From Derry to Brum! easyJet announces new route from City of Derry Airport to Birmingham

, ,

Northern Ireland’s largest airline, easyJet, has announced the launch of a new route from City of Derry airport to Birmingham.

The new route will be the third new service easyJet has added to its City of Derry network in the last 12 months, following the introduction of new flights to Edinburgh and Liverpool, helping provide even stronger domestic connectivity between Northern Ireland and key cities across the UK.

Flights to Birmingham are scheduled to take off on 1 September 2025, with the choice of flying on Monday and Friday throughout the year, perfect for those looking for a staycation, visiting friends and family, or when doing business.

Birmingham offers much more than the setting for the iconic Peaky Blinders series – a vibrant city with a blend of historic and cultural landmarks, a bustling music and shopping scene as well as being home to the famous Cadbury World.

easyJet has also extended its winter routes from City of Derry airport to operate throughout the summer, providing key connectivity and more choices to Liverpool and Edinburgh year-round.

Seats are now on sale at easyJet.com and via the app from £24.99*.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said:

“It is fantastic to be able to offer yet another new route from City of Derry to Birmingham which will appeal to leisure and business customers alike.

“We are proud to be the largest airline in Northern Ireland and by continuing to strengthen our network at City of Derry we are providing our customers in the Northwest with even greater choice and connectivity, all with great value fares and friendly service, and we look forward to welcoming them on board.”

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport said:

“We are thrilled to expand our route map with easyJet and provide another much-needed service for our local catchment area across Derry City and Strabane, the Causeway Coast and Glens, Donegal and beyond.

“A direct connection to Birmingham has previously proved to be one of the most popular routes from our Northwest gateway, particularly for those commuting to work, study or visit family and friends, and we are delighted that easyJet will be adding to their existing services to Liverpool & Edinburgh, which will make them the biggest carrier by volume operating from City of Derry Airport.”

“As part of our long-term commitment to support and develop the Northwest economy and tourism sector, we hope this new service will help bring new inbound investment opportunities and a new tourism market from the UK midlands area into the Walled City and surrounding areas.”

For more information on easyJet’s network from Northern Ireland and to book visit easyJet.com.

/0 Comments/by

Derry celebrates St Patrick’s Day in style as bumper crowds attend city centre parade

, , ,

Derry cemented it’s reputation as a major destination to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in as tens of thousands of people packed the city centre to the rafters the city’s annual parade.

Over 800 performers took part in the North West Carnival Initiative’s procession through the streets that featured sports clubs, dance troupes and community organisations all celebrating the theme of Flowers, Fur and Feathers.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, joined St Patrick to lead the procession which began inside the walls and travelled down through Shipquay Street past the local landmarks of the Guildhall and the Peace Bridge and concluded on Strand Road.

“What a wonderful day in our city centre,” said Mayor Barr. “Leading the Derry St Patrick’s Day parade along with hundreds of talented young people is an experience I will never forget.
“I want to acknowledge all the hard work that went into this year’s St Patrick’s Day festivities, both from the Council team, the North West Carnival Initiative and all their statutory and community partners.

“But most of all I want to thank the thousands of local people who lined the streets to watch the parade and created an atmosphere like no other.

“Nobody throws a party better than our Council area and we proved that again today.”

Other highlights of the day’s festivities included live music at the main stage in the Guildhall Square, which had people dancing in the streets.

The Craft Village was also buzzing with live traditional music and Irish dancing, while Derry’s Guildhall was packed with revellers enjoying the traditional Irish music and céilí dance session.
Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, said early indications were of another record breaking crowd in attendance.

“Thank you to our Festival and Events team and all our partners for co-ordinating another successful St Patrick’s Day celebration.
“A lot of unseen work takes place behind the scenes to make sure an event of this scale runs smoothly but it is all worthwhile when we see thousands of people having a positive experience.
“We will process the data over the coming days but early indications are that we have surpassed 30,000 spectators for a second successive year which we are delighted about.
“Visitors from outside the Council area look high as well as we continue to build our reputation as a venue to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in.”

