Thank you both for promoting the town in such a positive manner. Growing up in the town and being part of Halloween for many years it is the best night of the year. Thanks again
Did you think it was worth sticking around for the parade/fireworks? I'll be in Derry two nights before and I feel like I'll get my fill before Halloween day, but maybe it's better!
If you’re able to stay for the parade then we would highly recommend it. We thought all the performers put on a really good show and personally it was a great way to end our stay. If you go to the parade, you have to dress up! (Not an actual rule, just ours ha)
We highly recommend going, it was so much fun! This time we took the ferry from Scotland to Belfast. We also went in 2018, and flew from Edinburgh to Belfast. If you fly from the UK to Derry (London, Manchester, Edinburgh, etc.), flights on RyanAir or Easy Jet are cheaper than from Dublin. If you rent a car it's pretty easy to get around from Dublin or Belfast. Hope that helps and let us know if you have any other questions!
Just to add to that, there are now direct flights from Heathrow to Derry. Not cheap but cheaper the earlier you book. They may have already worked out Halloween though.
Hey! my husband and I are going this year and had a few questions… Is there a fee or do we need to purchase tickets in advance for any of the festivities? Can you suggest some options for hotels that are in the city that will be walkable to the festival? Is it better to go on the 31st and an additional day? Thanks so much for the video and your help! Stacie
Hi Stacie, That’s so exciting! I’m sure you all will have a blast! So there’s free and paid activities spread out across the city. If it’s like last year, the paid ones will be theater shows, a haunted house, and tours. DerryHalloween.com will update their website with all the specific dates and times along with a list of events the closer it gets to Halloween. We definitely recommend keeping an eye on the site and if there’s an event you want to attend, purchase the tickets in advance as that’ll save you wait time and ensure you get into the events. I also suggest going a couple days early, on the 28th or 29th, in order to attend as many events as possible along with giving yourself time to explore and walk the city. We stayed at the City Hotel which was a perfect location. That’s where the Halloween Parade takes place and it’s within walking distance of all the attractions. However, it was a little dated, but it had parking, a restaurant and bar, along with very friendly staff. We also stayed at the Holiday Inn right around the corner. It was bit more updated but smaller rooms and further away from the action. Plus parking wasn’t included so we had to pay extra for a parking garage. 2 other hotels that were recommended to us, but were sold out, were the Shipquay Hotel and Maldron Hotel. Most events took place along or near Shipquay Pl (road) and Guildhall (town hall with a clock tower). So if you stay around those areas you’ll be fine. My last suggestion, would be to plan on parking your car for your time there and leaving it, as the town is very walkable. Oh and don’t forget to wear a costume for the 31st! Of course let us know if you have any other questions and hope that helps!
@Andrew and Megan - Indefinite Travel wow! Thank you so much! I really appreciate all this info. Yes we will def need parking as we are renting a car. I will keep an eye on the website for sure and I'm already looking for hotels. Do you have any suggestions on car rentals? I've heard that it's really tricky to rent a car in ireland specifically. Thanks again!
@@mannerspleasecaninetrainin1007 You’re welcome! We’ve had good experiences with car rentals *knock on wood* from Northern Ireland/UK. We’ve always rented directly from the main places; Avis, Hertz, etc rather than 3rd parties and have never had an issue.
