The city's name is deeply tied to its complex history. Originally, the area was a monastic settlement called Doire (an Irish word meaning "oak wood" or "oak grove"), which was anglicised to Derry. To understand why it became Londonderry, go back to 1613 during the Plantation of Ulster. King James I granted the city a Royal Charter, and the prefix "London" was added to acknowledge the London livery companies (guilds) that funded the construction of the new city and its massive defensive walls.

That history still shapes the name today, where it often reflects cultural and political identity. Generally, the Nationalist community prefers "Derry," while the Unionist community prefers "Londonderry." To keep things neutral, many organisations use "Derry~Londonderry," and locals affectionately nicknamed it "Stroke City" because of the forward slash often used between the two names.

Derry is situated in the north-west corner of Northern Ireland, making its location especially striking. The city straddles the scenic River Foyle and sits right on the border with County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland.

That unique location makes Derry an incredible gateway for road trippers. It marks the end of Northern Ireland's famous Causeway Coastal Route and sits just minutes away from the beginning of the Republic of Ireland's spectacular Wild Atlantic Way. It is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Belfast or the P&O ferry port in Larne.

Derry is worth visiting for its practical appeal, deep historical significance, vibrant modern culture, and incredible affordability that you won't find in many other UK or Irish cities.

Beyond that, it is the only completely intact walled city remaining on the island of Ireland. The city has also become a global pop-culture destination thanks to the hit TV comedy Derry Girls. Add in its reputation for having some of the friendliest locals in the UK and hosting Europe's largest Halloween festival, and Derry stands out as a truly unique city break.

Amongst the top things to do in Derry is the walk along the 400-year-old City Walls. The 1-mile loop offers the best vantage points of the city, complete with original gates and cannons.

From the walls, you can view the Bogside neighbourhood. Then head down to see the striking political murals and the iconic Free Derry Corner, and visit the Museum of Free Derry to understand the city's modern civil rights history.

For stunning architecture, visit the red-brick Guildhall just outside the walls to admire its stained-glass windows.

For fans of television, take a guided Derry Girls walking tour, snap a photo at the mural on Badger's Bar, and visit the official exhibition at the Tower Museum. Then take a stroll across the snaking Peace Bridge, which beautifully connects the walled city to the regenerated Ebrington Square.

The city has cultivated an award-winning food scene affectionately known as "LegenDerry," so you will never be short of options when deciding where to eat in Derry.

If you are looking for fine dining, head to Browns in Town, a Michelin-recommended staple offering contemporary cuisine. For a brilliant gastropub experience, cross the Peace Bridge to the Walled City Brewery in Ebrington Square, where you can pair locally sourced dishes with their unique craft beers.

If you prefer casual or street food, Pyke 'N' Pommes serves incredible tacos and burgers right on the riverfront. For something tucked away, Soda & Starch inside the historic Craft Village is a fantastic choice for hearty, traditional food. To finish the night, head to Waterloo Street—pubs like Peadar O’Donnell’s or Badgers Bar serve up great pub grub alongside the best pints and traditional live music in the city.