No matter what your preference is on a night out, a traditional Irish night, a casual bar scene or strictly cocktails, Derry has a bar to suit you.
With no shortage of establishments to choose from, many bars are trying to entice as many customers as they can post-COVID.
For a night out to suit everyone, here are our top choices:
With its traditional downstairs setting, the Grand Central is cosy while still feeling spacious. It is the home, alongside the Guildhall Taphouse which is currently being refurbished, of the incredibly popular local beer, Dopey Dick, named after the whale that found itself in the Foyle in 1977. With upstairs serving cocktails and the bar early preparing for the return of live music, the Central caters to all.
With its iconic autumnal artwork decorating its external walls, Brickworks is a firm local favourite. With inside and outside seating, it accommodates for those rare summer evenings and eases its customers into socialising post-covid. It’s warm interior allows for a relaxing evening out.
Sandinos Bar is a bar that needs no explanation. With its friendly staff and iconic revolutionary décor, Sandinos is a firm favourite to many visitors and locals of Derry. Now expanded upstairs, the bar has plenty of space for its many clients. Since re-opening Sandinos have taken on a cocktail menu while still retaining its casual feel.
Bennigans Bar, like Sandinos, has taken the time over lockdown to expand its menu to include cocktails. Using local influence such as the Candy Stripe and the Inch Island Ice Tea, Bennigans is promoting the city while enticing customers to something new. With its covered outdoor space as well as upcoming comedy performances, Bennigans is ideal for a group which all favour different things.
Peadar O’Donnell’s and the neighbouring Gweedore Bar offer very different nightlife experiences, but are entirely interchangeable. With access via an internal door, customers can opt for a traditional Irish night or a more modern bar also often offering live music performances. And to keep everyone happy you can switch between them at any stage.
Part of a chain with a Belfast establishment, The Thirsty Goat has established itself as a new but very popular bar. It’s sheltered beer garden will be a for live music, and its rustic style makes it stand out against usual bar settings.
Another firm local and visitor favourite, the Blackbird is located a few doors up from Sandinos Bar. It is a fantastic and comfortable setting ideal for socialising with friends over a range of cocktails or a simple pint.
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