19 November 2019

A guide to living in Derry – Londonderry

Are you planning a move to Derry – Londonderry? Propertynews.com have created a guide to living in Derry – Londonderry which showcases the best that this city has to offer.

Living in Derry – Londonderry

Derry, Londonderry, The Walled City, The Maiden City, Legenderry; whatever you choose to call it, there’s no denying that the city of many names has a rich and wonderful story to tell.

Along Ireland’s unrivalled North Coast, where the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way’s wonderful paths cross, resides this cultural city, which has much to offer those living in Derry – Londonderry. From the city’s famous walls, built over 400 years ago, stand and soak up the rich past which lies before you.

And while the city’s past has plenty to uncover, it’s the approach to modern day living that really sets it apart from the rest. A unique combination of traditional pubs, bustling social scene, thriving shopping areas and an array of eateries, has greatly contributed to Derry-Londonderry earning the prestigious title of City of Culture in 2013. With this accolade deservedly bestowed to its name, the city is enjoying a period of continued investment and expansion. This, perfectly fused with the warm and witty welcome of the locals, ensures the cosmopolitan city is the perfect place to reside.

The University of Ulster’s Magee campus sees students flock to the area to enjoy all that it has to offer. Couples and families also lay roots here, taking advantage of the city’s selection of reputable schools, entertainment facilities, vibrant nightlife and wealth of fine restaurants.

Who is Derry – Londonderry ideal for?

Derry – Londonderry easily fulfills the needs of everyone. For those living in Derry – Londonderry’s city centre, there are plenty of stylish apartments, while Victorian and Edwardian terraces line the rest of the city. With a buoyant social scene, friendly community and attractions on your doorstep, the city appeals to both first-time buyers and young professionals who crave being at the centre of a thriving city.

Where to eat in Derry – Londonderry?

Blackbird: Located on Foyle Street in the heart of the city, Blackbird might be a new arrival, but the bar has quickly established itself as one of the best! Live music gives it a continual bustle, while a warm welcome, cool drinks and fine selection of foods is definitely proving a hit!

Brickwork: With delicious, innovative dishes which pack a punch of flavour, not to mention a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, Brickwork remains a firm favourite with locals in Derry-Londonderry. Its ethos is built on the foundation that eating out shouldn’t be fussy or come with too many rules.

Cedar A Taste of Lebanon: For Lebanese cooking at its best, Cedar will cater for your every whim. With meza dishes perfect for sharing, enjoy a feast with family and friends to truly enjoy this cuisine as it’s supposed to be. Healthy dishes and a variety of vegetarian options ensure this restaurant is ideal for a wide range of palates.

Browns Restaurant & Champagne Lounge: Having established a reputation for excellent food, genuine hospitality and unpretentious service, critics have bestowed Browns with the title of one of the best restaurants in Ireland. Renowned for a dedication to fresh, seasonal produce and support of local suppliers, visitors will not be disappointed.

Walled City Brewery: With the aim of offering both locals and tourists a taste of the North West, through crafting local, authentic, premium quality beer and food, visitors are easily won over by this one-of-a-kind establishment in the city.

Quaywest: For almost 20 years, the vibrant gastro-pub has been serving a wide range of fusion European dishes to enormous praise. As a Taste of Ulster Restaurant, Quaywest prides itself in only using local produce to create the freshness for which it has become renowned.

The Sooty Olive: Nestled in the heart of Spencer Road in the Waterside area of the city, The Sooty Oliver is revered for an atmosphere which is intimate yet buzzing. With a passionate chef at its forefront, diners can expect expertly cooked dishes with fantastic flavours.

Primrose of the Quay: Named in the Sunday Times List of Ireland’s Top 100 Restaurants, Primrose has all the markings of an award-winning restaurant. With the opportunity to while the morning away over home-baked delights and coffee, and return in the evening for bistro-style dishes, it truly is one-of-a-kind.

