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    Posted 18.8.26

    Derry Girls Tour

    12 Things Every Derry Girls Fan Should See and Do in Derry

    Fallen hard for the slice of 90's nostalgia comedy gold that is Derry Girls? You’re not alone on that front.

    The Channel 4 comedy went on to become a worldwide hit, finding an even bigger international audience on Netflix. Across three series and a final special, Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle and the “wee English fella” James turned Derry into a must-visit destination for fans of the show.

    Today, a Derry Girls tour is one of the most entertaining ways to explore the Walled City. From the famous mural to recognisable filming spots, museums and places linked to memorable scenes, there are plenty of Derry Girls locations to visit on a city break. 

    1. Derry Girls Exhibition at Tower Museum

    The Derry Girls Exhibition at the Tower Museum is a must for fans. The exhibition features original costumes, props and memorabilia from the series, including Erin’s diary and the famous Spice Girls outfits. You can step inside the recreated Quinn family home, sit in Sister Michael’s chair and explore the recently unveiled recreation of Erin’s bedroom. The experience is currently scheduled to run until December 31, 2026.

     

    2. Derry Girls Mural

    If you’re on the hunt for the perfect photo op, then your first plan of action upon setting foot in Derry should be snagging your very own selfie with the Derry Girls themselves at their mural on the gable wall of Badger’s Bar. Located right in the heart of the city and created by local artists UV Arts, the Derry Girls Mural features Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle and James and remains one of the city’s most popular photo stops.

    It also makes an easy first stop if you’re setting off on your own Derry Girls tour, particularly if you’re staying nearby at Maldron Hotel Derry inside the historic City Walls.

     

    3. Bogside District

    If you’re looking for an illustrated guide to the Troubles in Northern Ireland, then we highly recommend a walking tour of the Bogside Murals.  Key events in Derry’s politically-charged history are commemorated with these powerful images, including the Battle of the Bogside, the 1981 hunger strikes and more. We recommend getting a tour guide who’ll help you interpret the murals and talk you through the history of the Troubles. The Museum of Free Derry is also located smack bang in the middle of Bogside. For a moving overview of the “Bloody Sunday” incident in 1972, a fateful day in Derry’s history, this is well worth a visit.

     

    4. City Walls

    No trip to Derry is complete without walking the historic City Walls.

    Built between 1613 and 1618, Derry’s Walls remain completely intact and form a walkway of roughly 1.5km around the historic centre. From the ramparts, you’ll get excellent views towards the Bogside, Guildhall and surrounding city.

    Not only is Derry the only remaining walled city in Ireland, it’s also the last walled city to have been built in Europe, full stop. They’re remarkably well preserved and hold the largest collection of cannons on the continent. We recommend taking a guided tour to get the most out of your visit. 

     

    5. Joe Jackson’s 

    If you’re anything like Grandpa Joe, you might have a hankering for cream horn (a heavenly concoction of puff pastry and whipped cream filling) while you’re traipsing around the town. Luckily, you can grab one at Joe Jackson’s ice cream shop on Ferryquay Street.

     

    6. Long Tower Church

    High on our list of Derry-Girls-themed landmarks is Long Tower Church, where Toto the dog was resurrected under highly suspicious circumstances. A brisk 10-minute walk from Bogside, this church is the oldest Catholic place of worship in Derry. If, like Sister Michael, you love a good statue, then look no further. 

     

    7. Dennis’s Wee Shop

    You won’t want to miss snapping a photo or two in front of Dennis’s Wee Shop, a regular haunt for the show’s main characters. If the cream horn earlier wasn’t enough of a sugar fix for you, you can find all of your favourite retro confectionery here. 

     

    8. Guildhall Square

    The striking neo-Gothic Guildhall has been the site of many key cultural and historical events in Derry and is well worth taking the time to visit. A notable moment for the Guildhall was undoubtedly Bill Clinton’s visit in 1995, which provided the setting for the season two finale of Derry Girls.

    If you’re trying to fit the main sights into a short break, our 24 Hours in Derry itinerary will help you make the most of your time.

     

    9. The River Foyle and the Peace Bridge

    For a reminder of how far Derry has come since the mid-1990's, all you have to do is take a walk across the river Foyle. The river cuts the city of Derry in two and has historically acted as a physical boundary between its Nationalist and Unionist communities. Built in 2011, the Peace Bridge runs across the river and stands as a moving symbol of togetherness and hope in this long-divided city. It’s also the easiest way to make your way across to Ebrington Square on foot. 

