Walking tours in Derry (Londonderry) offer the most authentic way to experience Northern Ireland’s most historic walled city. The compact center makes these tours especially efficient – you’ll cover the main sights in just 90 minutes on the Historic Private Walking Tour, my favorite for first-time visitors. The City Walls History Tour provides excellent context about the 400-year-old fortifications that still completely encircle old town. For recent history, both the Bogside Walking Tour and Bloody Sunday Story Tour share powerful firsthand accounts from local guides who lived through the Troubles. Budget travelers will appreciate the self-guided Derrie Danders audio tour. Let’s look at the top tour options in detail.
Key Points
- The Historic Private Walking Tour offers an informative 1.5-hour guided experience with 550 glowing 5-star reviews and accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.
- The Private Guided Walking Tour in Derry City provides a 1.5-hour route starting at Guildhall and ending at Rossville Street, with a 97% recommendation rate.
- The City Walls History Walking Tour offers an intimate exploration of Derry’s history and culture, led by knowledgeable guides, with a 4.9-star rating and 99% traveler recommendation.
- The Troubles Bogside Walking Tour focuses on the civil rights story, Battle of the Bogside, and Bloody Sunday, with personal narratives and emotional storytelling by local experts.
- The Derry City: The Bloody Sunday Story Walking Tour, led by a brother of a victim, provides an exploration of the Bogside and Free Derry Corner, with a Badge of Excellence recognition.
Historic Private Walking Tour in the City for 1.5 Hour
Setting out on a Historic Private Walking Tour in Londonderry, visitors explore the city’s rich past and gain a deeper understanding of its pivotal role during The Troubles.
The 1.5-hour tour, led by a knowledgeable guide in yellow attire, unveils the city’s landmarks and offers an immersive experience for just $51.62 per person.
With 550 glowing 5-star reviews, this private tour provides a personalized and insightful journey through Londonderry’s history.
Accessible for wheelchair users and stroller-friendly, the tour departs from the Foyleside Shopping Centre and returns to the same location.
Visitors can also opt for a private tour meeting at a location of their choice in the city center.
Read our full review: Historic Private Walking Tour in the City for 1.5 Hour Review
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Private Guided Walking Tour in Derry City
Visitors can explore Derry City’s rich history and cultural heritage on a Private Guided Walking Tour.
With 480 reviews and a 97% traveler recommendation rate, this 1.5-hour experience offers a deep dive into the city’s turbulent past. Priced at $32.26 per person, the tour starts at the Guildhall and ends at Rossville Street, with pickup options available upon request.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome. Guides often share personal accounts, making the history come alive and providing an authentic, moving, and enriching experience.
Travelers highly recommend complementing the tour with visits to the Museum of Free Derry and the Peacemakers Museum for a deeper understanding of Derry’s history.
Read our full review: Private Guided Walking Tour in Derry City Review
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Derry/Londonderry – City Walls History Walking Tours
This captivating Derry/Londonderry – City Walls History Walking Tour takes visitors on an engaging exploration of the city’s storied past.
With a maximum group size of 15, the tour offers an intimate experience led by knowledgeable guides. Highly recommended by 99% of past travelers, the tour has an impressive 4.9-star rating.
Covering the iconic City Walls, the tour provides valuable insights into Derry’s history and culture.
While not wheelchair accessible, the guide can arrange a modified route for private groups.
Read our full review: Derry/Londonderry – City Walls History Walking Tours Review
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Derry City: the Troubles Bogside Walking Tour
For those seeking a deeper exploration of Derry’s turbulent past, the Troubles Bogside Walking Tour provides a compelling firsthand account of the pivotal events that shaped the city’s modern history.
Led by knowledgeable local guides like John and Noel, this 1-hour tour delves into the civil rights story, the Battle of the Bogside, and the tragedy of Bloody Sunday.
Guests can expect personal narratives, emotional storytelling, and a deeper understanding of the Troubles’ lasting impact.
Highly rated by past travelers, the tour is both informative and poignant, making it a must-do for anyone interested in Northern Ireland’s complex history.
Read our full review: Derry City: the Troubles Bogside Walking Tour Review
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Award Winning Guided Tour of Our Home Town Derry City
Travelers exploring the historic city of Derry are in for a treat with the award-winning guided tour of this charming northern Irish destination.
Recommended by 100% of visitors, the tour has earned a 5.0-star rating from 67 reviews and the prestigious Badge of Excellence.
Led by local and professional guides, the private tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience.
The tour is accessible, with wheelchair and stroller access, as well as multilingual guides available.
Operating daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, the tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an in-depth exploration of Derry’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Read our full review: Award Winning Guided Tour of Our Home Town Derry City Review
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Derry City: The Bloody Sunday Story – Walking Tour
Derry City’s storied past takes center stage in the Bloody Sunday Story – Walking Tour.
Led by a brother of a victim, this highly recommended tour provides personal insights into the tragic events of Bloody Sunday. Visitors can explore the Bogside, the site of the massacre, and Free Derry Corner, while hearing first-hand accounts from guides directly affected by the Troubles.
With a maximum group size of 12, the tour offers an intimate and educational experience, earning a Badge of Excellence. At just over $26 per person, it’s an affordable way to gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in Northern Ireland’s history.
Read our full review: Derry City: The Bloody Sunday Story – Walking Tour Review
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Derrie Danders: Highlights of the Walled City a Self-Guided Audio Tour
After exploring the somber history of Bloody Sunday, visitors can embark on a self-guided audio tour to discover the highlights of Londonderry’s Walled City.
The “Derrie Danders” tour offers lifetime access to an audio guide in English, with offline maps and geodata. Priced at $9.99 per person, the tour has received excellent reviews, with a 100% recommendation rate and a 4.9/5 rating.
The tour starts at 17 Waterloo Place and ends at the Peace Bridge, providing a rundown of the city’s historic landmarks.
With flexible start, pause, and restart options, this private tour allows visitors to explore at their own pace.
Read our full review: Derrie Danders: Highlights of the Walled City a Self-Guided Audio Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Londonderry offers a variety of walking tours that provide insights into the city’s rich history and turbulent past. From exploring the historic City Walls to learning about the Troubles, visitors can choose from guided tours or self-guided audio experiences. These tours offer a compelling way to discover Londonderry’s cultural heritage and gain a deeper understanding of this Northern Irish city.