Derry, officially called Londonderry, is the second largest city in northern Ireland. The city lies on the River Foyle. The Peace Bridge, a footbridge opened in 2011, connects Cityside — the old, walled section on the west bank — with Waterside on the east bank. The best options for running in Derry/Londonderry center on paths along the River Foyle.
A must-do run is to get up early and run the promenade on top of the 400-year-old Derry Walls, then around the outer circumference and other streets around the historic center. For the River Foyle, there’s a 6.5 mile path along the west bank. Another good run is the Peace Bridge to the east bank and St. Columb’s Park. Just northwest of the center, one can stitch together a decent run along combining the running track at Templemore Sport Centre with the 4.5 mile multi-use path passing St. Columb’s College. For a destination run, head 11 miles west to Burt Castle and enjoy pastoral farm roads an a nice waterfront path along Drongawn Lough. There are numerous smaller, little trafficked roads passing farmland, but note they’re narrow and lack a shoulder/sidewalk.
Runners should note Derry’s weather is typical of Ireland. A layer might be needed even in summer, and precipitation falls on nearly half the days.