/0 Comments/by

Swing into summer with the City of Derry Jazz Festival

, ,

Bennigans Bar was the perfect location to get the jazz vibe going with the launch the City of Derry Jazz Festival 2025, taking place May 01 – 05.

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, was joined by Martin Venning from event sponsors Diageo, for the launch at one of the festival’s most popular jazz hubs, renowned for its top-class artists.

This year’s event marks 24 years of Ireland’s biggest Jazz extravaganza, and final preparations are now well underway to deliver an unsurpassable programme featuring over 320 performances, and brimming with musical talent from around the world. Music legend Billy Ocean tops this year’s bill, performing in the Millennium Forum on Saturday and Sunday May 3rd and 4th.

Looking ahead to the event, which is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, Mayor Barr said she couldn’t wait to get her dancing shoes on. “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love the City of Derry Jazz Festival,” she declared. “It’s a wonderful time to visit Derry as the city comes alive with music in every bar and on every street corner. The energy is infectious and the atmosphere is just incredible.

“The festival is the perfect warm up for the summer, and it’s an event that people of all ages can enjoy. You don’t have to be a jazz fanatic – we have performers here from all over the world and a real medley of musical genres to enjoy. And don’t forget the majority of the entertainment is free!”

This year’s programme includes old jazz favourites, local legends and plenty of new talent, ready to deliver five days packed with entertainment, from jazz workshops to live concerts and drama performances.

There will be beats on the streets with a variety of al fresco acts, bringing the vibrant sound of jazz to the entire city. Festival goers can also look forward to an exciting mix of jump, jive, blues, and swing, ensuring there’s something for every music enthusiast.

A highlight of the festival is the Live Music Now Schools Programme, which aims to inspire and educate the next generation of musicians through interactive performances and workshops in local post-primary schools. Young performers will have the chance to show off their talents performing live on the Gay McIntyre Stage, showcasing some of the finest jazz talent in the historic Guildhall Square.

Jazz Festival coordinator with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aisling McCallion, said: “May is fast approaching and we have had so much interest this year from acts from all over who have heard about the City of Derry Jazz Festival and the brilliant welcome the performers enjoy. We have some really exciting new performers this year, and of course we can’t wait to welcome our headline act Billy Ocean.”

Martin Venning from Diageo said it would be an unforgettable weekend. “Diageo is delighted to continue supporting this fantastic festival, which celebrates the vibrant cultural scene here in the North West.

“It’s the perfect platform for both established local performers and new up and coming talent, who join world class artists from across the world for a show-stopping weekend that brings so much value to the local economy. It’s the only place to celebrate the May Bank Holiday.”

So join us for an unforgettable celebration of jazz, community, and culture at the 2025 City of Derry Jazz Festival!

For more information go to cityofderryjazzfestival.com and for regular updates follow the City of Derry Jazz festival on Facebook Instagram and X @derryjazzfest.

/0 Comments/by

Acorn Farm’s New Gate Lodge Garden officially opens

, , , , ,

Spring has certainly sprung in the new Acorn Farm Gate Lodge Garden located at the St Columb’s Park Gate Lodge which has been officially opened by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr.

The new garden is part of the ambitious Acorn Farm Project, a partnership project supported by funding from The National Lottery Community Fund’s, Climate Action Fund and the UK Government.

Mayor Barr was joined by pupils from St Anne’s Primary School in Derry, who had the opportunity to learn about the importance of seed planting and growing cycles, and taste the benefits of the freshly harvested food.

The new space has been created to connect local communities, families, households and food producers with sustainable food practices, healthy eating and climate-friendly learning. It will help facilitate elements of the Acorn Farm’s wider engagement programme through events, workshops and guided visits.

