Northern Ireland · Northern Ireland
Derry area guide
Population
152,383
Derry City and Strabane
Avg. house price
£185,356
+10.2% /yr
Derry sits within Derry City and Strabane; property and population figures shown are for the wider Derry City and Strabane area. Sources: ONS mid-2024 population, HM Land Registry / ONS house prices.
About Derry
Derry, also known as Londonderry, is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland, sitting on the banks of the River Foyle in the north-west of the region, close to the border with County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. It is best known for its remarkably intact 17th-century city walls, one of the few walled cities in Ireland or Britain to retain a complete circuit. The city has a rich and sometimes turbulent history, including a central role during the Troubles, and was the UK City of Culture in 2013. Today it blends its historic core, including the Guildhall and the Peace Bridge across the Foyle, with a compact modern city centre.
Schools & education
Derry has a range of primary and post-primary schools, both controlled and maintained, reflecting the city's mixed community. For further education, the North West Regional College operates campuses in the city, offering vocational and technical courses. Higher education is provided by Ulster University's Magee campus, which has grown in recent years and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including in areas such as health, computing and the creative industries. The wider Derry City and Strabane district, with a population of over 150,000, is served by these institutions alongside schools across the district.
Transport & airports
Derry~Londonderry railway station, on the River Foyle, connects the city to Coleraine and on to Belfast via the Translink NI Railways network, with onward connections available at Coleraine. The city is linked to Belfast and the rest of Northern Ireland by the A6 road, and to Donegal and the wider north-west by the A2 and other routes. The nearest airport is City of Derry Airport, a short distance from the city, which offers a small number of regional and UK flights; Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport are the larger regional airports for a wider range of destinations, both reachable by road. Public buses operate within the city and to surrounding towns.
Economy & jobs
The economy of Derry and the wider Derry City and Strabane district is centred on public sector employment, services, retail and manufacturing, alongside a growing digital and technology sector. Major employers include the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Ulster University, Derry City and Strabane District Council, and a number of financial services and technology firms that have established operations in the city in recent years. Tourism is also an important contributor, drawn by the city walls, its cultural heritage and events throughout the year. The average house price across Derry City and Strabane stands at £185,356, reflecting a housing market that remains more affordable than many parts of the UK.
Living in Derry
Derry offers a compact, walkable city with a strong sense of identity and community, shaped by its history and its position on the Foyle. Areas such as the Bogside, the Cityside and Waterside each have their own character, and the city is known for its murals, festivals and traditional music scene, as well as newer cultural events tied to its City of Culture legacy. With a population of over 150,000 across the wider district, Derry suits those seeking a smaller city with good transport links to Belfast and Donegal, a lower cost of living than larger UK cities, and a close-knit, culturally rich environment. It appeals to families, students attending Ulster University's Magee campus, and those working in the public sector, health or growing tech and financial services industries.
Derry FAQs
What is the population of Derry?
The wider Derry City and Strabane district had a population of 152,383 as of the ONS mid-2024 estimate.
What is the nearest airport to Derry?
City of Derry Airport is the closest airport, a short drive from the city centre, though Belfast International and Belfast City airports offer a wider range of flights.
What is the main university in Derry?
Ulster University's Magee campus is the city's main higher education institution, alongside the North West Regional College for further education.
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This guide is provided for general information. Statistics are from official sources on the dates shown; other details are an overview and may change. Browse all UK city guides →