Derry Girls Filming Locations Tour: A Detailed Review

If you’re like me, and millions are, you were totally charmed by the TV show, Derry Girls. What is it about that funny group of teens getting into madcap situations during the Troubles? If you find yourself planning a trip to Northern Ireland, well taking a “Derry Girls” filming locations tour is almost a must-do for fans, it appears. But is it worth the trek, then? This review should give you a little help on that, as I break down the highlights, the things to consider, so really you can decide if it fits into your travel plans.

What the Derry Girls Tour Covers

The tour covers many places actually. That should bring some excitement, if I’m honest. Most tours typically last around 2-3 hours. That feels about right, really. So you should allow the whole afternoon for that, arguably. You’ll get to see and learn about quite a few iconic places that any fan recognizes instantly. Just to name a few:

• The Derry Girls Mural: Of course, you’ll visit this mural, possibly the most recognizable image from the show. It’s really vibrant and fun. This makes for some seriously unforgettable photo ops, which will give you a very fond memory, possibly.
• Guildhall Square: That square is a main hub in Derry, and it shows up often. Remember that iconic scene where they marched for peace? Or was it just to get out of school?
• Various Street Locations: So many of the ordinary streets became part of the show, it’s nearly amazing, when you think about it. The tour may take you down some of the backstreets. That might give you the feel that you’re part of the Derry Girls world, so to speak.

The Derry Girls Mural

Alright, the Derry Girls Mural. As a matter of fact, that has to be one of the most Instagrammed places in Derry. So don’t miss that. It is basically painted on the side of Badger’s Bar on Orchard Street. This mural, really created by UV Arts, captures the five lead gals in all their cheeky glory. Now, that became a landmark, it truly has. Visitors literally queue up, in order to grab their photos, maybe pulling their best “Derry Girls” expressions. When you get up close, it’s fun, actually. The guide shares lots of little details. Those are stories about how the mural came to be. Plus, they tell you all sorts of interesting tidbits about the artists involved.

Guildhall Square

Guildhall Square might strike you as right in the center of Derry, when you visit it, anyway. This square plays the role of gathering place for lots of town happenings. Just think of it, if you will, as the stage where the girls get up to various antics and protests. You may see the Guildhall itself, then. The neo-gothic building is just wonderful. This, like your guide might mention, provides a powerful backdrop. Those things combined give some historic weight to the scenes. Now, stand there. Close your eyes. I wonder, will you remember those crazy shenanigans?

Everyday Streetscapes

You might find that some of the coolest things about the tour are the normal streets, if I’m honest. Very often those are stand-ins. It happens. Like where Erin and her crew actually walked, or where they rode their bikes, right? That part, it gives you a special connection. This thing brings the show, in some respects, to life. The guide might point out, that a certain storefront stood for a backdrop in that episode. Or was it the other one? Now, really you might start to see Derry as a real character in “Derry Girls.” This thing makes it so very real.

The Guide’s Know-How

One of the best things to come out of this tour is how really interesting and knowledgeable your tour guide is. Those guides often aren’t just spitting facts, now. A number of them really grew up in Derry during The Troubles. Because of that, they add deep personal context, which really brings so much to the stories that you hear. Now you’ll find some history here, but the human aspect, in some respects, might be the main appeal here. I feel that their experiences actually provide depth. I also feel that they give you a fuller picture of what life in Derry actually felt like when that series takes place.

Troubles Times

Alright, “Derry Girls” uses comedy. You might have figured that out by now, but really the backdrop of the series, like it or not, includes the serious social and political landscape of Northern Ireland at that time. As a matter of fact, it covers The Troubles. Your guide provides a real peek into that era, basically. Your guide offers up insight to help bring those news clips you saw into some sort of reality. All of that combined, if I’m honest, could make you better appreciate the stories. Also that might even provide deeper understanding.

Funny Personal Stories

Very likely those guides will sprinkle the tours with personal stories. When you add those it really breaks the ice. Your tour may morph, I’m pretty sure. It changes, from standard site-seeing over to fun conversation, so it does. This thing brings life, literally, to Derry, or maybe makes you think. This is done with just random memories of growing up in Derry during The Troubles, of course. This personal touch then helps to create, maybe, a connection between you, like a visitor and also like, the location, of the Derry Girls. I guess this human connection is pretty wonderful. So what is wrong with some nostalgia and some smiles?.

Things to Keep in Mind

Just to be totally clear, the Derry Girls Tour does a fair amount on foot. What this means, very, very simply is that comfy shoes will really matter a lot. Now, it depends on the time of the year that you are doing your tours. I suppose some of the year you may want an umbrella. It is Ireland, after all, like. I hope you see that. You can’t necessarily visit the inside of every place you see on your tour. Just keep in mind, the locations might just be views from the outside, that is so. And maybe I can give you a thought. Consider grabbing that tour in advance because these become seriously popular. That’s going to avoid any disappointments, obviously.

Think about the Weather, Though

Weather might decide some stuff, too it’s almost like planning outfits, really. This thing will impact your level of comfort to some degree. If you are going during those months when there is almost likely rain, you need to dress right. And if you’re there in summer then slap on that sunscreen. Just in case you get extra hot, you might consider a light jacket anyway.

Exterior Viewing Only

The chance is really high, I believe that that’s what’s going to happen. Basically you aren’t going to be actually waltzing into some of those locations. Some locations, they are really just stopping points. These allow for pictures, basically, and maybe discussion about the significance and whatnot. So remember to enjoy what you do see.

Getting Tickets Early

These excursions, I’d suggest you do it now. Just in case it actually sells out before your trip, because they are extremely in demand. Now this point turns into some solid reassurance, if I’m honest. Getting your tour spot settled means you can enjoy your time. Your excitement won’t then go down the drain.

Should You Take the Tour?

So is the Derry Girls Tour great? In short, possibly yes, right? If you dig the show and wish for an experience, then go there, really, you will love it. Basically the chance to see actual places brings TV to life, literally. And really learning history on-site makes something special. The fun stories will provide all the reasons. This is more than walking around a spot. You will gain cool insight, and a fun, very special, appreciation for the City of Derry.

• For Derry Girls Fans: The show really does become “more” when you see it up close.
• To get that local angle: You actually receive lots of insight on The Troubles straight from people. That provides amazing color.
• For Walking fans: The walk keeps it nice, so plan to explore a location, then.

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