George Keegan travels to Derry to take in some of the city’s attractions as well as sampling a recently opened hotel on an historic site.. He also looked at some places to visit in neighbouring Donegal
Close to the Ebrigdon Hotel in the Waterside you will discover a river walk and St. Columb’s Park both ideal for a leisurely stroll and just a 5 minute walk across the Peace Bridge brings you into the heart of the city centre close to several attractions which include;
Tower Museum: The permanent exhibition here is all about the city’s history. From time to time temporary exhibitions also take place
The Walls: Go for a walk around the 400 year old walls which have the longest complete circuit of ramparts in Ireland. View the restored canons and visit the impressive St.Columb’s Cathedral. Enter the walls through Magazine Gate in Guildhall Square, one of four original gates.
Tower Museum: The permanent exhibition here is all about the city’s history. From time to time temporary exhibitions also take place. Currently on display is ‘Peace Heroines’ exploring the collaboration of women from the locality working across borders and political/religious divides.
The Guildhall: Entrance is free or take a guided tour (£2 pp) of this superb building with its stained glass windows and a huge concert organ, the 2nd largest in Northern Ireland with 3,132 pipes. Now on view to the public is a collection of awards and accolades presented to the late John Hume, including the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize.
This city with its 400 year old walls has progressed in leaps and bounds since the end of ‘The Troubles’
The Bogside: Outside the walls this area of the city is now famous for the giant murals on the gables and the Museum of Free Derry relating the history of The Troubles.
The Derry Girls: go on a guided tour of the locations used for this highly successful TV series.
Peacemakers Museum: Due to open this summer at the re-developed Gasyard Centre.
The Guildhall: Entrance is free or take a guided tour of this superb building with its stained glass windows and a huge concert organ
A Wee Gem: Be sure not to miss a small space hidden away on Bishop Street called the Garden of Reflection. It is a peaceful small outdoor area aptly described by locals as ‘a place of contemplation’. There are quirky street sculptures, unusual pavement designs and small fountains. Outdoor tables and seating are available on summer days. The garden was funded by the PEACE 111 Programme as part of the EU Regional Development Fund.
There is a large spacious Tourist Office situated at Waterloo Place in a brand new building where the impressive Ulster Bank once stood until it was blown up during the Troubles. Don’t forget to purchase a one or two- day Visitor Pass giving access to 10 handpicked attractions, complete with Visit Derry map.
The Wild Atlantic Way
Just a short distance from the city The Wild Atlantic Way starts, stretching as far south as Kinsale in County Cork. In fact, Derry is where the Wild Atlantic Way meets The Causeway Coastal Route. Using the city as a base there are lots of interesting places in North County Donegal. Malin Head is Ireland’s most northerly point where you can discover ancient ruins, large sand dunes and for nature lovers basking sharks and great birdlife. Fanad Head stands between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay with a stunning lighthouse which is open for guided tours. Glenveagh National Park & Castle a little further away extends over 16,000 hectares.
The bustling town of Letterkenny also on the banks of Lough Swilly is just 40km from the city. Dominating the town’s skyline is the 19th Century Saint Eunan’s Cathedral. Here too some interesting historical architecture such as the Courthouse built in 1829, one of the few remaining examples of the old style courthouse buildings. Visit the County Museum, originally the Workhouse, with artifacts from the pre-historic period up to the 20th century. It is situated on High Road.
Golf enthusiasts have a choice of courses both in the Derry city area or Buncrana and Donegal Golf Clubs.
There are several excellent beaches within easy reach of the city with Dunree and Stroove both just a 45 minute drive away.
Useful websites
www.discovernorthernireland.com
Luxury hotel on historic site
The impressive Ebrington Hotel is set on an historic site
It is always exciting when a new hotel is announced in any city and Derry/Londonderry is no exception. A great buzz so when the four star Ebrington opened its doors in July last year. This city with its 400 year old walls has progressed in leaps and bounds since the end of ‘The Troubles’ and has become a very popular city-break destination for people both north and south. There is an electric atmosphere, some excellent restaurants and many attractions to enjoy.
The earliest records suggest that the site where the Ebrington now stands was once an orchard with numerous fruit trees, rather than a forest with oak trees which was to give the city its name, Doire meaning Oak Grove. During the reign of King James II it was here he placed canons to fire at the walled city just across the river Foyle.
Moving forward to the period of World War Two the building was used as a base for American, Canadian and British forces. It became a centre for North Atlantic convoy escorted missions. When peace was declared the barracks remained in operation as an anti-submarine training base. In 1970 it reverted to a British army base remaining so until finally vacated in 2003. Some eight years later the site was opened to the public. That same year 2011, the iconic Peace Bridge was completed giving pedestrian access across the river from the city centre to the Waterside area.
In 2022 work began to transform the building into a new luxury hotel with great care being taken of its exterior, particularly the famous clock tower and former captains house, both retaining their original appearance.
The Ebrington has 89 bedrooms with choice of De Luxe single/double plus several rooms with a river view. For that extra special occasion customers can book the Signature Suite. All the work in the hotel’s interior was designed by well-known interior designer Eamon Carberry who has produced exclusive designs both contemporary and traditional in many establishments throughout Ireland and the UK.
The hotel has a Spa described as a sanctuary of tranquillity where mind, body and wellbeing take centre stage. There is a Hydrotherapy pool, a Classical Sauna, Steam Essence Room and a Bubble Spa Experience shower. In the Therman Suite are six rooms used for facial, full massage and body treatments. Those who can muster up some extra energy can head to the Fitness Centre and Gym. There are three conference areas, one of which can hold up to 300 people. Weddings are another of the hotel’s specialities with first class facilities and bookings for 2024 are selling fast.
Food is of course an important part of a stay in any hotel and the Ebrington does not disappoint in this regard. Meals are served either in the Oak Room restaurant or Corner House bar. This fine hotel certainly offers a feeling of relaxation and staff are friendly and professional. The perfect location to enjoy a city break.
