7 Derry, Northern Ireland, Destinations for Family Travel

Did you know Derry is the only remaining city in Ireland with totally intact city walls? Or that it was the last walled city built in Europe? It’s why the city is nicknamed the Walled City, and you can walk the entire length of its walls to see the city from every viewpoint. The walls were originally built 1613–1619 to protect Scottish and English planters from rebellions. Various gates dot the walls, which can also be visited. © Daniel M. Cisilino | Dreamstime.com

Murals across Derry have become synonymous with the city’s political and religious past and present. An estimated 300 murals are on display throughout Derry, many commemorating Bloody Sunday, the 1981 Irish hunger strike with Bobby Sands and revolutionary groups. In unionist (those loyal to the United Kingdom) neighborhoods, you’ll find murals promoting paramilitary groups and forces, as well as figures like William of Orange. © Joaquin Ossorio Castillo | Dreamstime.com

Walk or cycle across the Peace Bridge over the River Foyle to see the city from afar. The bridge links the city center with Ebrington Square. The bridge opened in 2011 and was named to improve relations between the mostly nationalist Cityside and largely unionist Waterside. Its unique, asymmetrical design makes for a great photo, too. © Romrodinka | Dreamstime.com

Take a 30-minute train from Derry to Castletown, a scenic seaside village particularly popular in summer. The town also boasts an acclaimed golf club with both nine- and 18-hole links. From the beach, look for Mussenden Temple, an 18th-century structure that was once part of an estate. Fun fact: The temple was a filming location in Game of Thrones, used as part of Dragonstone. © Anze Furlan | Dreamstime.com

You’ll find no shortage of pubs and lounges in the city center, from nightclubs to traditional pubs to quirky lounges. Popular spots include Tupelo Music Hall, Blackbird, Silver Street Derry and Peadar O’Donnell’s. © Romrodinka | Dreamstime.com

One can’t mention Derry without also bringing up the hit Netflix series Derry Girls. The comedy show took place in 1990s Derry, following five high school kids navigating life during the Northern Ireland peace process and IRA ceasefire announcement. A massive mural in the city center pays homage to the show. © Wirestock | Dreamstime.com

Another great warm-weather daytrip from Derry is Portsewart Strange, a 2-mile-long stretch of sandy beach on the northern Atlantic coast. This beach is one of the top 10 most-visited spots in Northern Ireland. Game of Thrones used this beach when filming the Dornish coast. © Stephenlavery | Dreamstime.com