Do you really need to know anything about me? It's not as if we'll ever meet. It's pretty obvious ...
Do you really need to know anything about me? It's not as if we'll ever meet. It's pretty obvious what I like if you read my reviews, so what's the pint in me telling you here?
Member since:13.12.2000
Reviews:124
Members who trust:71
Derry City (or Londonderry if you please) is known as N. Ireland's second City. Stuck out in the Western tip of NI, it was deliberately ignored by the Stormont Government for years. But recently this city of 70,000 inhabitants has been a getting large cash injection and this has gradually filtered through to make Derry a great place for the tourist to visit. In fact, it's superior to Belfast in almost every way.
Having been born in Altnegalvin Hospital that dominates the Waterside area, I may be a little biased in my appraisal of this city. I never actually lived in the city as such, only across the border in Donegal and more recently in the South of the county. Anyway, the Waterside can be largely ignored for tourism, unless you stay at the Waterfoot Hotel overlooking Lough Foyle and beside the new bridge. The City side is where the attractions lie and their is plenty to be getting on with.
Derry has a turbulent but extremely interesting past and the best place to dip into this past is at the Derry is the exhibition that sits inside the walls. It provides an objective, interesting and entertaining look at the city's colourful history. The Earhart Centre focuses on the famous aviator Amelia Earhart. Within the city, you can take a leisurely stroll along the city walls that date from the 1600s and pose for photos at Butchers Gate. The Guildhall offers a wonderful architectural attraction and is beautifully lit at night. The Old bridge is a fine Iron construction brightly painted.
For entertainment and the arts their are various theatres including the Foyle Arts Theatre and the Playhouse as well as cinemas. The two main sporting arenas are the Brandywell football ground and greyhound track, home of the famous (but recently troubled Derry City FC), just down the road from the Brandywell is Celtic Park, somewhat smaller than the Glasgow Ground of the same name, but no less passionate when it comes to (gaelic) football. You'd be lucky to catch the colour and excitement of a Derry match during your stay though. But visit if you can.
Shopping habits can be catered for nicely in Richmond Centre or the more recently opened Foyleside. Their are countless bars and restaurants to choose from to fill your stomachs if need be too.
Outside the city and to the North and West lies the rugged scenery of county Donegal, where you'll struggle not to find beautiful scenery or a good pub. Elsewhere in the county Lough Fea, near Draperstown in the South is quite beautiful and light hill-walking can be done in the Sperrin Mountains.
Derry has been overlooked for too long. It is superior in beauty and in history to Belfast and many cities in the South and I would encourage any tourist visiting Ireland to go out of their way to visit. Doire Abu!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Coming from the Waterside didn't take to kindly to your putdown, unlike you I have lived in this city all my life and there is plenty to see in the Waterside......well theres my house anyway!
purdy 13.03.2001 17:00
I was born in Altnagelvin and live outside the Waterside - its a pity you dismiss it so easily - ok there has been no major redevelopment unlike the cityside but what about the St Column's park, excellent views from the Top of the Hill or that shopping mecca that is Lisnegelvin !
The people are lovely and there are a few decent bars and restaraunts.
But your op is great otherwise.
boydgray 25.12.2000 20:21
My sister was born in Altnegalvin!! - I was born in Paisley land - Ballymoney. What are you doing in Glasgow now? Don't ask what I'm doing in Somerset - its too sad! By the way, how do you feel about Split City instead of Derry or Londonderry? I dont think it works either - gives the wrong impression entirely,
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
very helpful by (71%):
somewhat helpful by (29%):
