10 Free Things to Do in Derry
Derry is packed with history, culture and outdoor spaces that you can enjoy without spending a penny. From walking the famous Derry City Walls and crossing the Peace Bridge to exploring the Bogside murals and visiting the Derry Girls Mural, there are plenty of free things to do in Derry for couples, group of friends and solo travellers.
Many of Derry’s best-known attractions are in or close to the city centre, making it easy to explore several highlights in one day on foot. If you have more time, you can also venture slightly further afield to enjoy green spaces such as Brooke Park, St Columb’s Park and Ness Country Park.
1. Walk the Derry City Walls
- Around 0.3km from Derry city centre
Derry is the only remaining walled city in Ireland, and one of the finest examples of walled cities across Europe. The Derry City Walls are literally a stone’s throw away from Maldron Hotel Derry and were built between 1613-1618, to defend the city against early 17th century settlers.
The Walls are roughly 1.5km in circumference and contain restored cannons, watchtowers, gates and battlements. The walls form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day.
2. Visit the Guildhall
- Around 0.3km from Derry city centre
The Guildhall is undoubtedly the most recognisable building in Derry and arguably one of the city’s most stunning landmarks. The Guildhall has stood at the heart of the city since 1887, a 3-minute walk from Maldron Hotel Derry.
It truly is a must-see for all visitors to Derry. The Guildhall has stunning and distinctive features including bespoke stained-glass windows, a unique staircase and a beautiful main hall organ leaving visitors intrigued by this fascinating building.
General admission to the Guildhall is free, making it an easy addition to a day exploring Derry city centre.
3. Explore the Bogside
- Around 0.7km from Derry city centre
The Bogside is a neighbourhood just outside of the city walls and is home to the popular tourist attractions, including the Free Derry Corner and Bogside Artists. This area was a focal point for many significant events during the Troubles, including the Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday.
The Free Derry Corner was first painted in January 1969 and features now-famous “You are now entering Free Derry” statement. On the corner, there is a memorial to the 1981 hunger strikers and several murals. There is also a memorial to those who died engaging in paramilitary activity as part of the Provisional IRA’s Derry Brigade.
Another iconic attraction of Bogside is the collection of Bogside Artists Murals. The Bogside Artists consisted of Will Kelly, Tom Kelly, and Kevin Hasson, with the group creating ‘The People’s Gallery’, a series of 12 large murals along one street in The Bogside.
4. St Columb’s Cathedral
- Around 0.5km from Derry city centre
St Columb’s Cathedral is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in Derry dating back to 1633. It was the first Cathedral built after the Reformation and contains displays of artefacts from the Siege. The cathedral dominates the Derry skyline, standing at an impressive 221 feet.
The current tower and main building are of the original building, with the spire being added in 1821, the Chancel in 1887 and the Chapter House in 1910. The cathedral has many fine stained-glass windows and was built of stone from local quarries.
5. Walk across Peace Bridge
- Around 0.5km from Derry city centre
Just a short 8-minute walk away from Maldron Hotel Derry lies the stunning Peace Bridge. The bridge was built in 2011, spanning across the River Foyle, connecting Ebrington Square with the rest of the city centre.
The now iconic bridge is valued highly by locals and visitors alike for its stunning physical beauty and in equal measures for the symbolic story it represents. The bridge is a symbol of peace, intended to end a 400-year-old physical and political gap by bringing the largely unionist east side of Derry closer to the largely nationalist west.
6. St Columb’s Park
- Around 2.5km from Derry city centre
St Columb’s Park is a beautiful, 70-acre woods and park situated on the banks of the River Foyle, an 8-minute drive from Maldron Hotel Derry. The park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city streets. We highly recommend treating yourself to a coffee from the onsite café as you take a leisurely stroll around the sprawling green lawns of the park.
At the heart of the park lies the beautiful 18th century manor house, St Columb’s Park House. Located at the entrance to the park is Foyle Arena, a state-of-the-art facility which includes a 25m swimming pool, climbing wall and fitness suites. Also, Far and Wild, a leading outdoor adventure company, is located within the grounds of St Columb’s Park House.
7. Ness Country Park
- Around 13km from Derry city centre
A little further southeast of Derry lies Ness Country Park, home to the largest waterfall in Northern Ireland. The Country Park, a 20-minute drive from Maldron Hotel Derry, is 55 hectares of mixed woodland along with open parkland which extends along both sides of the Burntollet River.
The park is extremely popular with walkers all year round, with over 7km of stunning woodland and riverside walks including a magnificent waterfall walk. Check out the wildflower meadow and wildlife ponds or pop into the new visitor centre with local information and an exhibition on woodland biodiversity. There are also picnic tables available so you can snack while taking in the beautiful scenery.
8. See the Derry Girls Mural
- Around 0.2km from Derry city centre
Fans of the hit comedy Derry Girls should make time for one of the city’s most photographed attractions. The huge Derry Girls Mural can be found on Orchard Street, on the side of Badgers Bar, right in the heart of the city.
The mural celebrates Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle and James from Lisa McGee’s award-winning series, which introduced audiences around the world to life in Derry during the 1990s.
It is completely free to visit, so grab a photo with the gang before continuing your walk around the city.
9. Visit St Eugene’s Cathedral
- Around 1km from Derry city centre
St Eugene’s Cathedral is the Roman Catholic cathedral of Derry and another impressive landmark on the city skyline. Located on Francis Street, the cathedral’s striking Gothic Revival architecture makes it well worth including on a walking tour of the city.
Inside, visitors can admire the cathedral’s stained-glass windows, impressive altar and traditional architectural details. It also provides an interesting contrast to St Columb’s Cathedral on the other side of the city centre.
Entry to the cathedral is free, although visitors should be mindful that it remains an active place of worship.
10. Relax in Brooke Park
- Around 1km north-west of Derry city centre
Brooke Park is an eight-hectare public park located around 1km north-west of Derry city centre and has provided a popular green space for recreation and relaxation since 1901. With landscaped grounds, open green spaces and walking routes to explore, Brooke Park is a simple and completely free addition to a day out in Derry.
Where to Stay in Derry
Look no further than Maldron Hotel Derry for your next stay in the city. We are ideally located inside the historic Derry City Walls, with easy access to many of the popular tourist attractions and is a convenient base for exploring the city on a Derry Girls tour.
Enjoy a meal in our stylish Grain and Grill Restaurant or wind down with a drink in our Lyric Bar, “the home of loud food and tasty music”. Call it a night in our comfortable and spacious rooms overlooking the Derry City Walls and Bogside.
Check out our dedicated articles below on Derry to know more about Ireland's only completely intact Walled City and plan your holidays.
FAQs: Free Things to Do in Derry
You can walk the City Walls, explore the Bogside, visit the Guildhall, see the Derry Girls Mural, cross the Peace Bridge and enjoy several free parks and cathedrals.
Walk the City Walls, visit the Guildhall and Derry Girls Mural, explore the Bogside and finish your day by crossing the Peace Bridge to Ebrington.
Popular free activities include taking photos at the Derry Girls Mural, walking the City Walls, exploring street art, crossing the Peace Bridge and relaxing in Brooke Park.
The Guildhall has free admission and exhibitions on local history, while the Tower Museum normally charges an admission fee.