     

    10. The Walled City Brewery

    The Walled City Brewery is a great spot to check out if you’re keen to mingle with some locals and experience the unique Northern Irish sense of humour and hospitality first hand.  Be sure to sip on Derry-Girls-themed beers, including the Sister Michael (a dark and decadent coconut stout) and the Wee English Fella (a pale ale with notes of strawberry). 

     

    11. Fiorentini’s

    Who doesn’t love fish and chips? No one does it quite like the Irish, and Fiorentini’s is as close to Fionnula’s chip shop as you’re going to get in Derry. This is the kind of fried food that is perfect after a night out in the Walled City Brewery. 

     

    12. Binevenagh Mountain Walk

    If you have an extra day to spare in Derry, why not spend it hiking Binevenagh, one of the most scenic spots in Northern Ireland? We took inspiration for this particular recommendation from the opening episode of season two, which saw the girls from Our Lady Immaculate convent school taking part in an outdoorsy weekend with a group of boys from a nearby Protestant school. Located 45 minutes outside of the city, Binevenagh is an approximately four-mile walk and the route includes beautiful views of Lough Foyle and (on a clear day) the Scottish coast. Our complete guide to the best things to do in Derry will help you explore the city’s rich past and dynamic present. 

     

     

    Guided Derry Girls Tour

    Of course, exploring Derry on your own means you can go at your own pace and pick and choose the attractions that pique your interest the most. As the city centre is quite compact, it’s easy to get around by foot. A great way to see the city is to plan your can’t-miss attractions first and then work your way backward, filling in nearby museums, eateries and sights to see in between.

    If you’d rather have a local guide show you around, a Derry Girls walking tour is still available in 2026, with screen tours taking visitors to locations including the Guildhall, Long Tower Church, Pump Street and the famous mural.

    Either way, whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re returning for another fun break, there are plenty of Derry-Girls-inspired ways to see this cultural city and make it a break you’ll never forget. Enjoy!

     

    Derry Girls

    If you’re left wondering what all the fuss is about, then in the words of Ma Mary "catch yourself on." 

    Written by Derry native Lisa McGee, Derry Girls follows Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle and James as they navigate teenage life against the backdrop of the Troubles and peace process.

    There are many reasons to watch the show and just as many reasons to visit Derry. If you’re looking for free things to do in Derry, our detailed guide has plenty more attractions to explore. And if you fancy yourself a foodie, check out our guide on Derry food trails for some tasty inspiration.

    How to Reach Derry

    Derry is well connected by road and public transport from elsewhere in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. If you’re driving from Dublin, allow roughly three hours depending on traffic and your route.

    Rail services connect Derry with Belfast, while onward public transport connections are available for travellers arriving through Belfast or Dublin.

    For visitors travelling from the UK, City of Derry Airport operates direct routes, including London Heathrow, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Flight schedules are seasonal and subject to change, so always check the latest timetable before travelling.

     

    Where to Stay in Derry

    Located inside the historic Derry City Walls, Maldron Hotel Derry makes an ideal base for a Derry Girls-inspired city break for group of friends.

    Our hotel is just moments from many of the city’s main attractions, including the Walls, Guildhall, Bogside, Museum of Free Derry and Tower Museum. Its central location means you can reach many of the stops in this guide on foot, which is useful if you’re planning a full day of sightseeing.

    After exploring, you can relax in one of our hotel’s bright and spacious bedrooms, enjoy lunch or dinner in Grain & Grill, or stop for food, drinks and music in the Lyric Bar. Some rooms also offer views towards the historic Walls and surrounding city.

    Derry’s rich history, famous landmarks, food scene and lively cultural calendar make it an ideal spot for a quick city break. It also makes the perfect urban addition to a trip exploring the Causeway Coast, Donegal and the wider north-west.

    FAQs: Derry Girls Tour

    Yes, guided Derry Girls screen and walking tours operate in Derry and visit several locations associated with the series.

    There isn’t a standalone Derry Girls museum, but the Tower Museum is home to the official Derry Girls Experience featuring costumes, props and sets from the show.

    Yes, the famous Derry Girls Mural is on the side of Badger’s Bar and Restaurant on Orchard Street in central Derry.

    Derry Girls follows the characters through the 1990s, with the final special set around the 1998 Good Friday Agreement referendum.
     

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