Tourists visiting Londonderry have expressed disappointment over a new pub awning that partially blocks the iconic Derry Girls mural in the city. Since its unveiling in 2019, the mural has been a popular spot for visitors to take selfies with the characters from the hit Channel 4 comedy.
The planning permission for the awning was granted in 2022 and installed this week, but the local council has stated that the permission did not extend to this particular section where the mural is located. Badger’s Bar, where the mural is painted, has declined to comment on the matter.
Visitors from around the world, such as Julie Sargisson from New Zealand, have expressed their disappointment at not being able to see the mural in full. However, some, like Wayne Corcoran from Canada, understand the need for the awning to provide shelter for patrons outside the bar.
Isabelle Lang from France, who is on her 21st visit to Ireland, admitted to not having seen the show but was told the mural was a must-see for tourists. Pam Koekbakker from Canada, who visited Derry last year, said the changes to the mural are disappointing and that it looked better before the awning was installed.
Despite the mixed reactions, the Derry Girls mural remains a popular tourist attraction in the city, with visitors like Niamh Dalton from County Donegal and her friends still appreciating the artwork despite the obstruction caused by the new awning. The local council is currently considering the matter, and it remains to be seen if any changes will be made to ensure the mural is fully visible once again.
