Derry-Londonderry City Tour

This ten-hour tour from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry (90 km north) covers 1,500 years of history. The 17th-century city walls are the only fully intact walled perimeter in Ireland - a 1.5-km walk with views across the Foyle River. The Bogside Walking Tour explores murals depicting Civil Rights movement and political history. The tour includes entry to free museums and a local guide with expertise in Irish, English, and political history. Best for history enthusiasts and political tour seekers. This is a moderate activity lasting 10 hours. Group size: up to 40. You meet at Titanic Belfast visitor centre. Key highlights: Intact 17th-century city walls (only in Ireland; 1.5-km walk), Bogside Civil Rights murals (12 large wall paintings), Bloody Sunday Memorial and Museum of Free Derry.

Price: £40

Duration: 10 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: up to 40

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: history enthusiasts and political tour seekers

Best time: May–June and September–October for dry weather and clear views from walls; avoid November–February for wind and rain exposure; late morning (10am–12pm) for best light on murals

Meeting point: Titanic Belfast visitor centre

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

7:30am Pick up at Titanic Belfast - Coach departs promptly; bring packed lunch or budget for restaurant stops.

9:00am–10:00am Arrival and city walls walk begins - 1.5-km guided walk along the 17th-century ramparts; guide explains architectural history and English defensive strategy.

10:30am–12:00pm Bogside murals walking tour - Explore political wall art depicting the Civil Rights era, Bloody Sunday (1972), and Irish Republican history; local guide provides context.

12:00pm–1:00pm Free time in city centre - Lunch at local restaurants and cafés; The Walled City Brewery has food for £9–14.

1:30pm–3:00pm Museum and heritage visits - Entry to Museum of Free Derry (paid, £6) or Tower Museum (paid, £5.50); guide recommends based on interests.

3:30pm–5:30pm Return journey to Belfast - Coach departs Derry at 3:30pm; optional tea stop at service station before Belfast arrival around 5:30pm.

The whole experience takes 10 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Titanic Belfast visitor centre.

• Intact 17th-century city walls (only in Ireland; 1.5-km walk)
• Bogside Civil Rights murals (12 large wall paintings)
• Bloody Sunday Memorial and Museum of Free Derry
• Tower Museum covering medieval to present history
• River Foyle views and historic Guildhall
• Accessibility: City walls have steep stairs in sections; wheelchair users can access lower gate entrances. Bogside murals tour on flat streets; fully accessible. Museum of Free Derry has lift access.

What is included: Coach transport from Titanic Belfast, Guided city walls walk (1.5 hours), Bogside murals tour with local guide, Entry to Museum of Free Derry (or equivalent museum entry), Commentary on Irish and political history.

Not included: Meals and drinks, Additional museum entries beyond one included (Tower Museum extra £5.50), Souvenirs or crafts. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Waterproof jacket (river wind exposure on walls), Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones and wall rampart stones uneven), Packed lunch or cash for restaurants (£8–14 meals in Derry), Sun protection (walls have no shade; 1.5-hour walk in open). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: May–June and September–October for dry weather and clear views from walls; avoid November–February for wind and rain exposure; late morning (10am–12pm) for best light on murals.

Accessibility: City walls have steep stairs in sections; wheelchair users can access lower gate entrances. Bogside murals tour on flat streets; fully accessible. Museum of Free Derry has lift access..

Operator: North West Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Titanic Belfast (0 min (meeting point) walk)

This activity is run by North West Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before; 50% refund 24–48 hours; non-refundable within 24 hours.

Accessibility: City walls have steep stairs in sections; wheelchair users can access lower gate entrances. Bogside murals tour on flat streets; fully accessible. Museum of Free Derry has lift access..

Best time to go: May–June and September–October for dry weather and clear views from walls; avoid November–February for wind and rain exposure; late morning (10am–12pm) for best light on murals.

Is this tour political?

Yes, the Bogside murals and museum cover Civil Rights history and Bloody Sunday. The guide presents historical facts and survivor perspectives. Content includes difficult historical moments and political conflict. Suitable for ages 10+; families with young children may find some content intense.

How far is Derry from Belfast?

Approximately 90 km (56 miles) north-west; coach journey is two hours each way. Total tour duration is ten hours including travel, walking, and museum time. Departure is early (7:30am) to maximize time in the city.

Can I visit just the walls without the political history tour?

The full tour includes both. However, you can walk the walls independently (free access) if you arrive separately. Hire a local guide separately for Bogside (approximately £35 for small groups). This tour bundles everything affordably.