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15th February 2018
03:48pm GMT
It was the show that gripped the nation with its raw wit and loveable characters and now we don't quite know what to do with our Thursday evenings since the last episode of Derry Girls was aired.
Channel 4’s six part comedy series kept the country entertained every Thursday with more than 2.5 million people tuning in.
Thank Christ there's a second season on the way or we'd be really devo. So what to do in between? Well, catch up on all the sights from the show with a self-guided tour around Derry on a weekend away.
The Walled City’s unparalleled setting, fine architecture, wealth of history and thriving arts, music and foodie scenes make it a fantastic place to spend a few days.
Tourism Northern Ireland have taken the lead from Erin, Michelle, Clare, Orla & James and highlighted the best things to do on a short break to the city:
“If she’s not into walls, she’s not into walls, Erin love” as Aunt Sarah says. The famous Walls feature heavily in the show, which form a walkway around the inner city and area great way to get your bearings and take in the many attractions along the way.
These 17th century fortifications make this the last completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples in Europe. Who knew?
In Episode 4 the friends are stressed about their history exam... Derry has such a wealth of history - increase your knowledge of Northern Ireland’s more contemporary history at the Museum of Free Derry, dedicated to the story of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.
Take a tour of The Siege Museum, a permanent exhibition of the history of the events of 1688-89 and how they shaped the political landscape in Ireland and Europe.
In Episode 3 we see the young teens follow Erin’s ‘dead dog’ Toto into a church. St Columb's Cathedral, the first to be built after the Reformation, is the city’s most historic building. Well worth a visit, it houses the oldest pealing bells in Ireland.
Don’t forget The Guildhall, a neo-gothic architectural gem from 1890, now a touch-screen museum, telling stories of the city including its 400-year old walls and the Plantation.
Who can forget the hilarious politics of ordering fish and chips in Episode 2? We recommend a stroll down to the Queens Quay and discover the street food truck of your dreams, Pyke & Pommes.
Instead of Fionnuala though, the formidable chip shop woman, you'll find Kevin Pyke offering tasty local food in a beautiful location. Try the ‘Godfather’ and arrive hungry.
The Derry Girls loved a party and Derry comes alive at night with fantastic restaurants and lively bars. Hang around at the Walled City Brewery for pintxos, named the best Gastro Pub in Ireland by the Irish Restaurant Awards 2017.
For a special occasion, Browns Restaurant and Champagne Lounge is a top quality spot that many hail as being worth the trip to Derry alone.
The city caters for various music genres – Peadar O’Donnells and Gweedore bar for Irish Traditional, Sandinos for Latin American Vibes, the intimate Bennigans Bar and Jazz Club or the historical Grand Central Bar.
Where to stay?
Check out the exquisite 4* Bishop’s Gate Hotel which is deally located within the historic city walls the hotel provides the perfect base to explore the city’s historic landmarks. With deals starting from only £119 per night for overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast and a four course evening meal.
That's our next mini-weekend break sorted!
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