Hotels in Derry

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Derry (officially Londonderry) is a city in Northern Ireland, famous throughout the world for its dramatic history and, most importantly, its remarkably preserved 17th-century City Walls. The Walls are the last walled city in Ireland and the British Isles to be completed, and you can walk the entire 1.5 kilometre circumference for stunning views of the city's unique geography, split by the River Foyle. Derry offers a deep, powerful historical experience blended with a warm, resilient culture.

The city is instantly recognisable for the walls themselves, the iconic Guildhall, and the striking contemporary Peace Bridge that spans the river. You can explore the city’s powerful social history through the murals in the Bogside area and visit the award-winning Tower Museum. Finding a hotel within easy reach of the historic centre is the key to exploring the rich, multilayered history of this significant city.

Derry is geographically divided between the historic Cityside (west bank, inside the walls) and the Waterside (east bank). Your hotel choice should align with whether you want the historic atmosphere or modern accessibility.

For the most historic and atmospheric stay, the area within the City Walls is highly recommended. Staying here puts you in the heart of the action, with direct access to the Guildhall, the Cathedral, and the unique architecture of the inner city. Accommodation here tends to be boutique and traditional, often commanding premium rates.

Alternatively, the area of the Cityside just outside the walls, near the Foyleside Shopping Centre, offers a mix of modern hotels and guesthouses. This location provides slightly easier access and usually better value than staying inside the walls, while still being steps away from the main historic gates and sights.

For a quieter and more contemporary stay, look across the river to the Waterside area. This side is close to the Peace Bridge and offers modern amenities and hotels with easy pedestrian access back to the Cityside via the bridge. It is often a great choice for those arriving by car or seeking more competitive hotel prices.

Derry is served by City of Derry Airport (LDY), which is located about 7 miles from the city centre. The airport is connected to the city via the Line 234 bus service, which runs to the main bus station in the city centre. The city's main Derry-Londonderry Railway Station is on the Waterside, with trains connecting to Belfast. When booking your hotel, its proximity to either the Cityside bus station or a point near the Peace Bridge will make your arrival and movement around the city most convenient.

To find the best hotel deals in Derry, you should aim to visit outside of the city's two major, unique events. The high season runs throughout the summer, from June to August, when the weather is at its best and tourist numbers are at their peak.

The single biggest event unique to Derry that causes accommodation to become extremely scarce and expensive is the city's massive Halloween Carnival in October. The city is famous for hosting what is often called the world's largest Halloween street party, drawing visitors from across the world, making hotels fully booked months in advance. The second major event is the Foyle Cup football tournament in July. For the best value, aim for the quiet low season of January and February. A specific money-saving tip is to look for hotels or guesthouses on the Waterside of the river, as these often offer significantly cheaper rates than those right inside the historic city walls.