The Acorn Farm project is delivered by a partnership team consisting of Derry City and Strabane District Council, The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, The Conservation Volunteers, Developing Healthy Communities and Community Garden Support.

Officially opening the gardens, Mayor Barr said they provided a beautiful learning space for all ages. “I am thrilled to be here today and to see the next stage in the development of the Acorn Farm project. There is a fantastic array of produce already being grown, and local people can draw on the expertise from local horticulturists and other experienced growers. Congratulations to everyone involved in realising this wonderful new green space.”

Paul Sweeney, Northen Ireland Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “I am delighted to be at the Gate Lodge Gardens today for the official opening and to see the progress made so far in the Acorn Farm Project, which has been supported by over £2 million of National Lottery funding.

“A priority of The National Lottery Community Fund’s strategy to 2030 is to support communities in becoming environmentally sustainable. Innovative and ambitious projects like Acorn Farm are a fantastic example of our funding being put into action by communities, by creating a movement and helping develop more sustainable and responsible ways of sourcing and producing food.

“Well done to everyone involved in developing this community hub which will boost mental health, encourage physical activity and build stronger community connections.”

Shauna Kelpie, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: “What we see here today is the culmination of outstanding collaboration between partner organisations committed to improving the lives of local people and our environment through access to more sustainable food choices. This project kick starts so many ‘green focused’ activities and will be life changing for so many families now and into the future.”

The total funding investment pot of £6.2m in capital infrastructure (UK Government and Derry City and Strabane District Council) and over £2m (National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund) in skills-based engagement programmes, is assisting local people to take climate action through food choice and make the link between sustainable food and better health outcomes for this generation and future ones.

Find out more about the project at https://acornfarmni.com/

 

/0 Comments/by

easyJet launch first flights to Liverpool and Edinburgh from City of Derry Airport

, , , ,
Special guests, the Mayor Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, Chief Executive at Visit Derry, Odhran Dunne, President of Derry Chamber of Commerce, Greg McCann, President of Causeway Chamber of Commerce, James Kilgore, and Chief Executive of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, Toni Forrester, joined the celebrations

On 4th November easyJet, Northern Ireland’s largest airline, has  launched the first flights on two new domestic routes from City of Derry Airport to Liverpool and Edinburgh.

The new twice-weekly services – providing customers in Northern Ireland even more convenient connections across the UK – took off for the first time today with both routes operating every Monday and Friday throughout the year.

To mark the occasion, the Airport surprised the inaugural departure and arrival passengers with an easyJet orange celebration where they were treated to complimentary drinks, refreshments and giveaways before setting off.

Special guests, the Mayor Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, Chief Executive at Visit Derry, Odhran Dunne, President of Derry Chamber of Commerce, Greg McCann, President of Causeway Chamber of Commerce, James Kilgore, and Chief Executive of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, Toni Forrester, joined the celebrations.

The new routes provide stronger domestic connectivity and serve increasing demand for flights between Northern Ireland and key cities across the UK.

Both Edinburgh and Liverpool are known for their rich history and wide range of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, theatres, and music venues. Edinburgh is famous for its festivals, while Liverpool is known for its music scene, particularly The Beatles.

Whether customers are looking for a city break, to visit friends and family, need a convenient business connection, or are connecting to onward destinations across Europe and beyond, easyJet offers great value fares and flights for business and leisure travellers alike.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said:

“We are thrilled to be celebrating the launch of our year-round operations from City of Derry Airport to Liverpool and Edinburgh today, and to be providing even more choice for our business and leisure customers alike.

“We are proud to be the largest airline in Northern Ireland offering great value fares and convenient connections for our customers here as, well as those across the UK looking to explore the fantastic experiences Northern Ireland has to offer.”

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport stated:

“This is a special day for City of Derry Airport as easyJet takes off from the Northwest for the first time. This is a day that should be celebrated for the entire Northwest region. easyJet brings an undeniable level of brand credibility, customer confidence, not to mention great value fares for travellers across our catchment area.

