Skip to content

The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium | Derry City football ground guide

The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium guide

The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium is a football stadium in Derry, Northern Ireland. It is the home ground of League of Ireland team Derry City F.C. and NIFL Championship team Institute. The stadium was built in 1928 and has a capacity of 7,700. It is named after Ryan McBride, a former Derry City player who died in 2017.

The stadium has two stands, the main stand and the Brandywell End. The main stand has seating for 2,900 people, while the Brandywell End is a terracing stand with a capacity of 4,800. The stadium also has an adjoining greyhound racing track.

The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium is a historic stadium with a rich history. It has hosted many important matches over the years, including European Cup Winners’ Cup matches in the 1960s and 1970s. The stadium is also a popular venue for concerts and other events.

In 2018, the stadium was renamed the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in honor of Ryan McBride, a former Derry City player who died in 2017. McBride was a popular and respected player who made over 200 appearances for Derry City. The renaming of the stadium was a fitting tribute to McBride, who was a true Derry City legend.

Pubs near the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, home of Derry City FC

  • River Inn is a traditional Irish pub located just a 5-minute walk from the stadium. It has a warm and inviting atmosphere, and it’s a great place to watch a match or just enjoy a pint with friends. Address: 34-38 Shipquay St, Londonderry BT48 6DW. Phone: 028 7137 1965.
  • Guildhall Taphouse is a gastropub with a focus on local produce. It’s located in the city centre, just a short walk from the stadium. The food is excellent, and the beer selection is very good. Address: 4 Custom House St, Londonderry BT48 6AA. Phone: 028 7136 4888.
  • Gainsborough Bar is a traditional pub that’s been in business for over 100 years. It’s located in the Waterside district of Derry, just a short walk from the stadium. The bar is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Address: 6 Shipquay Pl, Londonderry BT48 6DF.
  • Peadar O’Donnell’s is a pub that’s known for its traditional Irish music sessions. It’s located on Waterloo Street, which is a short walk from the stadium. The pub is a great place to experience Irish culture and to enjoy a night of live music. Address: 63 Waterloo St, Londonderry BT48 6HD. Phone: 028 7126 7295.

These are just a few of the many pubs near the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. No matter what your taste, you’re sure to find a pub that you’ll enjoy.

Hotels near the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry, Northern Ireland

  • Bishop’s Gate Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Derry City. It has a fitness centre, a spa, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.
  • Maldron Hotel Derry is a 4-star hotel located just a short walk from the stadium. It has a gym, a sauna, and a steam room.
  • Everglades Hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the Waterside area of Derry City. It has a swimming pool, a sun terrace, and a bar with live music.
  • City Hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the city centre of Derry City. It has a gym, a sauna, and a steam room.
  • Shipquay Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Derry City. It has a rooftop terrace with views of the city walls.

These are just a few of the many hotels near Derry City FC Stadium. Here are some other factors to consider when choosing a hotel:

  • Price: Hotels in Derry City range in price from budget-friendly to luxury.
  • Location: Some hotels are located in the city centre, while others are located in the Waterside area.
  • Amenities: Some hotels have gyms, swimming pools, and other amenities.
  • Reviews: Read reviews of hotels before you book to get an idea of what other guests have experienced.

How to get to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium

The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium is located at Lone Moor Road, Derry, Northern Ireland. Here are some ways to get there:

  • By car: The stadium is just off the A40 on the south side of Derry. There is a car park on site, but it can get busy on match days.
  • By bus: There are several bus routes that stop near the stadium, including the 1E, 2E, and 4E. The nearest bus stop is on Lone Moor Road.
  • By train: The nearest train station is Derry Railway Station, which is about a 15-minute walk from the stadium.
  • On foot: The stadium is within walking distance of the city centre. It is about a 20-minute walk from Guildhall Square.

Here are some detailed directions from different locations:

  • From Londonderry Railway Station: Head north on Foyle Street. Turn left onto Lone Moor Road. The stadium will be on your right.
  • From the city centre: Head south on Bishop Street. Turn left onto Foyle Road. Turn right onto Lone Moor Road. The stadium will be on your right.
  • From the north: Follow the A6 into Derry. Turn right onto Lone Moor Road. The stadium will be on your right.

Things to do near the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium

  • Visit the City Walls. The City Walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved walled cities in Ireland. You can walk along the walls for stunning views of the city and the River Foyle.
  • Explore the Bogside. The Bogside is a historic neighborhood in Derry that was the site of the Bloody Sunday massacre in 1972. There are many murals and memorials in the Bogside that commemorate the events of Bloody Sunday and the history of the Troubles.
  • Visit the Museum of Free Derry. The Museum of Free Derry tells the story of the Bogside and the Troubles. The museum is located in a former barricade that was built during the Battle of the Bogside in 1969.
  • Go on a walking tour. There are many different walking tours available in Derry, including tours of the City Walls, the Bogside, and the Peace Bridge. These tours are a great way to learn about the history and culture of Derry.
  • Visit the Guildhall. The Guildhall is a beautiful building that was built in the 1800s. The Guildhall is now a museum that houses a collection of art and artifacts from Derry’s history.
  • Go shopping. There are many shops in Derry, including boutiques, department stores, and markets. You can find everything from souvenirs to locally-made crafts in Derry.
  • Have a meal. There are many restaurants in Derry, serving everything from traditional Irish food to international cuisine. You can find a restaurant to suit your taste in Derry.

Here are some other options that are a bit further afield:

  • Visit the Giant’s Causeway. The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. The Giant’s Causeway is a series of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that were formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago.
  • Go to the Ulster American Folk Park. The Ulster American Folk Park is a living history museum that tells the story of Irish emigration to America. The museum is located in Omagh, about an hour’s drive from Derry.
  • Visit the Cultra Museum. The Cultra Museum is a museum of Ulster life and culture. The museum is located in Holywood, about 20 minutes’ drive from Derry.

I hope this gives you some ideas for things to do near the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.