If you have 7 days to spend in Derry and Strabane, here are some suggestions:
Take a walk around the Derry City Walls, which were built in the 17th century and are one of the best preserved city walls in Europe. It will take about 1-2 hours to walk around the walls, and you can also stop at various points along the way to learn about the city's history.
Visit the Guildhall, which has a free exhibition about the history of Derry/Londonderry and beautiful stained glass windows. Then, take a walk across the Peace Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that spans the River Foyle and offers great views of the city. This will take about 1-2 hours.
Visit the Free Derry Museum, which tells the story of the civil rights movement in Derry and the Battle of the Bogside. Then, take a walk around the nearby Bogside neighborhood to see the famous political murals that depict the city's troubled past. This will take about 2 hours.
Take a day trip to Strabane and visit the Alley Theatre, which has a great program of shows and events. Then, head to the Ulster American Folk Park, which is about an hour's drive away. The park tells the story of emigration from Ulster to America and has recreated an old Ulster street and an American immigrant homestead. This will take about 5-6 hours.
Take a drive through the beautiful Sperrin Mountains, which are located just south of Strabane. There are various hiking trails and scenic drives you can take, and the area is known for its stunning natural beauty. This will take about 4-5 hours.
Take a day trip to Glenveagh National Park, which is about 2 hours' drive away. The park covers a massive area of mountains, lakes, and forests, and is home to red deer, golden eagles, and other wildlife. There are various hiking trails and a beautiful castle to visit. This will take about 6-7 hours.
Visit the Foyle Maritime Centre and Riverwatch Aquarium, which is located on the banks of the River Foyle in Derry. The centre has interactive exhibits about the river's history and ecology, and the aquarium has a variety of local fish species on display. This will take about 2-3 hours.
There are various accommodation options in Derry and Strabane, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some recommended places to stay include the City Hotel in Derry, the Mellon Country Hotel in Strabane, and the Roe Park Resort in Limavady.