Top Rated Accommodations in Derry

A good-looking Victorian property that clearly shows the benefits of excellent restoration work, Arkle House has lost none of its original charm. It is only 10 minutes drive from the city centre and its proximity to the border makes it an ideal location from which to explore Donegal. Close to shops and a local bar, it has the added feature of a large and well-maintained garden to accentuate the relaxed and tranquil setting. Arkle House offers genuine value for money. Ask about weekend deals. The parking is private. If you want to stay nearer town, you should ask about the owner's other B & B, Acorn House.

Joan Pyne's lovingly restored Georgian guesthouse has the distinction of being the most centrally located B & B in the city. The immediate area around it could be said to be the most architecturally interesting in Derry. The building itself - a 19th-century townhouse - is of considerable historical interest. Visitors will find books and a television in each comfortably furnished room. Operated by the same family that runs Merchant's House, Saddler's House guarantees excellent quality and service, with courtesy home-made jam and fresh coffee provided. (The owner also rents an apartment on Crawford Square, which is perhaps a more independent alternative to her guesthouses.) Next door at #34 is Ogmios, a great store to buy Irish crafts, cards and music CDs. This is also restaurant land, with at least four good ones in the adjoining streets.

A haven of peace and tranquillity, this newly-built house nestles amid the trees of its own private grounds, spanning over one acre, in Londonderry’s rolling picturesque countryside, just 3 miles from Derry city centre. Tastefully furnished in warm, relaxing colours, Groarty Manor provides 6 comfortable en suite rooms, one of which is set on the ground floor and offers disabled access and disabled bathroom facilities. The residence is within the grounds of the 200-year-old Groarty House, which boasts a sun-flooded conservatory with panoramic views across Derry and the surrounding areas. The house has been designed to be environmental friendly. It is heated with a 50 kw log burner and solar panels. The bedrooms are individually zoned with their own heat sensors.

For a backpacker, or any visitor on a budget, this is a great place. The hostel is in a house built in Victorian times, and the location could hardly be better, on the coastal road between Limavady and Coleraine. You will be near bus and train services. You will also have easy access to attractions like Hezlett House, Mussenden Temple, and of course the globally famous Giant's Causeway. There are kitchen and laundry facilities and free tea/coffee. The beach-strand at nearby Castlerock is one of the best in the area, though it is only one of several top-grade beaches around here. The house is open all year.

On the Derry-Letterkenny road, one mile to the right of the Dry Arch Inn, you will find Hillcrest House bed and breakfast. This modern bungalow is situated in a very scenic area, which is an ideal touring base for the whole of Donegal. With four bedrooms on the ground floor, it is especially practical for those with disabilities. Big guidebooks such as Frommers and the RAC one recommend Hillcrest. Television and tea-making facilities are available in the rooms, which are also all en suite.

The hotel, which has a bright colourful European style - is ideally located beside one of Ireland's leading golf venues - the Ballyliffin Golf Club. It can offer versatile midweek and weekend golf breaks, where special rates are available for parties. The Ballyliffin area itself is also a very worthwhile holiday centre, having pitch-and-putt, pony trekking, nature walks, fishing and bird-watching. Most of these activities can be arranged by the management. The restaurant provides a wonderful dining experience. The Strand, which combines the friendly outlook of a family-run hotel with professional unobtrusive service, is only a short walk away from the lovely Pollan Beach.