Recently, I had the opportunity to take short trips to two cities. Derry (or Londonderry) is well-known for its brilliant history. I was thrilled about every aspect: climbing the steep hilly roads, taking pictures with the famous murals, stopping for biscoff-flavoured ice cream, and importantly, deepening my understanding of the city’s rich past.

On the other hand, Newry surprised me with its beautiful canals, vibrant landscape, and the Northern Irish stories I had previously never heard of. Both these cities are in close proximity to Belfast, and as an international student who is still relatively new to this country’s scenery, I loved travelling by trains and buses which offered scenic and peaceful views.

Derry Girl for the Day

As someone who is hugely obsessed with the Derry Girls show, I have always wished to visit the city of Derry. So, of course, my first stop was the Derry Girls mural. The sheer size of it amazed me, leading me to click pictures and selfies from various angles. When I visited the Tower Museum (which has a student discount for entry, by the way), I was excited to find almost the entire Derry Girls set on display. From Erin’s bedroom and the Quinn Household’s kitchen, to scripts from the show and other plot-significant props, it is mandatory to visit this museum if you are a fan.

Additionally, the museum also exposed me to Derry’s historical narratives and heritage value, where I was able to observe how the territory evolved over the centuries.

Architectural Delights in Derry/Londonderry

Having completed the ‘Understanding Northern Ireland’ module during my first year at Queen’s, it was delightful to learn more while exploring this fascinating city. I happened to visit St Columb’s Cathedral, the first one to be constructed after the reformation, with Planter’s Gothic architecture getting popular at the time. While leaving, I was allowed to have a look at the chapel, which currently functions as the tearoom for officials and caretakers. This chapel housed a variety of portraits, belongings of noble families, and other holy artefacts being skillfully maintained.

After taking in the sight of the cathedral and the garden’s stunning aesthetics, I moved on to see the Derry walls. The entire walk was calming, as I managed to catch a view of the city from a raised area. The canon structures and the gaps between the walls truly portrayed the ruggedness of the past. I ended the trip with a walk across the peace bridge and to the train station for my two-hour journey back to Belfast.

A Serene Trip to Newry

With Newry, I had presumed there was not much to see. Well, I was proven wrong soon enough. From the moment I reached the city, the canals and streams captured my interest keenly. The cathedral’s environment felt serene. Also, I enjoyed a nice dinner at the Tinley Tandoori restaurant. Though the authenticity was lost in their ‘South Indian Chilli Chicken,’ the kebab platter lived up to my expectations. The meal was reasonably priced, and I was happy enough!

There are two places in Newry that I would forever cherish visiting. The first one is the Canal Towpath, a cut-off space closer to the main roads where people usually go for some quiet or to walk their dogs. I sat on a rock overseeing the river, with the breezy weather making everything feel light.

As I continued walking, I saw seagulls, cranes, some people with fishing rods on the opposite side of the river, and even a few boats. This led to a much denser pathway, with the Albert River on one side, and the Newry River on the other. This secluded area is perfect for hiking, particularly if solitary walks surrounded by nature enraptures you.

Exploring Newry's History

Secondly, I visited The Bagenal Castle, also known as The Newry and Mourne Museum. From the outside, it looked like any other museum, but upon entering, I was surprised that the interior actually preserved the remains of the 16th century castle. There were three main galleries, one with the ivy-covered basement, burning bread oven, and further tells the stories of the Cistercian Abbey and St. Patrick. The second level held a portrait of Nicholas Bagenal, an ancient grandfather clock, a navigator depicting the Newry Canal’s history, and even attires from the period, among other things.

The third level was my most favourite as an antique and traditional banquet hall was presented for viewing. Apart from this, the museum was also hosting two temporary exhibitions! The whole experience of exploring through this hidden gem of an archive was surreal.

Through these two trips to Derry and Newry, I am much closer to understanding the rich tapestry of Northern Ireland. They were not just fun getaways, but meaningful endeavours, which has inspired and enriched who I am and what I know. Travelling from Belfast to these cities nearby is a budget-friendly option if you love visiting new places and meeting new people, and certainly a fulfilling exploration.

Find out more

Blogs about Belfast and NI

Three Weeks Behind, One Year Later: My First-Year Journey at Queen’s

International Students at Queen’s: Experiences in Belfast and Beyond

Magdalene Natasha Charles Anthropology and English | Undergraduate Student | India I'm an undergraduate student pursuing Anthropology and English at Queen's. Originally from Chennai, India, I've now moved to Belfast for my studies. In my free time, I like to write poetry, and I've self-published my own collection ('Subdued Cries' on Amazon). I'm an aspiring novelist and I hope to inspire people through my writing journey. I also journal, and am fond of frolicking (or taking calming walks) through parks and gardens. I'm extremely passionate about reading and my current favourite is The Secret History by Donna Tartt. I'm constantly looking for ways to improve my personal and professional skills, and hope to gain meaningful experience during my time here at Queen's.