Derry Girls

Right outside the walls of Derry, before entering into the city centre, there is a mural of the five main characters in the show Derry Girls. Interestingly enough, on our first day when we took a guided tour of the city, the Derry Girls mural was the first stop that our tour guide took us to. The whole city seems to have an affection for and appreciation of the television series. In fact, according to the Belfast Telegraph, Derry Girls is the most watched television program in Northern Ireland since that sort of information has started being recorded in 2002 (https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/news/stall-the-ball-derry-girls-has-become-northern-irelands-biggest-series-ever-36628085.html). Additionally, in its short two seasons, Derry Girls has already received multiple awards including Radio Times Comedy Champion Award, Best Comedy from IFTA Gala Television Awards, Best New TV Sitcom from British Comedy Guide Awards (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry_Girls).

It has become evident throughout the brief time that we have been in Derry that all the locals have personal connections to The Troubles. Whether they were alive through it all or not, they know the impact of that time on their family. I believe this is partly why Derry Girls as a show has meant so much to the people of Northern Ireland. It details what it was like for teenagers to navigate growing up during the end of the troubles. However, it displays their story in a light-hearted and comedic way. The sincere local who gave us our guided tour of the city shared with us what Derry Girls meant to her. She actually attended the same all girls, Catholic school that is shown in the series during the same time that the show is set on. Therefore, for her, the show reminds her of that time in her life.

I believe that the show Derry Girls has also had a positive effect on the economy in Derry. Gift shops sell merchandise or souvenirs from the show such as the sign depicted above. There were mugs and keychains for sale as well. Additionally, because the series was filmed in both Derry and Belfast, there have been tours designed to show tourists the famous filming locations and places where the characters go during the show. While looking through the guest book at the Derry Visitor’s Center, I noticed that a family from Texas wrote, “we had to come see the home of Derry Girls.” You can find information on how to book a Derry Girls tour here.

Two seasons of Derry Girls are now avaiable on Netflix if you are interested in watching the show or learing more about where we are currently studying for our J-term class!