1. Seamus Heaney HomePlace

This is a special moving and inspirational place. Seamus Heaney HomePlace takes you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of one of Ireland’s greatest writers. Situated between Heaney’s two childhood homes at Mossbawn and The Wood, and only a few hundred yards from St Mary’s Church, Bellaghy, which he chose as his final resting place, HomePlace is at the heart of the area that inspired so much of the poet’s work. It’s a place where you can sense the warmth of Heaney’s relationships with local people and landscapes; where you can immerse yourself in the Nobel Laureate’s literature. Seamus Heaney’s distinctive voice guides you through the exhibition as you get to know the people and places that inspired him. Atmospheric video projections and touchscreen.

2. Derry Girls Screen Walking Tour

Enjoy a Derry Girls screen tour in the ‘Home of Derry Girls!’ With its unique blend of humour, 90s nostalgia and teenage angst, Derry Girls has struck a chord with people globally. Derry girl, Lisa McGee, wrote the award-winning show and so far there have been two series’ aired with a third commissioned. There are a number of Derry Girls screen walking tours available in the city, taking you on a tour of some of the show’s most iconic filming locations. Look out for the Guildhall, Bishop’s Gate on our historic City Walls and the Bogside shops – including Dennis’s Wee Shop, which featured heavily in the show. You’ll also get a chance to see the giant Derry Girls Mural located on Orchard Street, on the side of Badgers Bar.

3. Derry Craft Village

Enjoy the hidden jewel in Derry’s crown, the classic Craft Village. Dickensian in appearance and delightful in layout, Derry’s Craft Village is a cultural oasis in the heart of a vibrant city. A reconstruction of an 18th Century Street and 19th Century Square, the Craft Village provides an eclectic mix of artisan craft shops, balconied apartments, licensed restaurant and coffee shops. The Canopy in the Village Square and the Thatched Cottage are ideal venues for corporate, cultural and community entertainment.

4. Have dinner at Browns Bonds Hill Restaurant

Browns Bonds Hill is hailed as putting the North West on the foodie map with its fine dining menus and numerous award wins. Located on the banks of the River Foyle overlooking Derry's Peace Bridge. Browns boasts a stylish art deco interior and is luxurious and comfortable. The menu is modern Irish using the best local and seasonal ingredients.

5. Tower Museum

The Tower Museum is located within the City’s historic walls and has won four major awards since its opening in October 1992. The Tower Museum houses two permanent exhibitions:

1. "The Story of Derry" tells the colourful and dramatic history of the city from earliest prehistory to the present.

2. "An Armada Shipwreck - La Trinidad Valencera" tells the story of one of the largest ships in the Spanish Armada, La Trinidad Valencera, which sank off the Donegal Coast in 1588 and was rediscovered by divers from the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971.

Both exhibitions use a range of display and interactive techniques to present their stories. The top of the Tower Museum (level 5) provides the only open air viewing facility in the heart of the city centre with stunning panoramic views of the inner city and river Foyle.

6. St. Columb's Cathedral

St. Columb’s Cathedral, was the first Cathedral built after the Reformation. It is the city’s most historic building containing displays of artefacts from the Siege. A fine collection of silver Communion plate, as well as information on famous personalities, e.g. Cecil Francis Alexander (the internationally renowned hymn writer), the Earl Bishop and the philosopher George Berkeley. An exhibition of facsimiles of the Book of Kells was recently opened. Columb’s Cathedral was built in 1633 by William Parrot for the Honourable The Irish Society and is in the Planter Gothic Style. The current tower and main building are that of the original Cathedral, with the spire being added in 1821. The Chancel was added in 1887 and the Chapter House in 1910. The Cathedral was built of stone from local quarries. The Cathedral has many fine stained glass windows, regimental flags, memorials and a large collection of historical items from the time of the siege. The foundation stone in the porch, part of which originally from the 12th Century Templemore Monastery of the Columban tradition is inscribed:

Where to stay

Bishop's Gate Hotel

Perfectly positioned within the historic city walls, nestled in the heart of the 'Cathedral Quarter' in Derry, this iconic landmark is the epitome of Edwardian elegance; an intimate urban oasis featuring 30 luxurious guestrooms, including 2 suites, a residents lounge, fitness area, restaurant and champagne bar. Bishop's Gate Hotel blends stunning Edwardian architecture, stylish appointments and luxurious facilities which have been sensitively restored to pay homage to the rich heritage of the building, whilst exceeding the contemporary needs and desires of its guests. Expect unrivalled service from a highly professional and enthusiastic team - the way in which guests are welcomed, attended to during their stay and remembered when they come back is the essence of Bishop's Gate Hotel.

Ardtara Country House

Nestled amongst traditional Victorian gardens, millponds and woodland in the heart of Northern Ireland is Ardtara, an elegant 19th-century mansion, once a family home to the Cork linen barons and now one of Ireland's finest restaurants. Just 15 minutes from Seamus Heaney HomePlace and within 45 minutes of both Belfast & Derry, the Giant’s Causeway, the Antrim coast, Royal Portrush Golf Club and many Game of Thrones filming locations, it’s the perfect base from which to explore the local area and Northern Ireland.