County Londonderry’s northern coastline runs along the Causeway Coast region, a spectacular stretch of Northern Ireland's wild Atlantic coastline, dotted with fishing villages and little ports, gorse-filled valleys, sandy golden beaches, and picturesque clifftop walking and driving routes. County Londonderry’s interior undulates with the verdant Bonn and Foyle river valleys and old-growth deciduous forests, before peaking in the Sperrin Mountains. On the southern border is Lough Neagh. Our recommendations for the best places to stay in County Londonderry include converted townhouses in Derry’s historic heart, coastal retreats, and tucked away havens.

County Londonderry’s main centres are Londonderry — or Derry — which is its only city, and Coleraine, which is the county town. Londonderry is Northern Ireland’s only fully walled city, and has a lively waterfront and cultural offerings. A few decades ago this was a major battleground, the site of Bloody Sunday and the Battle of the Bogside, and some of Londonderry’s museums focus on this period, while some go back further — there’s the glorious cathedral, Craft Village, and the wonderful Gothic guildhall. You also should not miss the Bogside Murals, some of the most haunting, and politically important pieces of street art in Europe today.

Outside of these two main centres are numerous lovely little port towns and villages, and if you’re here for the outdoors these will be the best places to stay in County Londonderry. The region also has a number of important National Trust properties, including the Plantation estate at Springhill, Mussenden Temple, a stretch of artificial coastline on the Atlantic coast, and a bird sanctuary on the shore of Lough Foyle.

The Best Places to Stay in County Londonderry

For Urban Londonderry

• The Shipquay Hotel is an elegant townhouse in the most historic part of Derry. The facade is beautiful, and the interiors have been styled with contemporary hotel luxury in mind. There are just 21 rooms and suites, plus a restaurant and spa facilities. A chic city stay.
• The Bishop's Gate Hotel is another Derry pick, within the historic city walls, and also converted from an elegant old townhouse. Its 28 rooms and suites have been decorated with sophisticated contemporary, unfussy style, as has its atmospheric bar and excellent restaurant.

For Ocean Views

• Saltwater House is a crisp, white and elegant B&B, in a wonderful spot for views of Portstewart Strand. It has just five guest rooms, all decorated in white and pale greys, with a nautical air. Breakfasts are served on an outdoor terrace when possible, and there’s a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. A great pick for exploring Portstewart, but also popular with golfers and walkers. Adults only.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• County Londonderry’s airport is the City of Derry Airport. If your local airport doesn’t connect easily with Derry Airport, Belfast City Airport is probably your next best bet, it’s just over two hours away by train if your connections are smooth. 
• If you want to hire one we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• If you’re hoping to see County Londonderry in the nicest possible weather, the best time to visit is between late spring and early summer. This part of Northern Ireland has miild summers and cool winters, the regulating power of the Gulf Stream ensures temperatures are never too extreme, but it does catch quite a bit of squally rain in off the Atlantic. Spring is pretty with wildflowers, and if you wait until autumn you’ll see colourful foliage, and even winter has its appeals, especially if you like windswept coastal walks, snowy mountain views, and roaring pub fires afterwards.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in Northern Ireland
• Refine your search to just the best places to stay in Derry or Portstewart
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.