“We are very pleased for the return of connectivity to Edinburgh and Liverpool for our local region as year-round services to these destinations have been in demand from both corporate and leisure travellers for some time, and the flight schedule for Monday’s and Friday’s offers ideal timings for business travel during the week and weekend breaks for the leisure market.

“The launch of easyJet services will be an additional economic driver for business investment in the Northwest and inbound travel and tourism, we are proud to be able to help grow and develop these sectors in our local area.”

easyJet is the largest airline in Northern Ireland, offering over 45  routes across Europe and North Africa.

Great value seats are available to book from £14.99* on easyJet.com and via the mobile app.  To discover more about easyJet’s Northern Ireland network and to book, visit easyJet.com.

/0 Comments/by

Seven days of activity across 50 venues revealed for Derry and Strabane’s 2024 Halloween celebration

, , ,

The overall programme for the City and District will run over seven days from Friday October 25th to Thursday October 31st 2024 and will feature activity in over 50 venues.

The Derry Halloween celebrations, the largest festival of their kind in Europe, will focus on ‘Awakening the Walled City’ trail within the streets of the city centre from Monday 28th until Wednesday 30th October and will climax with a ‘Carnival of the Dead’ themed Halloween parade and fireworks display on Thursday October 31st.

Strabane’s Halloween celebrations will include trick or treat trails, street theatre, food stalls, dinosaur shows, magicians and much more in Castle Street, Abercorn Square and the Alley Theatre.

The activity begins with the Castlederg Apple Fair on Friday October 25th and Saturday October 26th and includes various community events across the district including the Halloween Hoolie in Castlederg and Newtownstewart’s Scarecrow trail.
A number of key elements to the Derry Halloween programming were highlighted for Members including In Your Space Circus’ Witchy Wonderland on the City Walls, Haunted Projections by Guildhall Production Studio on the Austins and Bishop Street Court House buildings, the LUXE hosted Elemental Garden in Ebrington Square and Rodafonio – a travelling street theatre act created by renowned American designer and musician Cesar Alvarez.

Other highlights will include Stelzen Art Time Travelers in the grounds of the Cathedral Quarter, Studio 2’s Hocus Pocus sisters in the City of Bones, a Back to the Future themed street performance by New Gate Arts, interactive performances by the North West Regional College’s Music and Performing Arts students as well as Magical Science Shows in the Guildhall.

The Haunted Harvest Market will feature LegenDerry Food in Guildhall Square and will give the public the opportunity to sample the best of locally sourced and home-grown food from across the district.

“Officers have been working closely with local providers, creatives and performers as well as international level acts to develop a dynamic and comprehensive programme for Halloween 2024,” explained Head of Culture at Council, Aeidin McCarter.

“Activity is planned across the district from Friday October 25th and climaxing on Thursday October 31st with the city’s Carnival of the Dead Halloween Parade featuring some of the city’s finest performers and culminating in the festival finale fireworks display where all eyes will be on the River Foyle for a deathly display of pyrotechnics.

“We are confident that programming for 2024 will build on our reputation as Europe’s largest Halloween Festival and an internationally renowned visitor experience at this time of year,”

Other programming elements revealed at this week’s meeting are the return of the Hay Bale Sculpture Trail in and around Strabane which will see over 12 groups and community organisations get involved in Halloween activities by creating their own Hay Bale Sculptures using a perfect blend of creative charm and spooky thrills.

Other Derry Halloween highlights include the Monster Fun Fair at Ebrington, Spark Drummers, Uncle Doom and his organ of Doom, Pop Up Choir Performances, Street Walkabouts, Haunted Houses, Live Music, Arts and Crafts, Kids Halloween Disco, Ghost Tours on the City Walls, Wailing Nuns, Wicked Windows, City Centre Dressing, City Dance’s Walter on the Dance Floor and a city centre trick or treat trail.

