Derry Girls Exhibition opens in Derry

Hoping to create a memorable experience for fans of the show, the exhibition includes costumes and sets as well as key props from some of the show’s most well-known storylines.

The collection has been provided courtesy of Hat Trick Productions as well as Lisa McGee, who wrote the show.

The exhibition, which has been supported by Tourism Norther Ireland, Visit Derry and Derry City and Strabane District Council, will remain on display at the Tower Museum until July 2024.

Among those who attended the exhibition opening this week was Derry Girls star Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, who played the unforgettable Michelle Mallon and the original Derry Girls, a group of friends who grew up with Lisa McGee and who provided much of the comedy material that has made the show such a hit.

Patricia Logue, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to establish a lasting legacy for the city and connect to the many people who want to find out more about Derry based on what they have learned from Derry Girls.

“Lisa McGee has given the city a wonderful gift and I want to acknowledge the support of Hat Trick Productions, Tourism NI and Visit Derry for helping us turn that into a memorable and meaningful experience for visitors,” she said.

“I was delighted to meet the original Derry Girls who inspired Lisa McGee to share their story with the world. Derry is nothing without its people, and Lisa’s tribute to her friends and family really captures the spirit and humour of the city, and that’s what visitors will discover for themselves when they arrive here.”

Ciaran Doherty, Head of Regions at Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “Tourism NI are delighted to have provided funding to create this exciting new Derry Girls Experience.

“The attraction is distinctively of the place and will build on the great work already done to develop tourism in the city. It will provide yet another reason for people to visit a place rich in culture, heritage and a guaranteed warm welcome.”

Odhran Dunne, Chief Executive of Visit Derry, said: "One of our greatest selling points for visitors to the city is the people, where a warm and witty welcome from the locals is guaranteed.

"There is no doubt that Derry Girls captured the essence and humour of the city perfectly, and the new Derry Girls Experience brings the story right back to where the story began. Derry Girls has undoubtedly raised the profile of the destination in domestic and international markets. Building on the wide range of Derry Girls experiences already available to visitors, the new Derry Girls Experience delivers a legacy for the show and provides an excellent opportunity to continue to promote the destination and draw visitors from all over the world."

Further information about the Derry Girls Exhibition Experience is available at www.towermuseumcollections.com