposted with distinctive yellow markers.