Members also heard that Officers have been working closely with local creative and community sectors which will also see programming from the Playhouse, Echo Echo, Nerve Centre, An Cultúrlann and Glen Community Development.

Council’s Culture and Business teams are organising a Halloween Business Engagement event on the 2nd October, to allow the business, tourism, retail and hospitality sectors to receive practical support on how to leverage the Halloween activities to enhance their business.

Marketing activities for Derry Halloween will include digital initiatives, broadcast, print, consumer engagement and collaborative campaigns with Visit Derry and Tourism Northern Ireland.

New approaches for the 2024 Derry Halloween campaign include podcast advertising, additional digital channels, a media drop, and the use of Augmented Reality to enhance engagement.

The campaign aims to work closely with Tourism Ireland to position Derry as the Capital of Halloween in their global drive to position Ireland as the Home of Halloween.

The full Halloween programme can be found at www.derryhalloween.com.

/0 Comments/by

International Passenger Numbers Triple at City of Derry Airport

, , ,

One year on from the launch of international single-ticket fares from City of Derry Airport, as part of the take-off of the Loganair London Heathrow service offering the new hub connectivity, new passenger figures have unveiled that the number travelling through the ‘Gateway of the Northwest’ to connect to international destinations has tripled from Summer 2023 to Summer 2024. These figures indicate a new wave of global travellers using the Airport, with the top connecting destinations outlined as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, and the top connecting airlines shown as British Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, commented: “It’s wonderful to see travellers across the Northwest enjoying the benefits of flying local to an array of bucket-list destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australasia.

“Passengers can drop their baggage at City of Derry, breeze through London Heathrow, and collect their baggage at their final destination. There is also increased baggage allowance as the international airline’s baggage permissions apply throughout the journey.

“In terms of planning international travel, passengers can simply book single-ticket fares via the international airline website, or via a local travel agent. Full information on all destinations and the airline carriers available to book for each destination is shown on the City of Derry Airport website: www.cityofderryairport.com/destinations/international-connections.”

Brenda Morgan MBE, Head of Business Development at City of Derry Airport, added: “With reduced journey time to the Airport, savings on parking (you can park for a week from just £34.58), and less than 15 minutes from the Carpark to the Departure Gate, we can assure our passengers of a fast, friendly and convenient start to their trip! Our Airport team also offer amazing support for passengers with reduced mobility and pre-visits are available for anyone with hidden disabilities, or anyone who may be nervous in advance of travel. At City of Derry Airport, we pride ourselves on doing everything we can to ensure our passengers’ travel experience is as stress-free as possible.”

Anna Doherty, Chief Executive at Derry Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is great news to see that international passenger numbers have tripled at City of Derry Airport in the space of a year. Such significant increases in the number of people passing through our airport and city are a testament to the work the Airport has done in getting people into the Northwest through its offering of both new services and international single-ticket fares.

“A major aim for growth in Derry and the Northwest is that the region becomes a hub for both corporate travel and corporate tourism. The statistics released today, specifically those of the connecting cities, show that City of Derry Airport is playing a crucial role in attracting that corporate traffic to the region. We look forward to the Airport further increasing these figures again, as we are sure they will, and the associated increase of footfall in the region this growth will bring with it.”

Top 10 Connecting Cities:
1. Dubai
2. Doha
3. Abu Dhabi
4. Amsterdam
5. Berlin
6. Geneva
7. Istanbul
8. Copenhagen
9. Delhi
10. Paris
Top Connecting Airlines:
1. British Airways
2. Emirates
3. Etihad Airways
4. Qatar Airways
5. KLM

Additional international airlines available to book single-ticket fares with:
– Air France
– Cathay Pacific
– Ethiopian Airlines
– Finnair
– Icelandair
– Singapore Airlines
– Turkish Airlines
– United Airlines

For more information on international travel from City of Derry Airport, click here.

