It’s long attracted people from the city
Derry city centre(Image: Paul Faith/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
A historic city an hour away from Liverpool is “ideal” if you’re looking for a short break. We’re now officially into July and the school holidays will soon be upon us.
And while there are so many incredible destinations you can fly to from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, there is also one city closer to home that is worth seeking out if you’re looking for a quick city break. The city of Derry in Northern Ireland has a fascinating history, great nightlife and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
In 2013, Derry was designated the UK’s first City of Culture and boasts a large number of museums, art galleries and cosy pubs. Today, as well as being known for its rich cultural scene, Derry – or Londonderry as it’s sometimes called – it is known for being the setting for the Channel 4 comedy series Derry Girls, the Liverpool ECHO previously reported.
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On their website, Liverpool John Lennon Airport said the “cultural gem” is an “ideal destination for those wanting a short break.” Here, the ECHO take a look at some of the things you can do on a visit to Derry.
At the time of writing, we found flights from Liverpool to Derry on July 14 and returning on July 18 for £95. Find out more below.
What are the best attractions in Derry?
There is so much to see and do in Derry. Many tourists come from far and wide to follow in the footsteps of their favourite Derry Girls characters.
Tour company City Walking Tours offers Derry Girls themed tours of the city, where you can stand in front of the now-famous mural of the girls and visit some of the key filming locations around the city. If you’re in Derry, you should make a beeline for the famous city walls.
Derry is said to be one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe and the 400 year old walls are listed as one of the World’s 1001 Historic Sites you Must See before you Die by UNESCO. The city’s old town dates from the 17th century and it’s a lovely place to stroll around on a sunny afternoon. While you’re there, stop by the beautiful and historic St Columb’s Cathedral, the first cathedral to be built in the UK following the Reformation.
The famous Derry Girls mural
For an insight into Derry’s recent history, visit the People’s Gallery Murals. The 12 murals decorate the gable ends of houses along Rossville Street and commemorate key events in Derry’s modern history. They are the work of the “Bogside Artists” – three men who lived through the worst of The Troubles.
If you want to escape the city, you’ll find stunning natural beauty on Derry’s doorstep. The town’s location makes it an easy access point for Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. In a day, you can see the rugged Donegal hills and glorious beaches, or visit the Giant’s Causeway – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is the flight time from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Derry?
The average flight from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Derry is one hour. You can fly directly from Liverpool John Lennon Airport into Derry International Airport with easyJet.
Flights run throughout the year and prices vary – so it’s worth planning well ahead to try and bag a bargain. Skyscanner shows direct flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Derry for this month.
At the time of writing, we found flights from Liverpool to Derry on July 14 at 10.20am and returning on July 18 at 17.55pm for £95. You can find the flights here.
Is Derry good for tourists?
Derry is a city you can travel to all year round. According to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, winters are cold “but perfect for a cosy break,” whilst the summertime offers “the best chance to enjoy the Walled City in the sunshine.”
On their website, the airport said: “This cultural gem of a city is the ideal destination for those wanting a short break. Whether you fancy sampling the city’s gorgeous scenery, buzzing social surroundings or find out why this region was once voted UK City of Culture, Derry should definitely be next on your list to visit.
“Believe it or not, the most popular attraction in Derry is its famous historic walls. Playing host to an array of museums, galleries and rich literary history, the Walls are listed as one of the World’s 1001 Historic Sites you Must See before you Die by UNESCO. With around 1450 years of history, Derry is actually one of the only cities in the British Isles to be completely walled.
“Gorgeous architecture fills every nook and cranny of the city and the fantastic vibe is encapsulated in its countless arts programs, cathedrals, pubs and restaurants. For the creatives amongst us, the Playhouse Theatre is perfect for catching a performance from local or international artists.
“After a day of taking in the sights, it might be time to kick back in one of the city’s many pubs or restaurants. You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to bars and nightclubs, so make sure you save some energy for dancing through to the early hours.”