- Peadar O’Donnell’s (Derry City): A legendary pub on Waterloo Street, renowned for its traditional Irish music and grocer-style decor. Hosts live trad sessions nearly every night, with a vibrant exterior and cozy interior filled with old Irish memorabilia. Known for its warm atmosphere and friendly staff. Expect a lively, music-filled evening with excellent Guinness and a mix of locals and tourists. Arrive early for a seat, as it’s a top spot for Derry’s renowned “craic.”
- The Guildhall Taphouse (Derry City): A historic yet modern gastropub next to Guildhall Square, offering a fresh take on the traditional bar. Serves craft beers, cocktails, and high-quality food daily from 12:00–18:00. Its trendy design and central location make it a city-center hotspot. Visitors can enjoy a stylish setting with craft drinks and diverse dishes, perfect for a lunch or evening out near Derry’s historic landmarks.
- Blackbird (Derry City): A newly established free house on Foyle Street, blending modern chic with cozy comfort. Offers an extensive craft beer selection from Ireland and beyond, plus delightful cocktails. Features wooden booths, leather sofas, and roaring fires, with standout pub grub like flavorful curries. Expect a warm, inviting atmosphere with excellent food and drinks. Ideal for craft beer enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxed yet trendy vibe.
- Walled City Brewery (Derry City): A multi-award-winning brewpub in a former army barracks on Ebrington Square, across the Peace Bridge. Derry’s first craft brewery in a century, offering unique beers like Passionista and Derry Girls-inspired pints. Features an excellent restaurant with small plates like pan-roasted quail. Beer requires food purchase due to licensing. Visitors can enjoy craft beer flights, tasty international dishes, and a creative atmosphere. Perfect for beer lovers and foodies exploring the Waterside area.
- Badgers Bar and Restaurant (Derry City): A family-friendly pub on Orchard Street, famous for its Derry Girls mural, one of Ireland’s most photographed walls. Offers hearty pub grub like roast beef, stews, and onion rings, with a welcoming vibe for kids. Located near the City Walls and Bogside. Expect a bright, cheerful atmosphere with good food and a pint, ideal for a shopping break or a family meal. The mural is a must-see for fans of the show.
- The River Inn (Derry City): Derry’s oldest pub, established in 1684, located on Shipquay Street with history tied to the Siege of Derry. Retains old-world charm with a cozy interior and a community hub feel. Offers traditional pub grub and a historic ambiance. Visitors can step back in time with a quiet pint or hearty meal in a historic setting. Perfect for those interested in Derry’s rich past.
- Sandino’s (Derry City): A popular bar on Water Street, known for its eclectic vibe and appeal to all ages. Offers lively music sessions, from traditional to contemporary, and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and tourists. Known for its great customer service. Expect a vibrant, inclusive pub with live music and a diverse crowd. Great for a night of entertainment near the city center.
- Bennigan’s Bar (Derry City): An underrated gem on John Street, known for its excellent service and live music. Features great staff, a cozy setting, and regular live music, making it a hidden favorite among locals. Visitors can enjoy a friendly, intimate pub with quality pints and music. Ideal for those seeking a less touristy experience.
- Granny Annie’s (Derry City): A modern pub with traditional charm on Waterloo Street, popular for its contemporary vibe. Combines a 21st-century design with classic Irish elements, offering live music and a lively atmosphere. Attracts a diverse crowd. Expect a bustling, modern pub with music and great drinks, perfect for a night out in Derry’s lively Waterloo Street area.
- The Rocking Chair Bar (Derry City): Known as “The Rocker” to locals, this famous pub on Waterloo Street overlooks the Bogside and Derry Walls. Offers a local pub atmosphere with the energy of a city-center venue. Known for its pub grub and traditional vibe. Visitors can enjoy hearty food, a great pint of Guinness, and a lively atmosphere. Ideal for soaking up Derry’s historic surroundings.
- Friels Bar and Restaurant (Swatragh): A family-run pub in Swatragh, 30 miles from Derry City, in operation for over 150 years. Features old-world decor with memorabilia, hearty food, and a community feel. Run by the fourth generation of the Friel family. Expect a cozy, historic pub with traditional dishes and a warm welcome, perfect for a rural stop in County Derry.
- The Bentley Bar (Derry City): A lively pub by Ferryquay Gate, close to Derry’s shopping and historic sites. Known for its great drink selection, table service, and central location. Offers tasty pub grub like lasagna and burgers. Visitors can enjoy a convenient, energetic pub with good food and drinks, ideal for a break while exploring the city.
- The Dungloe Bar (Derry City): A music-focused pub on Waterloo Street, connected to Peadar O’Donnell’s, known for its lively sessions. Offers traditional and contemporary music in quirky surroundings, with a reputation for great craic. Expect a vibrant, music-driven atmosphere with a mix of locals and visitors. Great for those seeking a lively night out.
- Tinney’s Bar (Limavady): A historic pub in Limavady, family-owned since 1847, known for its legendary Guinness. Features a cozy, traditional setting and colorful local characters, making it a community favorite. Visitors can enjoy a classic Irish pub experience with excellent pints and a friendly vibe, perfect for a stop in Limavady.
- The Coachman (Maghera): Located in Maghera, this award-winning pub offers a mix of traditional and modern elements. Known for its incredible gin selection, live music from local talent, and unique cocktails. A popular entertainment venue. Expect a lively, welcoming pub with great drinks and music, ideal for a night out in rural County Derry.
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County Derry:
Ireland’s county Derry offers a rich historical tapestry, with the city’s 17th-century walls providing a walkable journey through its past. The Guildhall and Tower Museum explore Derry’s maritime and political history, while the Peace Bridge offers scenic views over the River Foyle. Derry is Ireland’s 15th largest county by size (2,067 square km) and sixth largest by population (252,231). Population previously peaked at 222,174 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 139,693 in 1926. In terms of hospitality, Derry is Ireland’s 16th most visited tourist county with around 135,000 international visitors per year.
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