/0 Comments/by

Tourism Northern Ireland welcomes record £1.2billion visitor spend

, ,

Tourism Northern Ireland welcomes record £1.2 billion visitor spend

New figures released in August by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) – the first Northern Ireland annual tourism statistics since 2019 and the Covid pandemic – indicate visitors to Northern Ireland spent a record £1.2 billion in 2023.

This spend was generated from 5.4 million overnights trips taken in the region, 60% of which were taken by those from outside of Northern Ireland.

On average, visitors stayed 3.1 nights and spent £224.44 per overnight trip in the 12-month period.

Of the £1.2 billion spend, 56% was spent outside of Belfast.

Domestic trips (by NI residents) accounted for the highest proportion of overall trips in the region, at 40%, with Great Britain residents accounting for 27%.

There was an unprecedented number of visitors from the Republic of Ireland in 2023, with these accounting for almost one-quarter of all trips during the year.

Tourism Northern Ireland’s Consumer Sentiment Research found that the majority of ROI visitors said their trip matched or exceeded expectations, with the range of places to eat & drink, and the welcome & hospitality being particularly highly rated.

Local Government District figures, also published in August by NISRA, show the benefits of tourism are experienced across the north, with 69% of visits in 2023 taken outside of Belfast.

Today’s NISRA figures also reveal that hotel room occupancy in Northern Ireland was 64% in 2023. STR hotel data indicate high average daily hotel rates for 2023.

In addition, in 2023, there were 5,845 tourism businesses operating in Northern Ireland, of these, 77% were outside the Belfast city council area.

John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “We are very pleased with the latest tourism statistics released today which indicate that the industry has recovered very successfully from the impact of the COVID pandemic.

“The results we are seeing today is the result of the great collaboration between Government, the tourism agencies, local councils and the tourism industry over the past four years in delivering the Tourism Recovery Action Plan drawn up in response to the devastation of the pandemic.

“Whilst it’s difficult to make direct comparisons with 2019, the fact that overnight spend by tourists has reached an estimated £1.2 billion in 2023 represents a very impressive performance given the many challenges the industry has faced in recent years.”

Mr McGrillen added: “The statistics would suggest that business from the GB market, which is extremely important to the NI tourism industry, has now fully recovered.

“This performance creates a great platform for future growth, particularly given that the volume of flights between Irish airports and international markets now exceed 2019 levels.”

/0 Comments/by

A cross-border location like no other

, , , ,

A Unique cross-border location.

There’s no place like home. And there’s no location quite like Derry and Strabane, a unique cross-border region offering an ideal combination of city, coast and countryside.

Whether you’re returning home, or relocating here for the first time, a move to the North West can bring rewarding work opportunities and a life rich in culture, community and breathtaking scenery. The investment proposition here is equally as enticing, with the UK, Ireland and EU markets on your doorstep, and robust local and national support.

A cross-border hub

As the only cross-border city on the island, Derry has access to multiple markets, a highly skilled young workforce which is culturally literate in operating across two jurisdictions, and investment support available on both sides of the border.

Whether you’re relocating to the North West to grow your business here, work remotely, or join one of our leading local employers, you’ll find excellent superfast broadband availability across the region. We enjoy a 67-millisecond connection with the East Coast of the USA – among the fastest in Europe. As well as 97% superfast broadband coverage to facilitate remote working.

Work opportunities

You might be returning from university seeking a fulfilling graduate role. Maybe you’ve racked up years of experience, and are ready to take the next step in your corporate journey. Or perhaps you want to move back to the North West with your family, to enjoy our fantastic quality of life without compromising on career goals.

Whatever stage you’re at in your career, you’ll find job opportunities in a wide range of sectors here in Derry and Strabane – from award-winning local financial services and engineering firms, to innovative tech and life sciences companies, and major multinational brands.

Support for investors

If you’re looking to grow your business in the North West, Derry City and Strabane District Council can offer investment support, trade missions and connections with the City of London Corporation and international partners to assist and promote your venture.

