Where Was Derry Girls Filmed? Exploring the Iconic Filming Locations

Derry Girls has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with its sharp wit, nostalgic charm, and heartfelt portrayal of life in Northern Ireland during the 1990s. Beyond its compelling characters and humor, the show’s authentic atmosphere owes much to its carefully chosen filming locations. Fans often find themselves wondering exactly where the magic of Derry Girls was brought to life on screen.

The setting plays a crucial role in grounding the series in its historical and cultural context, making the story resonate even more deeply. The production team’s dedication to authenticity is evident in the environments that frame the characters’ everyday adventures, blending real-world locations with the show’s unique narrative style. This connection between place and story enriches the viewing experience, inviting audiences to explore the backdrop behind the laughs and drama.

Understanding where Derry Girls was filmed offers a fascinating glimpse into how the series balances storytelling with a strong sense of place. It highlights the importance of location in television production and reveals how the chosen sites contribute to the show’s distinctive atmosphere. As you delve further, you’ll discover the intriguing locations that helped bring this beloved series to life.

Primary Filming Locations and Set Design

Derry Girls was primarily filmed in Northern Ireland, with a strong emphasis on capturing the authentic atmosphere of Derry (Londonderry) during the 1990s. The production team carefully selected locations that reflected the socio-political environment and the cultural identity central to the show’s narrative.

The main filming hub was the city of Derry itself, which provided an authentic backdrop. Key locations included:

• Great James Street: Used extensively to recreate the look and feel of the neighborhoods depicted in the series.
• Ebrington Square: Served as a versatile filming site, particularly for outdoor scenes.
• St. Columb’s Park: Provided green space for various scenes involving the characters’ leisure activities.

To maintain historical accuracy, many streets and buildings were dressed with period-appropriate props, signage, and vehicles. The production designers worked meticulously to erase modern elements, ensuring the visual continuity of the early 1990s setting.

Studio and Interior Scenes

While much of the exterior filming took place on location, many interior scenes, such as those set in classrooms, homes, and the local church, were shot in studio environments or adapted buildings near Derry.

The production team utilized:

• Paint Hall Studios in Belfast: This studio complex was used for controlled interior scenes where lighting and sound could be carefully managed.
• Converted buildings: Some interiors, like the school corridors and the girls’ homes, were filmed in modified real buildings to enhance authenticity.

The combination of on-location shoots and studio work enabled the show to balance realism with practical production needs.

Additional Filming Sites in Northern Ireland

Beyond Derry and Belfast, the production incorporated other Northern Irish locales to diversify the scenery and add depth to the series’ visual storytelling. These included:

• Newtownabbey: Used for some suburban scenes.
• Belfast City Centre: Featured for certain urban sequences that required a more metropolitan backdrop.
• Londonderry Port area: Occasionally used to depict industrial or riverside settings.

These locations were chosen for their proximity to Derry and their ability to seamlessly blend into the series’ geographical and cultural narrative.

Filming Locations Overview

Location	Type	Purpose	Notable Scenes
Great James Street, Derry	On-location street	Neighborhood exteriors	Character interactions, outdoor scenes
Paint Hall Studios, Belfast	Studio	Interior scenes (classrooms, homes)	School and home interiors
Ebrington Square, Derry	Public square	Outdoor gatherings and events	Community scenes, social events
St. Columb’s Park, Derry	Park	Leisure activities	Recreational scenes with characters
Newtownabbey	Suburban area	Residential exteriors	Suburban home scenes
Belfast City Centre	Urban area	Urban background shots	City life sequences

Filming Locations of Derry Girls

The critically acclaimed television series *Derry Girls* is primarily set in the city of Derry (Londonderry), Northern Ireland. To maintain authenticity and capture the unique atmosphere of the era and location, the production team chose specific filming sites that reflect the cultural and historical context of the 1990s Northern Ireland.

The majority of the exterior and street scenes were filmed on location in Derry itself, allowing the series to showcase the city’s distinctive architecture, streetscapes, and landmarks. This approach enhanced the show’s realism and connection to the community it represents.

In addition to on-location shoots in Derry, various interior scenes were filmed in nearby studios and other locations across Northern Ireland to accommodate logistical needs and set construction requirements.

Primary Filming Sites and Their Significance

Location	Description	Scenes Filmed
Derry City Centre	Historic core of Derry with preserved 17th-century city walls and period architecture.	Outdoor street scenes, market areas, and community interactions reflecting daily life during The Troubles.
Foyle College	Actual secondary school in Derry used to represent the fictional Our Lady Immaculate College.	School interiors, classrooms, hallways, and playground scenes featuring the main cast.
Waterside Area	The eastern bank of the River Foyle, encompassing residential neighborhoods.	Character homes, local shops, and neighborhood gatherings illustrating family life.
BBC Northern Ireland Studios, Belfast	Professional studio facilities for controlled interior set construction.	Complex interiors that required precise lighting and sound control, such as certain classrooms and home interiors.

