Life in the region

Derry or Londonderry is often called the Maiden City. . The old walled city of Londonderry lies on the west bank of the River Foyle with the location of old Derry on the east bank, the present city now covers both banks (Cityside to the west and Waterside to the east) and the river is spanned by two bridges.

The city is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth largest on the island of Ireland. The wider Derry City Council area has a population of 107,300 (at June 2006). The district is administered by Derry City Council and contains both Londonderry port and City of Derry Airport. The Greater Derry area, an area within about 20 miles (32 km) of the city, has a population of 237,000 and comprises the Derry City Council area, the Borough of Limavady, the District of Strabane, and parts of North-East Donegal in the Republic of Ireland.  It is claimed that Derry's defensive walls are the most complete of any city in the British Isles.  It is one of the few cities in Europe that never saw these fortifications breached.

There are a large number of restaurants, bars, shops, sports facilities, art galleries, museums and parks. It also has excellent transport links, should you wish to explore further.

Shopping

Opening hours for shops are generally

  • Monday-Saturday 09.00-17.00 
  • Thursdays 09.00-20.00.
  • Most shops are open on Sundays 13.00-17.00.

Sports

There are lots of opportunities to enjoy sport and try new activities.

Gyms

There are non-membership gyms (pay as you go) as well as membership gyms (pay monthly or yearly) in the city.