Ulsterbus, Foyle Street Depot, Derry (www.translink.co.uk; 028/9066-6630), operates local bus service to the suburbs. There is no bus service within the walls of the small, easily walkable city. The black London-style taxis you'll see are known in Derry and Belfast as "people's taxis," and they pick up multiple passengers going in the same direction for very cheap fares (they first appeared during the Troubles when buses would not serve the violence-prone areas and are now local institutions). However, they primarily serve nationalist areas outside the walls and will not go to most areas of interest to tourists. Use any of the other taxis available throughout the city, which are plentiful and reasonably priced.
There are taxi stands at the Ulsterbus Depot, Foyle Street (028/7126-2262), and at the Northern Ireland (Waterside) Railway Station, Duke Street, Waterside (028/7134-2228). To call a cab, contact Sackville Taxis (028/7137-1666), Derry Taxis (028/7126-0247), or Foyle Taxis (028/7126-3905).
Local car-rental offices include Europcar (028/7181-2773) and Hertz (028/7181-1994) at the City of Derry Airport.
The focal point of Derry is the Diamond, a large square holding a war memorial in the center of the city. Four streets radiate out from the Diamond: Bishop, Ferryquay, Shipquay, and Butcher. Each extends for several blocks and ends at a gateway (Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Shipquay Gate, and Butcher’s Gate) cut into the thick city walls.
Although the original walled city was built on the west bank of the River Foyle, Derry has spread across to the east bank as well, with three bridges connecting the two sides. The Craigavon Bridge, built in 1933, is one of only a few double-decker bridges in the British Isles. The Foyle Bridge, Ireland’s longest bridge, opened in 1984 and provides a dual-lane highway about 2 miles (3.2km) north of the Craigavon Bridge. The sleek, modern Peace Bridge links Ebrington Square with the rest of the city’s central area. Its name refers to the fact that it joins two traditionally warring districts, the mostly Catholic Cityside and the largely Protestant Waterside.
West of the river are two major areas: the walled inner city and, outside the walls to the west, the area known as the Bogside. Waterside refers to streets near the waterfront, where most hotels and many restaurants are located. Also in Waterside is a small grassy viewing point called the Top of the Hill, where you can enjoy spectacular eagle’s-eye views of the city. You’ll never find your own way there, so take a taxi and bring your map. Short of a helicopter tour, this is the best way to get your initial bearings.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