What to do in Derry – Londonderry?

The City Walls: A walk around the city’s spectacular walls is the perfect starting point for absorbing its history. Building began over 400 years ago and the walls still stand at 10 metres high, and 1.6 km in circumference, making them one of the finest examples of walled cities in Europe.

The Guildhall: The red-bricked Guildhall stands proud as an anchor to the bustling Guildhall Square. Its clock is modelled on Big Ben, while a collection of stunning stained-glass windows represents everything from fishmongers to musicians, making it a building of true beauty.

The Peace Bridge: Although only introduced to the city in 2011, The Peace Bridge is already iconic. Elegant and sleek its design, its silhouette stands proudly over the city, offering a scenic spot to enjoy the River Foyle and Lough Foyle merging.

The Murals: The Bogside is renowned for its array of murals, best seen from an open top bus tour. Run by the Bogside artists themselves, get a real feel for the significance of the artwork in the city.

Museum of Free Derry: Serving as a centre to remember and understand the local history of the city and its contribution to the ground-breaking civil rights struggle, the museum opened in 2007. The main signature projects of the Bloody Sunday Trust still remain here today.

Tower Museum: Further uncover the history of Derry – Londonderry, or learn about the Spanish Armada through a range of displays and interactive techniques at the award-winning Tower Museum.

St Columb’s Park: At the end of the Peace Bridge, nestled in a beautiful, historic park, lies one of the best-kept secrets in the city. The beautiful woods and park is a place where people can walk, relax and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature, with the river Foyle rushing gently alongside.

The Craft Village: Dickensian in appearance and delightful in its layout, Derry’s Craft Village is a cultural oasis in the heart of a vibrant city. Providing an eclectic mix of artisan craft shops, apartments, licensed restaurant and coffee shops, it’s a true hidden gem in the city.

Schools in Derry – Londonderry

St Joseph’s Boys’ School: Established in 1963 to serve the parish of St Eugene’s, St Joseph’s is an all abilities post-primary school located in the Creggan area of Derry – Londonderry. The ethos of the school is to value each pupil as a unique individual and to foster achievement for all.

Foyle College Senior School: Foyle College is a voluntary grammar school which has been providing high-quality education and teaching for over 400 years. The school is split across two campuses and house the juniors and seniors across the two.

St Brigid’s College: St Brigid’s College is a maintained Catholic secondary school which caterers for pupils of all abilities. The school strives to encourage academic success and helps guide pupils to leave as informed and well-educated members of society.

Ardnashee School and College: Ardnashee was established in 2014 when Belmont House School and Foyle View School’s amalgamated. The school caters for children between the ages of 3-19 years with a range of additional special needs. The school is split between two campuses and includes 29 classes including preschool, nursery, transition and ACT.

Lisneal College: Lisneal college is a co-educational, post-primary college in the heart of the city. The school works to nurture children in accordance with their individual needs and promotes inclusion in all aspects of the pupil’s lives. The school has a strong focus on its extracurricular programmes across music and sports.

Oakgrove Integrated College: Established in 1992, Oakgrove College was Northern Ireland’s 17th integrated school and offers primary and post-primary teaching.

St Cecilia’s College: St Cecilia’s College is a child-centred girls’ Catholic school. The school’s mission is to help its pupils aspire, endeavour and achieve their full potential.

St Columb’s College: Founded in 1879, St Columb’s is the city’s oldest Catholic grammar school and spans a 40-acre campus. The school is a specialist school for maths and computing and has won many awards for its teaching and education programmes.

St Mary’s College: Opening its doors in 1959, St Mary’s College now sits on a new high tech campus and focuses on growing in faith, learning for life and growing in excellence.

Properties for sale in Derry – Londonderry

Are you searching for a property for sale in Derry – Londonderry? Do you plan to living in Derry – Londonderry? Find out what’s on offer at Propertynews.com.

Properties for sale in Derry – Londonderry