Might be visiting Derry/ Londonderry Before I decide I need some questions answered Please?

Question

Hello, these questions are reguarding ettiquette, and so on,

1. As a foreigner to Ireland, Do I address the city as Derry or Londonderry?

2. Is this area safe, for tourist?

3. Since I don't drive, can I get to attractions easily?

4. When at a restaurant or a bar, is tipping expected?

5. I am a proud brother of a US Marine who is in Iraq now, I have worn a shirt from the time he enlisted until he is out of the service, would wearing a shirt that says ,"USMC" or anything that says Marines , cause a controversy in Derry/ Londonderry?

Any other tips or suuggestions? places to visit, hotels or hostels? anyplace unusual to visit that most tourist don't know about?

and finally any good restaurants to recommend?

Thank you all in advanced for helping me

David

Answer 1

I'd address it as Derry to be on the safe side.

It's grand for tourists, it's supposed to be bril

Tipping isn't expected in Ireland, not like it is in the US anyway.

I don't know any reason your shirt would cause controversy.

check out discovernorthernireland.com

Answer 2

I would refer to it as Derry....  It is safe for tourists and the t-shirt will be ok, wont cause controversy.  Sorry can't help with anything else but you will be fine.

Answer 3

I live in Belfast and have never been to Londonderry/Derry except passing through,so i can't tell you much about it,but anyway .                                                                                            1.In N.Ireland protestants tend to call it Londonderry,catholics  call it Derry.

2.Certain areas may be a bit risky at night,but in day-time ok,taxi drivers will give you good  advice.                                                                                              3.Taxis or busses will get you anywhere.                                                                                         4.No but since your American people here think your all loaded. LOL                                                                                          5.There won,t be any hassle or trouble wearing a shirt with U.S.M.C. on it as Americans are generally welcome.                                                                                          Hope this helps you out a bit,good luck.

Answer 4

A) It's Derry (regardless of what those English /@%£" >*%^£$ and $!!%^&U* say!

B) Try and suss out whether or not the person is a prod or a cath (Prods call it Londonderry, don't mix with them, Caths call is Derry, they are a nice bunch!!). In the city just use Derry.

C) It's pretty safe!

D) I haven't been to the city in ages do idk!

E) Usually about 10%

F) I wouldn't know to be honest (see E!!)

Answer 5

1. Officially a compromise was agreed: It's the city of Derry in the County of Londonderry. On a day-to-day basis, it depends on who you talk to.

2. Lots of tourists visit Derry, so it must be reasonably safe.

3. That depends on how far out these attractions are. It would be worth contacting the local tourist office to find out if there are short tours that go to the ones further out.

4. In a bar, no, in a restaurant, sometimes. Read your menu carefully, see what it says about 'service charge'. If this is 'not provided', then tip at your own discretion. I personally would always leave a tip if my group was four people or more.

5. I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but we in Ireland have largely NOT been in favour of Bush's war in Iraq, and do not like that our airports were used to transport troops and goods to what we have regarded as an illegal war. Wearing something like that is not likely to make you any friends anywhere in Ireland.

To find out about any other interesting places that may be a little off the tourist map, talk to the locals.

Answer 6

A friend of mine (catholic from republic) got into a huge arguement with her room mate (a protestant from north) over the name Derry/Londonderry.

Cant really answer any of your questions really,

just thought that was funny.

Answer 7

Stay away, the place is a dump and full of dangerous , inbred imbeciles !

Answer 8

1. Londonderry is the correct name.

2. Yes.

3. No as there are no attractions.

4. You don't have to but it is generally 10% of the bill.

5. No.

Any other tips or suuggestions? places to visit, hotels or hostels? anyplace unusual to visit that most tourist don't know about? - No, as said before, theres nothing to see there.

and finally any good restaurants to recommend? Not that I know of.

Answer 9

1. Derry is usually the safe bet and less likely to offend. Unionists generally only refer to it as Londonderry to be provocative. Officially speaking, the city is named Derry, and the county is called Londonderry, although there are plans to change this back to Derry also.

2. Yep, it is safe for tourists! Every city on the planet has scummy parts...but these are usually pretty run down and easy to identify.

3. Its a small city, with pretty good public transport. Taxis, and a tour bus would also be good options.

4. Tipping isn't expected at a bar (unless they were extra helpful), but generally 10% + in a restaurant depending on level of service.

5. As I'm sure you are aware, the war in Iraq is not popular on either side of the Atlantic. I can't see you wearing a t-shirt causing controversy, but way may find people less receptive? Its the same risk as wearing the same t-shirt in the states or anywhere else in UK/Ireland.

Answer 10

Wow, you are going to Ireland not a third world country, just relax and enjoy your stay.

Answer 11

1. I've always referred to it as Derry

2. Yes, as far as I know and as long as i've been visiting Derry- it's been very safe (even though I'm a republican and a Catholic)

3. Yes, Derry has a first rate public transportation system (buses and trains)

4. No, tipping isn't "expected", but it is nice for the service staff to be appreciated

5. I really don 't think this will cause any controversy- unless you wore a t-shirt saying "UP THE RAH!" or something- whgich isn't advised haha

I love the millenium forum, a play house/theatre in the city centre and Quaywest is a lovely restaraunt :)

Best of luck

Answer 12

As Londonderry is in the Uk you could perhaps move your question there.