Derry Car Hire

Guide of Derry

Geography

Derry situated on the north coast of Northern Ireland where the River Foyle flows into the Lough Foyle. Derry derived from the Celtic word ‘Doire’ meaning A Grove of Oak Trees, is the second largest city in Northern Ireland. The river once marked a deep segregation between the Catholic and Protestant communities. The west bank is called the Cityside and the east bank is the Waterside. The old walled city built to withstand the sieges in the 17th century lies on the west bank. During the times of no connection between the side of the banks and the sectarian discrimination the geographical divide was very prominent. However, with the construction of two road bridges and one pedestrian bridge across the River Foyle, enhanced with the introduction of reconciliation, Derry’s community focus is now more commercially and culturally led.

Climate in Derry

Influenced by weather systems off the North Atlantic adds unpredictability to the weather patterns in Derry so one needs to be prepared with layering of clothes, umbrellas and alternative plans. The climate has been described as maritime because of location. Summer temperatures during July to August average around 20°C. Whilst in winter, December to February temperatures drop to around 5°C, but seldom is snow experienced. The rainiest periods are in spring, April to May, but as with the cloud cover and the winds they can be experienced all year round.

Culture

Derry has established a major economical centre with shirt manufacturing, shipbuilding, food-processing, distilling, engineering and printing technologies. This complements its important social and cultural heritage, for in the 6th century Derry was a small settlement founded on a monastery. In the 17th century King James confiscated the land from the Irish and urged wealthy merchants of London, English Protestants, known as the Ulster Plantation to settle into Derry which was renamed Londonderry. The population increased, the town prospered and from 1613 to 1618 walls were built around the town which thwarted many unsuccessful sieges throughout the 17th century. Derry as a township outgrew the walls during the 18th century as the population increased and the industry on land and the river expanded. Early in the 19th century many Catholics from the Irish countryside headed to Derry looking for work. Sectarian tensions between the Protestants and the Catholics had been building over time and eventually erupting in violence which was named as the troubles of the late 20th century. The Derry of the 21st century looks forward with reconciliation, cultural and art activity, whilst still commemorating the significant past in the many museum and historical buildings.

Things To Do in Derry

Delved into the Past - Walk the walls

Derry is the only remaining intact walled city in Ireland and walking the walls is a wonderful way to wander around the old city and view the original Renaissance style street plan. The walls built in the 17th century by Ulster of Plantation, English and Scottish settlers are approximately 1.5 kilometres in circumference and vary in height and width from 3.7 to 10.7 metres. Originally there were four gates to the walls, Bisphop’s, Ferryquay, Butcher and Shipquay. Three additional gates were added later, Magazine, Castle and New Gate. The walls have never been fortified even throughout several intense sieges.

Murals and Museum of Free Derry

In commemoration of the troubles a street in the Blogside area that witnessed much of the conflict has been transformed by a group of artists into a ‘People’s Gallery’ with a series of 12 murals. The Museum of Free Derry was open to educate and enlighten future generations on the events that took place in the troubles. Although the museum focuses on the history, it also encourages those who come to see human and civil rights as an on going contemporary issue.

Tower Museum

The open-air facility at the top of the Tower is another way of viewing the layout of Derry. The museum has two permanent exhibitions. The first taking visitors through the dramatic history, from the prehistoric days to present. The second concentrates on the Spanish shipwreck Armando La Trinidad Valencera. Lost off the coast of Donegal in 1588 only to be discovered in 1971 by divers from Derry’s Sub-Aqua Club.

St Columb’s Cathedral

Built in 1633 St Columb’s Cathedral is Derry’s oldest and first Protestant church. Surviving the sieges and the troubles allows you to find many memories of the past on display.

Derry of the Present - Peace Bridge

Walk the Peace Bridge and as the architect described his design a ‘structural handshake’-a powerful metaphor for reconciliation, which is the intention of the Derry community.

St Columb’s Park

Located just across the Peace Bridge from the Old City on the right bank of the River Foyle is St Columb’s Park which is ideal for a relaxing walk or bike ride around the many pathways. You can enjoy a walled garden, café or visit an 18th century manor.

Walled City Brewery

Housed in an original 1872 building the Walled City Brewery offers inspiring experiences. One can relax in a restaurant under the guidance of a Michelin led chef. Discuss the days events with friends over a drink in the Taproom where alcohols that are produced by the brewery is sold on the premises. If time permits undertake one of the designer experiences. A one day course that will enable anyone to begin brewing amazing craft beers at home. The Beer Masterclass of 1.5 hours is a historical talk on the history of brewing, mingled with tasting of different samples paired with artisanal snacks. How about creating your own specific gin? Select any botanical you like and in a miniature copper still you will distill, blend, then bottle, seal and label your own specific gin.

Derry’s Halloween Europe’s Biggest Halloween Festival

For 4 nights ending on 31st October or Samhain, the division of the year between the lighter half (summer) and the darker half (winter) of the world in Celtic beliefs is to be at its thinnest to allow spirits to pass through, Guild square and Waterloo Place come alive. With over 400 venues, 1400 performers, local folklores and storytelling are told, music is played, light shows are viewed, tours or trails are taken, harvest feast are offered and a fireworks finale is to be admired. Don’t forget to wear a costume and mask to disguise yourself from the harmful spirits.

Eating Out in Derry

Derry has earned the title ‘Destination Delicious’ at the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink Awards. Renowned for local produce artisan producers, chefs, craft brewers that inspire plot or catch to plate cuisine. Browns Bonds Hill a Michelin recommended restaurant for featuring local produce and providing the diner with an unforgettable experience. Their tasting menu offers the selection scallops with lemongrass, monkfish with salsa, smoked beef with beetroot, duck breast paired with butter squash and all accompanied with a plum and goats cheese salad. If you have room there is a dessert soufflé to tempt. In the middle of the days adventures or at the start Primrose on the Quay, along the River Foyle is the place to fuel the body. Traditional cooked breakfast options feature in-house crafted black pudding or fluffy double buttermilk pancakes served with local bacon. At lunchtime the fisherman’s chowder is accompanied with homemade wheaten bread. The Bentley Bar over looks the historic walls of Derry city centre. With a choice of 6 bars, a Beer Garden, Steakhouse and Gin Hall in old traditional surroundings everyone will be able to enjoy themselves. From light bites like baked potatoes filled with your preference to more substantial offerings of full racks of sticky Jack Daniels ribs served with a range of sides, you can select your drink of choice.

Transport

Flight Connection to Derry from Derry Airport

Situated 10 kilometres north east from the city of Derry the airport connects the UK with direct flights from London Stansted, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburg. Ulsterbus operates scheduled services between the airport and main Bus Depot on Foyle Street in Derry city centre. City Cab taxi rank is located just outside the airport terminal and a typical journey into Derry takes around 20 minutes.

Getting to Derry from Belfast

Belfast International Airport or George Best Belfast City Airport both have public transport systems available to Derry. Options are Airporter.co.uk coach, Europa Bus or an hourly train service that leaves from Lanyon Place in Belfast. The difference in services is time taken, route and scheduling, so preparation is required. Beside being flexible and convenient hiring a car to travel the spectacular scenic Causeway Coastal Route to Derry is a highlight.

Getting to Derry from Dublin

Similar to Belfast there are 2 public transport options. TransLink operates a bus service once a day, whilst John McGinley Coaches have two daily services. Again the practicality of renting a car would be without a doubt the easiest way to get to Derry.