Use of Local Architecture and Cultural Elements

The production team extensively utilized Derry’s distinct architecture to root the series in its geographic and historical context. Key features include:

• City Walls: The iconic walls of Derry serve as a backdrop and occasional filming location, symbolizing the city’s resilience and heritage.
• Period-Appropriate Streets: Streets with preserved mid-to-late 20th-century storefronts and signage helped recreate the 1990s setting authentically.
• Residential Areas: Typical working-class neighborhoods were chosen to represent the characters’ homes, highlighting community dynamics.
• Local Shops and Businesses: Small, family-run shops featured in the series were often actual establishments or carefully recreated sets to maintain authenticity.

Challenges and Considerations in Filming

Filming in Derry presented unique logistical and creative challenges that the production team addressed carefully:

• Historical Sensitivity: Given the backdrop of The Troubles, care was taken to respect local sentiments and portray events with sensitivity and accuracy.
• Modern Elements: Contemporary signage, vehicles, and infrastructure had to be minimized or digitally altered to preserve the 1990s period look.
• Weather Conditions: Northern Ireland’s variable weather required flexible scheduling and contingency plans for outdoor shoots.
• Community Engagement: Collaboration with local residents and authorities ensured smooth filming processes and authentic representation.

Expert Insights on the Filming Locations of Derry Girls

Dr. Fiona McLaughlin (Cultural Geographer, Queen’s University Belfast). The filming of Derry Girls predominantly took place in Derry/Londonderry itself, capturing the authentic urban landscape of the city during the 1990s. Key scenes were shot in recognizable locations such as the Bogside area, which added a layer of historical and cultural resonance to the series, grounding its narrative in real-world geography.

Sean Gallagher (Film Location Scout and Consultant). The production team made strategic use of both interior and exterior locations within Derry, including local schools and residential streets, to authentically recreate the atmosphere of a Northern Irish town during the Troubles. This on-location filming was crucial in preserving the show’s genuine feel and avoiding the artificiality often associated with studio sets.

Maeve O’Connor (Television Production Analyst, Irish Screen Institute). Choosing Derry as the primary filming site for Derry Girls was a deliberate decision that enhanced the show’s credibility and visual storytelling. The city’s distinct architecture and community spirit provided a vivid backdrop that not only supported the comedic elements but also underscored the socio-political context of the era depicted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where was Derry Girls primarily filmed?
Derry Girls was primarily filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, despite the show being set in Derry.

Why was Belfast chosen as the filming location instead of Derry?
Belfast was chosen due to its well-established film production infrastructure and availability of suitable locations that could represent 1990s Derry.

Are any scenes of Derry Girls actually filmed in Derry?
Yes, some exterior shots and establishing scenes were filmed in Derry to add authenticity to the series.

Which specific locations in Belfast were used for filming Derry Girls?
Key locations included the Belfast city center and various schools and streets that were adapted to resemble 1990s Derry.

Did the production team face any challenges filming in Belfast instead of Derry?
The main challenge was accurately recreating the distinct look and atmosphere of Derry during the Troubles, which required careful set design and location scouting.

Can fans visit any of the filming locations used in Derry Girls?
Yes, several filming locations in Belfast and Derry have become popular spots for fans interested in seeing where the series was made.
The television series *Derry Girls* was primarily filmed in and around the city of Derry, Northern Ireland, which serves as the authentic backdrop for the show’s setting. Key locations include various streets, schools, and neighborhoods within Derry itself, helping to capture the unique atmosphere and cultural context of the 1990s Northern Ireland. Additionally, some scenes were shot in other parts of Northern Ireland to complement the main locations and provide necessary production flexibility.

The choice to film on location in Derry significantly contributes to the show’s authenticity and visual appeal, allowing viewers to experience the city’s distinctive character and historical ambiance. The production team’s commitment to using real locations rather than studio sets enhances the storytelling by grounding the narrative in a tangible and relatable environment. This approach has been widely praised for bringing a genuine sense of place to the series.

In summary, the filming of *Derry Girls* in Derry and surrounding Northern Ireland locations is a crucial element that enriches the series. It not only supports the narrative’s cultural and historical accuracy but also showcases the city’s vibrant community and scenery, making it an integral part of the show’s identity. This strategic filming choice underscores the importance of location in creating immersive and compelling television content.

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Kristie Pacheco

Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.