Top 7 rankings from Derry

Derry~Londonderry knows how to turn a calendar date into a reason to visit. Around Halloween, the Walled City becomes a spectacular celebration of Samhain folklore; later in the year, jazz musicians, international choirs and traditional Irish performers bring music into venues across the city. The programme stretches beyond the arts, too, with the Foyle Cup drawing youth football teams from around the world and the Foyle Maritime Festival celebrating the River Foyle and the city’s seafaring connections. Even television fans have a reason to make the trip, thanks to the places and experiences associated with Derry Girls. This ranking brings together seven very different reasons to plan a visit, from major annual celebrations to distinctive cultural experiences. Check dates before travelling: some events run every year, others are biennial, and programmes can change.