Ireland - Derry City/Londonderry? Worth a visit?

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asteven221

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Hope you don't mind someone from the mobo fraternity posting here! It would seem that 77 have read my post on the "other side" and none replied, so it appears my fellow moboe'rs have not been to the part of Ireland outlined below.

Any info would be much appreciated.

Basically we are thinking of what to do for summer hols and looking for somewhere we have not been to before. I have cruised everywhere in the Clyde area and have had a couple of hols on the west coast up to Tobermory. Cruised Ireland's east coast down to Howth as well but being mobo and the cost of fuel that ain't happening again any time soon!

Although we have cruised around Northern Ireland i.e. Ballycastle, Port Rush etc.... we have not been to Derry City/Londonderry and it looks quite interesting and has a marina/pontoon setup. Is it worth a visit and to stay for a few nights? Can anyone with some local knowledge offer any info? In particular regarding security as the pontoons (like many city centre pontoons) look as if they could be vulnerable to visits from the local undesirables. Hopefully that's not the case though as the last thing we need is to be constantly worrying about the boat being broken into etc......

Any info appreciated.

Cheers
 
Definately worth a visit. It is a very interesting city. First 'city of culture' and has a significant history and local culture. As far as can recall the pontoons are secure, I certainly have heard of no problems. There are lovely local walks with the new bridge. There are lots of good pubs and events. There is a brilliant museum, I think it is called tower museum. You can do guided tours of the walls and fortifications with historical information about troubles in the distant past and more recent. The guild hall is a lovely building and they often give very interesting tours for free. Unfortunately the waterfront is a bit of a walk out of the old town (5 mins) but there are some restaurants and bars close to the pontoon. There should be information online about any events close to the time that you might be there. There is normally something on. If you come in marching season there could be some colourful displays of interest to people who are not local but are sensible.
 
It can be, if you keep your wits about you. The problem is for the people who live here, tourists are welcome. The only thing is, in the rare event trouble starts up you need to get out. For a tourist it is bright, musical, colourful and very odd. Just don't talk politics or mention all the chapels you have been in.
Spyro said:
You almost make marching season sound like some sort of tourist attraction. :)
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It is a long way up Lough Foyle but an interesting city with a good pub culture. Plenty of young chavs just like any other city. Fly your Saltire and look like a tourist, you will be treated well. If you get bored hire a car and head for Donegal, Mulroy bay to Sheephaven (The Atlantic Drive) has some of the best beaches in Europe or you can get on a train and follow the coast towards Portrush. It is not so important whether you call it Derry Or Londonderry but very essential that you acknowledge that it is a city. The protestant historical cultural locations like the Walls and the Cathedral are all on the West Side where you berth but all the prods now live across the river.
If you are in to pipe bands and marching there are better places to experience it, like many cultural festivals alcohol can be a catalyst for trouble, so early in the day is best.
 
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Was there in 2010, you have to stop off and pick up a key IIRC this is for access to the pontoons and drop off on way back. Strong tides at the entrance to river. The river is shallow in places so don't cut the corners. Well worth the effort as you are in the middle of the city and a great place. Have fun! We had no problem with security, and never felt it was an issue. Plenty of room on the pontoons we were there in July and no rafting but may have changed now.
 
I keep the boat there in the winter. It's a nice Marina with a shower block nobody ever uses. Bit exposed if windy. Strong tides can result in 'waves' being pushed up from the Foyle bridge, just mildly annoying though.

I know the Marina pin code if you're in need but it (apparently) changes.

Greencastle has a nice pub, careful where you leave the boat though as the fishermen can be a funny bunch.

Moville has a pier which will work with a motorboat. Nice pubs, again, very friendly folk.

The Lough is one of the most boring journeys ever but maybe that's a matter of perspective.

Careful with wind over tide at magilligan point.

Derry/Londonderry is actually a nice place with lots of interesting history. It's basically devided by the river into 'waterside' (prods/jaffas) and 'cityside' (teigs *ahem* sorry, Catholics). The Marina is on the cityside so bear that in mind, don't put up your ensign!

Do the 'city walls' tour but don't hang around there at night as there are plenty of drunken yobos about. Some of the (really sectarian) bars like Paedars are great craic but if you have an English accent be careful what you say.
 
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I was born and raised there during the worst of the "bad" times and have recollections of a destroyed city. However I visited there again a couple of years ago and was truly astounded by the transformation. I can honestly say it is now a beautiful place to visit, cosmopolitan, packed with history - ancient and modern, lots of typically Irish night life/entertainment. You could easily spend a couple of days sight seeing in the city alone, as described above.
The suggestions for a trip through/around Donegal are well made - this could be done by car in a long day and is definitely worth thinking about. Stunning Atlantic coastline, spectacular beaches, rugged landscape, etc.. In fact we loved it so much we are spending two weeks there this summer, although taking our dinghy and canoes rather than sailing there ourselves.
 
There has been a program on TV about the Wild Atlantic Way which is a new coastal route (longest in Europe I think) around Ireland. It starts just over the border from Derry, through Muff. Theer is another route called the Inishowen 100, they cover some of the same territory. They are truely lovely drives with lots of interesting site seeing stops, pubs, restaurants etc. There are also some art trails along the route as Ireland is famous for its writers and artists. If you can hire a car and head towards Malin Head you will have a great time. You could take the boat around but the coast around there requires some bravery and has less facilities. Brilliant spots include Inistrahul Island and, further round, Tory Island with Inishbofin and beg inside. If you just want to hang around in Derry I am sure you will have a great time. It is a very good city for tourists, perhaps moreso than for locals.
 
We enjoyed a day there walking the walls. The locals were very friendly & recommended a few interesting places to visit. Google the city & I'm sure you'll find a few things of interest - it's good to know the stories behind the statues & buildings.
 
Have been contemplating about visiting that stretch of coast for a while, but have not found any possibility to charter in that area - anyone came across something by any chance?
Thanks
 
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