Organisations such as Intertrade Ireland can help your business explore cross-border markets, while on a national level, Invest NI and IDA Ireland are also there to assist your venture.

The right balance

Quality of life here in the North West is one of the things we value most. It’s why a Sunday Times survey named “cool, credible and cheap” Derry as the best place to live in Northern Ireland.

Derry is a vibrant city – the fourth largest in Ireland – with a young population, a great primary, secondary and third level education system, and famously friendly people (we were ranked number one for community spirit in an NI poll). And of course, our award-winning restaurants and bars are ‘LegenDerry’.

A gateway for exploring

Derry and Strabane are also brilliantly located for enjoying the best the North West has to offer on both sides of the border, nestled where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coastal Route.

Fancy a sunset stroll after work, or a weekend adventure? You can reach a stunning Donegal beach within 20 minutes’ drive of Derry, and even head up to the North Coast for a surf. Or, in less than half an hour’s drive from Strabane town centre, you can be hiking through the breathtaking Sperrin Mountains.

/0 Comments/by

Derry Girls Experience hits 10,000th visitor milestone in just one month

, , ,

The Tower Museum exhibition celebrating Lisa McGee’s hit TV Series Derry Girls has reached a significant visitor milestone just one month after it opened to the public.

The Maguire family from Sydney Australia this week had the distinction of bringing the total number of visitors to the Derry Girls Experience to 10,000 people.

The exhibition, featuring a range of original items from the show, has been viewed by thousands of locals and visitors from across the world since it officially opened its doors to the public on Monday July 3rd.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue, said the popularity of the display has surpassed all expectations.

“The Derry Girls Experience has proved a huge draw since it opened just over one month ago,” she said.

“It has more than doubled the projected visitor numbers and is the most visitor numbers we have had since the Tower Museum opened.

“Staff at the Tower have met families who have planned their holidays around visiting the exhibition and the knock on effect of thousands of visitors on the local economy will be significant.

“It proves yet again what a positive impact the show has had in heightening the international profile of our city and attracting visitors from all over the world.”

Roisin Doherty, Curator at the Tower Museum, added: “The Derry Girls Experience celebrates the story of the hit show right in the heart of the city where it is set.

“We have been fortunate to secure some iconic memorabilia for the exhibition and the public have loved the opportunity to see the likes of Erin’s diary, Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater and the infamous Spice Girls costumes.

“The visitor numbers have surpassed all expectations and show just how popular the show has become not just here but all over the world.”

Odhran Dunne, Chief Executive at Visit Derry, said the exhibition is already playing a key role in promoting the city to global market.

“Attractions such as the new Derry Girls Experience are key to ensuring our continued success in growing our visitor numbers, particularly from international markets.

“In just over one month, the Derry Girls Experience has welcomed 10,000 visitors from over 34 countries.

“The experience has surpassed initial targets as a driver for tourism to the city and region and plays a special role in helping Visit Derry continue to raise the profile of the destination and attract visitors from across the world.”

The Derry Girls exhibition was given the go ahead in January, with £71,000 secured through the Tourism NI Market Led Product Development Programme 2022/23, and additional funds from Council’s Museum Services Programme bringing the budget to £80,000.

It was made possible by a loan agreement with Hat Trick Productions to host a number of items from the original set with a variety of set dressings, furniture and original props from the TV show.

It also uses AR technology to provide interactive elements to the exhibition making it a user friendly experience.

The series has been cleaning up on the awards circuit, most recently gaining two BAFTA awards for the show’s creator Lisa McGee, and star Siobhán McSweeney.

Since airing on Netflix it has reached global audiences, shining a spotlight on the city’s warmth and humour in stark contrast to the dark days of the Troubles.

Last week the show was confirmed as Northern Ireland’s most watched television programme of 2022.

Tickets for the Derry Girls Experience are priced at £4 each and can be booked online at towermuseumcollections.com.

/0 Comments/by