Derry City: A Gem Worth Discovering
Nestled on the banks of the Foyle River in Northern Ireland, Derry is the second largest city in Northern Ireland. It’s a city that captivates with its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere. Often overlooked in favour of its larger, more cosmopolitan counterparts, Derry offers a unique blend of charm, affordability, and a sense of community that resonates with its residents and visitors alike.
Derry is a city steeped in history, with a past marked by both conflict and resilience. The city's iconic walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a symbol of division, now serve as a canvas for world-class murals depicting the city's story and its journey towards peace (and we can’t forget the iconic Derry Girls mural!!). Derry's rich cultural heritage is evident in its architecture, museums, and festivals. The city is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, charming pubs, and historic buildings - the Tower Museum provides a comprehensive overview of Derry's history, while the Guildhall, a magnificent Victorian building, hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. USA Today named Derry as Best Halloween Destination in the World and according to global travel site ‘Big 7’ it is a top 10 location in the UK for the Friendliest and Happiest People!
Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, from the rugged coastline of Inishowen Peninsula to the serene Sperrin Mountains Derry boasts around 100km of traffic free greenways, 14 award winning blue flag beaches and world-famous surfing spots and was named “Best Kept City” in NI 2023!
Affordable Living
Derry offers a surprisingly affordable lifestyle compared to many other cities in the UK and Ireland. Housing costs are lower, and the cost of living is generally more reasonable. The average house price is £175,545 (Northern Ireland Quarterly House Price Index Q2, 2023) with the average rent being £775 pcm (Northern Ireland House Price Index: NISRA). This affordability is complemented by a strong sense of community spirit that permeates the city.
Derry residents are known for their warmth and friendliness, making the city a welcoming place to call home. With 34% of the population being under 25, young professionals and students are drawn to the city's vibrant nightlife and thriving creative scene.
Thriving Innovation Hub
Derry is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with a growing economy that offers a range of fantastic high-level employment opportunities. The city is home to a number of multinational companies, as well as a thriving SME sector. It has one of the most cost-efficient business environments in Ireland and operating costs overall are lower than in Belfast / Dublin. Home to more than 40 international companies, of which 70% reinvest. Investors can access both GB and EU markets, free from customs and trade barriers for the sale of goods/services.
Derry's strong educational institutions, including the Ulster University's Magee campus, provide a skilled workforce and support for emerging businesses.
Aaron Koskela lived in New York for over 22 years and when Covid hit, he decided it was time to forge a new chapter. He had previously worked with NuPrint on various projects and when the opportunity arose to come to Derry to work, he didn’t hesitate. He fell in love with and has been here ever since!
Aaron relishes that the pace is completely different to New York but that the strong work ethic is the same. What he likes most about Northern Ireland is the attitude of people here, the culture, the geography and the stunning environment.
It truly is a city on the rise, with a renewed focus on regeneration, investment, and sustainability. The city's waterfront has been transformed into a vibrant hub for leisure and business, while new cultural and educational facilities are further enhancing Derry's appeal. As a result, Derry is becoming an increasingly popular destination for both domestic and international visitors, with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
- 2 x international airports with Flight connections to 190 global destinations, 42 countries, 16 US destinations and 4 continents
- 1 hour flight time to London (2 hours to European destinations)
A rich cultural heritage, thriving economy, and strong sense of community, Derry is a fantastic place to live, work, and do business. Whether you're seeking a vibrant cultural experience, a career opportunity, or a welcoming home, Derry is a gem worth discovering, a place where you can create lasting memories and truly belong.