Wonder Wall

The history behind the Siege of Derry, the Apprentice Boys, Bloody Sunday, the marching season and the Bogside are just some of the topics covered by the award-winning Martin McCrossan Derry City Tour.

Lasting just over an hour, this excellent walking tour takes in Derry’s 17th century city walls and costs just £4 per person, which includes a free tea or coffee.

History buffs might also enjoy a visit to The Tower Museum, which hosts permanent exhibitions on The Story of Derry and The Armada Shipwreck as well as the neo-gothic Guildhall.

Visit www.derrycitytours.com

Build A Bridge

Want to stretch those legs a little further? A stroll across the spectacular Peace Bridge will certainly blow the cobwebs away. Opened in 2011, the walk/cycle brings you across the River Foyle from behind the iconic Guildhall to the former Parade Ground at Ebrington Square. It is a perfect place to get perspective on the city and grab those all-important Instagram snaps.

Fancy A Brew?

Worked up a thirst? Then get thee to Walled City Brewery.

“We wrote down three things we loved, which were craft beer, the city and then local food – and we went on this big journey,” says owner and master brewer James Huey, who opened the brewery/bar-restaurant in the former army barracks in Ebrington Square in May 2015 with his wife, Louise.

Eight beers are currently brewed on-site, ranging from the Pilsner-style “Kicks” (after The Undertones’ hit) to their “Derry Milk” chocolate stout, as well as seasonal specials like pear and rosemary beer. This spring will also see the release of a special batch of barley wine called “1689”, inspired by a recipe dating back to The Siege of Derry. If you’re not sure what to order, try a “flight” of three tasters for £4.50.

Walled City Brewery also supports other local beer and spirit producers, while its menu – designed by head chef Jill McKillop – features a range of small plates for grazing and heartier mains. Group tours, including lunch/dinner and a brewer’s table talk and tasting, are available on request in the Yvonne Clarke-designed space. Home brew bootcamps have also proved incredibly popular.

Visit www.walledcitybrewery.com

Shop ’Til You…

You’ll find all your high-street favourites at The Foyleside Shopping Centre. However, for a truly local experience, explore The Craft Village just off Shipquay Street, where courtyard residents include Knitfeld by Edel McBride, Foyle Books and Derry Designer Makers, as well as the newly opened Harry’s Derry (we are still salivating over the cauliflower and almond milk soup with Sperrin blue cheese and sultanas (£5).

Lovers of all things vintage won’t be disappointed either, with a number of independent shops close to Bishop’s Gate including Bedlam, The Whatnot and The Yellow Yard for everything from vinyl records and retro clothing to antiques, art, jewellery and collectibles.

Dine In Derry

Tummy rumbling? Browns in Town on Strand Rd celebrates local producers like Dart Mountain cheese and Eglinton butter, with a menu that offers two courses for £17.95 and three courses for £19.95 from Sunday to Friday (5-6pm Saturday).

Irish Country Living loved the Asian-inspired Greencastle squid with pak choi, lemon, chilli and coriander, followed by pan-seared seabass with chorizo, roast red peppers and kale, served with an organic leaf and parmesan salad. A buttermilk panna cotta with poached plums, shortbread and honey oats brought proceedings to a close. They also do great cocktails. Try the “Short & Sweet” made with Shortcross gin, Cointreau, passionfruit puree, cranberry and lime for £8.

Alternatively, younger visitors might prefer Quay West Restaurant and Wine Bar overlooking the Foyle, which boasts a lively atmosphere and extensive a la carte menu.

Visit www.brownsrestaurant.com |

www.quaywestrestaurant.com

Sleep Like A… Bishop?

Little more than a year after opening, The Bishop’s Gate Hotel has been named second in the Top 25 places to stay in the UK by the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. Little wonder why. From its friendly staff to boutique-style rooms, this heritage building is a luxurious bolthole within Derry’s city walls. Breakfast is a treat, with the buffet boasting smoothies, granola shots and fresh fruit skewers and cooked options including roast tomato and spinach crepe with Five Mile Town Irish brie, porridge with maple, banana and whiskey topping and, of course, a full cooked breakfast.

A “Hideaway Break”, which includes two nights’ B&B, a three-course evening meal and a bottle of prosecco in your room on arrival, is available from £129 pps. Valet parking is available at an additional charge, while there is also a public car park nearby.

Visit www.bishopsgatehotelderry.com

For further information, go to

www.visitderry.com. The exchange rate was £1 = €1.15 at the time of going to press.