In thinking about all the options of where to spend our time in Northern Ireland, Helen Quinn suggested a number of options. One that stood out was Derry. You might know it from the hit sitcom Derry Girls.

*The full Derry Girls Experience at the Tower Museum*

We visited the Tower Museum for the full Derry Girls experience. I mean, how could you not? It wasn’t until after this picture that I saw there were uniforms from the show I could have dressed up in. Such a miss. Something for my next visit to Derry. (Or a pro tip for you when you visit). Turns out the cast had the uniforms designed just slightly different enough not to be snagged into any trademark or copyright disputes, but clearly what the kids in Derry wore for their school uniforms.

Beyond the show itself, the Tower Museum fully delivered on a rich tapestry of the full history of Derry (sometimes referred to as LondonDerry). What I enjoyed was the partial films that were cut to tell part of the story and move you to a different part of the museum to hear the next bit. It was clearly designed for shorter attention spans and packed a lot of history in a few minutes time. Great work! Nearby we saw some of the spectacular buildings in Derry.

*I was in awe of this building and the fountains in front of it. Magnificent.*

*This is a foot bridge to an incredible park just across the water in Derry.*

As we continued to explore we happened to be in Derry during a Bagpipe competition. We had just stumbled right into the thick of it as we crossed the bridge and saw the television cameras rolling as various teams were competing.

*These bag pipers and drummers were off the charts amazing!*

*Even witnessing the warm ups was a treat as they practiced together. So cool!*

And this is what I love about my adventure so far. None of this was planned. Yes, I wanted to see Northern Ireland through the eyes of a local. Yes, I was excited to explore Derry - especially since my wife loved watching the sitcom Derry Girls. But the only reasons we walked over the footbridge were: (1) admire the architectural feat of the incredible footbridge itself, and (2) to explore the new buildings and park they had built on the other side. The fact that this bagpipe competition was happening was a bonus and a total treat.

That’s what I love about getting out into the world. You truly never know what you will stumble across. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time and got to witness some of the best pipes and drums I’ve ever seen.

*Where do you get the best views of Derry?*

From there, Helen wanted me to see the best views of Derry so she took me to the wall the overlooks the whole town. You can walk around and see the whole city from this wall and it’s a lovely walk with some of the best views.

*Helen shows me the view of Derry from the expansive wall overlooking the town*

I tried a panoramic shot, but it’s hard to make out the wall itself, but you get the idea. The wall was originally built to protect the inner city back in the old days and now serves to identify the more historic parts of Derry. It also helps tourists like me with orientation as I’m walking around.

*One of many murals that can be seen from the wall — this one of Derry Girls.*

I loved viewing the many murals that can be seen from the wall. The artists in Derry are top-notch. Why? Because 3% of every housing project must be dedicated to art. You read the right. When design plans are submitted, the 3% of the budget line item must go to an artistic quality to the build out. It keeps things very cool and interesting throughout the city.

*A mural in honor of the 14 people killed on “Bloody Sunday”*

The artwork is moving as it is beautiful. This one about those who died on “Bloody Sunday” is marked with a plaque sharing the significance of the tribute. There is a feeling of reverence and solitude in the surrounding area. So while it’s art, it’s something much more. It’s the remembrance of a historical and significant event in history that is deeply meaningful. There is a loving and honoring that is happening here. Sage grief in action for all to witness. Beautiful.

To round out our tour of Derry, we checked out another museum that included some historical costumes we could try on. While I missed the Derry Girls uniform, I wasn’t going to miss my second chance this time around.

Wrapping Up Northern Ireland

Phew. Can you believe how much can be packed into one weekend? Before flying out of Belfast airport, Helen and her husband wanted me to see one last thing — Lough Neagh, the largest lake in Ireland and the UK.

*Visiting Lough Neagh, largest lake in Ireland (and the UK)*

Found an outside gym while walking around the lake and couldn’t help myself. It had been over a week since I had done any pull-ups. I wanted to see how many I could still do. I was also impressed with the “assist” option under my feet where you could get started using as much (or as little) of your own weight to begin doing pull-ups. Very clever.

*One last coffee before heading to the airport.*

Helen and I recounted all that we had done together in the past few days and I thanked her for her incredible hospitality. The lake was indeed impressive. And they had a special contraption to keep all the kelp out of it. Something I think more lakes should invest in. A lake tractor. (No, I didn’t get to drive this one).

*Lake tractor cleaning up all the weeds that get stuck in the boat motors.*

Helen and her husband dropped me off at Belfast International airport and I was off to Edinburgh, Scotland. What an epic start to my journey. All that in the first week. I’m going to need to do a better job of pacing myself ;-)

Derry, Ireland (July 6, 2025)

Wrapping Up Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland (Omagh, July 5, 2025)