The popular sitcom Derry Girls is set in Derry, Northern Ireland in the 1990’s. A lot of the filming and backdrops are in Derry, but some of the scenes were filmed in Belfast and Southern Ireland.
The comedy is arguably Channels 4’s biggest hit since Father Ted and has put Derry firmly on the map. The show is based on its writer Lisa McGee’s own experiences of attending a convent school in Derry in the 1990s. The series follows in the footsteps of four typical teenage girls Erin, Michelle, Clare, Orla and Michelle’s English cousin James.
Derry, also known as Londonderry, is now turning into the latest must-visit destination for tourists. Known for the beautiful intact 17th-century walls with 7 gates, Derry is now attracting a new crowd.
Below are some of the main Derry Girls filming locations.
Limewood Street
The scenes of the girls walking down the steep hill on their way to school was filmed at Limewood Street in Derry. With great views it is well worth a stop for a selfie.
Dennis’s Wee Shop
Dennis’s Wee Shop can be found at Bogside Stores, Westland Street, Bogside, BT48 9EU:
Our Lady Immaculate College
Our Lady Immaculate College is fictional but some of the filming for the school scenes were filmed at Hunterhouse College which can be found on Upper Lisburn Road, Finaghy, Belfast BT10 0LE:
St Mary’s University College
Another college used in the filming is St Mary’s University College which can be found on 191 Falls Road, Belfast BT12 6FE:
Fionnulas Fish and Chips
Fionnulas Fish and Chips was filmed at John Long’s which can be found on 39 Athol St, Belfast BT12 4GX:
Church where Virgin Mary Statue Cries
Episode three from the first series shows the girls spot a dog resembling Erin’s recently deceased pet, Toto. They pursue it into a church where where they believe a statue of the Virgin Mary is smirking then crying. The interior shots of the hilarious ‘It’s A Miracle’ scene were filmed at the Parish Church of St George, found on 105 High St, Belfast BT1 2AG:
Derry Girls Mural
There is a portrait of the show’s stars on the side of Badger’s Bar on Orchard Street which has become a new focal point. The mural has been welcomed by locals and is a great attraction for tourists:
Where to Watch Derry Girls
In the UK the sitcom is on Channel 4. The first series was broadcast in January and February 2018 and the second series was shown in March and April last year. The first two series can be seen on demand All 4 or you can watch Derry Girls on Netflix.
When is Derry Girls Season 3 Released?
A third series has been commissioned for 2020, but there is no official release date as of writing this. Due to its popularity it is possible the third series could be released later this year. We will update this article once the official date has been released.
Derry Girls Tour
Can’t wait for Derry Girls season 3? Why not join us on our Derry Girls filming location tour this year. Our tour is the most comprehensive Derry Girls tour available. As the show is filmed in Belfast and Derry we are offering guests a choice of pick up points and tour duration’s. You can be picked up in Belfast at 9.30am for an 8 hour tour. Or you could be picked up in Derry for a 3 hour tour.
Some of the locations include where President Clinton addressed the people in the final episode of season 2. Get the mandatory selfie in front of the now famous Derry Girls mural. Walk down the same hilly street the Derry girls take on their way to school and see the location used as Dennis’s wee shop. You will also get to see the real Derry school that formed the inspiration for the show and where writer Lisa McGee attended. As with all our tours you will get behind the scenes anecdotes on how the show was made from an expert guide.
