County Londonderry Travel Guide
Welcome to the County Londonderry travel guide.
The county of Londonderry is located in Northern Ireland and is one of the six counties in the region. IT is located northwest of the province on the River Foyle and is bordered by County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. Also known as Derry, this historic city dates back to the 6th century and is bursting with culture and creativity. It’s home to famous attractions and unique sites including the Mussenden Temple and the City Walls of Derry. The beautiful green landscapes, charming towns and villages, and the seaside resort destinations along the coast make this an attractive destination for beach getaways in the summertime and a prime visiting spot year round.
Londonderry – otherwise known as Derry – dominates the northwestern landscapes of Ireland. It attracts travelers from around the globe and has become a hotbed of culture and creativity. It is the only walled city in the British Isles and you can see some amazing architecture and take in some magnificent sites by taking a short walk around the 17th century walls on any given day. The people here are friendly and you’ll likely enjoy a warm welcome wherever you go.
Londonderry is often considered to be the gateway to the northwestern part of Ireland and hosts a number of special events and activities throughout the year. This high-spirited city is a great destination to explore in any season and also has a timeless quality to it. One of the best ways to explore this region is to head off on a guided or self-guided tour of the Walled City Heritage Trail. This trail runs all the way along some of the key sites and historic attractions. You’ll pass by at least 100 places of significance here and be able to take a tour of some of the historic cathedrals, churches, and monuments along the way. You’ll also pass through several historic villages and some beautiful green spaces.
The city itself and the surrounding countryside have been divided into several distinctive areas and you’ll find plenty of historic sites along the way. If you take one of the guided tours, you’ll be able to learn about some of the key dates and events that shaped Londonderry’s history. These include the Siege of Derry, the Famine in Ireland, the Irish War of Independence, and the Civil Rights Marches.
Many people head to Londonderry to enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquil countryside setting. Londonderry is one of the most historic counties in Ireland and boats some delightful scenery, awe-inspiring landscapes, and easy access to country parks and the regions around the Sperrin Mountains. Whether you’re visiting the area to enjoy one of the summer concerts or special events in the region, or are heading to Londonderry County to enjoy a guided tour of some of the historic cities and villages, you’ll find plenty of interesting things to do and experience around this beautiful part of Northern Ireland on any given day.
Londonderry Weather and Best Time to Visit
Just like other destinations around Northern Ireland, the climate can best be described as mild, moist, and moderate. The Atlantic Ocean keeps much of the area fairly cool but this region experiences fairly mild winters and cool summers. The average annual temperature in the lower altitudes of Northern Ireland vary from 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. The coldest months are typically in February and early March and coastal areas tend to be much cooler. July is the warmest month in Northern Ireland and also one of the best times to visit the area. Average temperatures hover around 17 degrees Celsius in the upland areas. Still, the area has a significant variance in daily maximum and minimum temperatures. Most of Northern Ireland is still cloudier than England. You’ll enjoy more sunshine during the months of May and more cloudy days in December. July and August also tend to be fairly cloudy but are also some of the warmest days of the year.
Experience Londonderry
Famous for its unparalleled beauty, Londonderry and County Derry are perfect destinations for a summer getaway or cultural tour of Ireland. This historic walled city is accessible with a short drive down the coast of northeastern Ireland and is home to the popular seaside towns of Portstewart and Portrush. Take a walk along the beautiful beach of Castlerock or head to the Sperrin Mountains for a day of hiking and adventure activities. Londonderry offers something for all types of travelers and has a great reputation for music, great pubs, and live entertainment throughout the season.
Londonderry boasts a rich and varied cultural heritage and is home to several museums, art galleries, theaters, and a thriving literary scene. You can take a guided tour to enjoy a step back in time or head off on a taxi tour to see some historic sites and famous attractions around the region. One of the most popular things to do here is to see the site of Amelia Earhart’s unexpected landing on her first solo flight across the Atlantic in 1932.
You’ll find a number of museums, historic homes, and estates around this region, as well as a memorial hall and several historic cathedrals. Don’t miss the chance to see some of the impressive wall murals and other key points of interest around the city of Londonderry and surrounding neighborhoods. Saint Columb’s Cathedral dominates the skyline and is another must-visit attraction.
Londonderry is also home to several arts and cultural venues where you can watch live performances and enjoy some local programming. Don’t miss the chance to visit The Nerve Centre, considered to be one of the most dynamic and innovative multi-media centers in the entire British Isles. Other key destinations include The Verbal Arts Centre, The Playhouse, and Waterside Theatre.
Whether you find yourself in Londonderry for a few days or are planning to be in this region for an entire week, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do and experience during your trip. Take some time to learn about the different historic sites and unique attractions throughout this region so that you can make the most of your visit.
