City Hotel Derry

Top 10 things to do in Derry in 2011

1)   Museum of Free Derry, #1 attraction on Trip Advisor to Date.

This museum is located in the centre of Derry's Bogside district, only a short distance from the central bus station and firmly on the 'Troubles' tourist route.

 The museum is similar to WWII museums found in France (the Resistance Museum in Limoges jumps to mind immediately) and its simplicity, humility and spiritualness mark it out as a 'must see'. It isn't too big (45 minutes would be enough) but contains many interesting artefacts from Bloody Sunday (30th January 1972) and its aftermath - including hate mail sent to the families of the victims. The museum serves to remind visitors of the violence that was perpetrated that winter day - by the British army - in the city.

It is a very moving experience and should be visited in conjunction with walking the city's walls and a visit to the Tower Museum.All in all, this is a very good museum of a fateful day in the city's modern existence

2)   Tower Museum, #4 on Trip Advisor to Date.

A museum explaining the political conflict that has shaped the city and the country: a must for those unfamiliar with Northern Ireland's war-torn past.

3)   The City walls

Scenic/ Historic Walking Area

Customers View:

We were very moved by the way our guide was implacably neutral in his description of the causes of the troubles and we left having our views changed for good. This is a complicated part of the world and our guide brought it to life for us. He was very articulate, had a great sense of humour and answered our questions in an intelligent manner. This tour is a must.

4)   Millennium Forum

The Millennium Forum is one of Northern Ireland's premier theatres and conference centres and is one of the largest purpose-built theatres in Ireland. They have a vibrant range of arts and entertainment events on offer throughout the year. 

5)   River watch aquarium and visitor centre:

River watch Aquarium and Visitor Centre is a great tourist attraction located just outside Derry City Centre and with Free Admission it's a must do for families and visitors. Watch the fish swim about the tanks and learn about our local wildlife. We have lobster, crabs, starfish, coalfish, blenny’s and lots of other marine and freshwater fish and shellfish. We are continually changing our livestock so it's always worth another trip! There are free activity packs to keep the kids entertained and all indoors, it’s a great wet weather option too!

Fishing permits and licences also available.

Performance times:
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10.00am-4.00pm
Evenings and Weekends upon request

Prices:
Admission Free

6)   Ulster American Folk Park

The Ulster American Folk Park brings to life the human drama behind three centuries of Irish emigration, telling the remarkable story of the vast human tide that crossed the Atlantic for the New World of North America. The journey starts in the thatched cottages of Ulster, including the famous “Mellon” homestead, continues aboard a crowded sailing ship and finishes among the homesteads of the American frontier.
A full programme of special events is organised throughout the year including the award-winning annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival (first weekend in September) and the ever popular Halloween Festival.

7)   The Guildhall

This neo-Gothic style building is the Guildhall. Many concert events and exhibitions are held here during the year, it serves as the civic and cultural center for the people of the Derry. It was built in 1887 by the Irish Society and an English organization to promote the colonization of the County of Londonderry during the Plantation of Ulster. Sadly it was bombed in 1972 but repaired and opened again in 1977. The massive building is made of Drumbrese sandstone and marble with oak paneling and ornate ceilings. The stain-glass windows are considered the finest in Great Britain. The huge organ in the main hall is considered to be the finest in all of Europe.

8)   The Nerve centre

The Nerve Centre was established in 1990 as a focal point for youth culture in Derry, Northern Ireland's second city. By bringing popular music, film, video, animation and interactive multimedia together under one roof, the Nerve Centre promotes creative collaboration and fusion between artists and provides a cultural outlet for many young people who feel excluded from what is traditionally regarded as the "arts sector".

9)   The River Foyle toucan Cruise

Cruise on the River Foyle out into the Bay and back. DJ and dancing. Snacks sold at the bar (lower deck), beer, wine, alcoholic beverages, pub tables and chairs, pub atmosphere, suitable for children. Was raining when we cruised so we stayed indoors and viewed the banks from the windows, but you can cruise on the outdoor upper deck in good weather. You'll meet some interesting people. Local DJ on-board so we danced the night away with mostly college students. Board at the Pier; follow the signs. 4-hour cruise: 2 hours out and 2 hours back.

10)        The Giant causeway

Northern Ireland's iconic World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to a wealth of local history and legend. Explore the basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago and search for distinctive stone formations fancifully named the Camel, Harp and Organ.
 

Family Activities

       Brunswick Cinebowl

Brunswick Cinebowl is the foremost cinema, bowling and entertainment complex in the North West of Ireland.  Comprising of 16 cosmetic ten pin bowling lanes, bananas adventure park, (Irelands largest indoor play centre), 6 American pool tables, Martha’s vineyard fully licensed bar and restaurant, boulevard cafe diner and the latest interactive video simulation games in our amusement arena.  Brunswick Cinebowl has something for everyone that why we are number one for family fun!

       Room 2 Race

ROOM 2 Race is an indoor simulated race centre suitable for any age.  Room to race is situated approximately 3.5 miles from the city centre.  Suitable for Kids parties, Hen/ Stag parties, small groups or individual use.

Simulation is the imitation of some real thing and our Professional race driving simulators provide motorsport fans with the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and race around the famous Nurburgring in a Touring Car or Hockemheim in a Formula 1 Car or what about a rally stage in a Mark 2 Escort or World Rally Car!  

We have something for everyone at room2race and with prices starting at £7 for a 3 race session including qualifying and racing at 3 different circuits, room2race offers unrivalled value for money!

For those of you seeking a great night out we have our Grand Prix sessions priced at £15! This includes Racing in series of your choice at up to 6 different circuits (with breaks approx 2.5 hours)!  We will provide you with a prize for the winning driver and spot prizes for the fastest Lap! We can even design a car with your company logo or family name! 

       Lisnagelvin sports Centre

Superb leisure pool with waves; water based children’s adventure play area, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, aerobics studio and modern fitness suite.  Nearby are two attractive bowling greens and four soccer pitches.