Destination Derry ‘Connecting with Home’ Event St. Patrick’s Eve 2021

Destination Derry are a not-for-profit, collaborative social enterprise, aiming to raise the profile of Derry city and county as a great place to live, work, study and visit. Last Tuesday, on the 16th of March, Destination Derry held their virtual ‘Connecting with Home’ St. Patrick’s Day event for Derry locals and diaspora. The event was a great success, causing a real buzz on social media and allowed people all over the world to celebrate the holiday together. There was diaspora from Saudi Arabia, Nairobi, Germany, London, America and further afield that were in attendance on the night, which highlights the importance of the event, as attendees were having to juggle different time zones in order to be there.

The night started with a welcome from the host Evelyn Mc Glynn, who then introduced Michael Taggart, CEO of Taggart Homes and Destination Derry. Michael thanked everyone for being there, saying, “this is something that was born, probably less than a year ago, this is our second event, we’re very proud of it and in particular, we’re very proud of our city and our county.

We want to bring more visitors here and show what a fantastic place Derry is to live and work.” Michael then went on to talk about all of the great things on offer in Derry, saying, “we have so much to do in the county. We have hiking, walks, lots of fabulous hotels, restaurants and great, warm, friendly people.” Michael’s enthusiasm for where he lives was plain to see and it was followed by a video of him taking us on a journey across county Derry.

Rosalind Young from the Derry City & Strabane District Council shared some current news on all the positive things going on in the city, such as the rollout of vaccinations, businesses preparing for reopening and information about the £250m Derry city deal. She commented, “there’s always been enormous pride in this city and many times we’ve talked about the city’s potential and now we have the strategic growth plan and more importantly, the buy-in from all of our stakeholders and we’re starting to see that investment now.” A full reviewing of all things discussed on the night can be found on the video on the Destination Derry website.

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The event was also aiming to shine a light on the Derry Diaspora and those thinking about relocating and one of those diaspora was Robert O’Dowd, Ulster University alumni and Director of Growth Strategy at Notable, a boutique consulting agency in New York. Aside from his professional development, Robert spoke about his years growing up in Derry, saying, “I was fortunate enough to be there when there was a real push for the City of Culture bid, where every other week there was another festival and things happening, so that was a tremendous moment to be a part of and to live through in Derry and it’s just incredibly exciting to see what is now on the forefront of the Derry and Strabane district deal and it only bodes for more promising things to come, especially for people like myself who are maybe developing a view of how and when I may wish to try and relocate back home to Derry, while maintaining a bi-Atlantic presence.”

Other highlights included traditional Irish music from Dearbhla Scallon and Moya Sweeney – students from Ulster University, nostalgic videos of previous St. Patrick’s Day parades, a message from the Derry and Strabane district Mayor, Brian Tierney, guest speakers and the night concluded with an original poem, written and recited by Carla Fulton, an intern at Destination Derry and English Literature graduate from Ulster University.

The breakout rooms nearing the end of the event allowed people to connect and speak to others that were missing contact with people due to the pandemic and the feedback has been heart-warming, with one lady saying that St. Patrick’s Day was always a day to look forward to with her family, so this year she had been dreading its arrival but because of the event, it helped her feel like she wasn’t alone.

All in all the night was a great success, with almost 150 people booked, the team at Destination Derry done an excellent job at showcasing all that the city and county has to offer, while creating a space for people all over the world to come together and celebrate this special holiday.

Destination Derry are excited to work with local community and government bodies in the near future to host more events like this and they are encouraging all businesses to register for free on their website to promote themselves in time for restrictions lifting and the city reopening. Visit www.destinationderry.com to find out more and follow the initiative on social media to stay updated on future events.

Watch the replay video 

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Destination Derry launching our most exciting project to date

This St. Patrick’s Day Eve, on the 16th of March at 7pm, Destination Derry are launching their most exciting project yet. ‘Connecting with Home’ is a virtual event for locals and the Derry diaspora across the world. Our lives have been affected by the pandemic and it’s meant that we’ve had to do things very differently – birthdays, Christmas, family meals out have all been put on hold and it’s the same for St. Patrick’s Day. While we are unable to have street parties and parades this year, Destination Derry is offering a night of nostalgia, music and Derry craic!

Guests include students from Ulster University performing a modern take on traditional Irish music, as well as a UU student and Destination Derry team member performing an original poem, written specially for the event. Other guests include City of Derry airport, members of the Derry and Strabane District Council, the Millennium Forum and the North West Community Network.

There will be discussions from local businesses and their faith in the future, speaking about how they have been affected by the pandemic and what they believe the world of business and work will look like post-COVID19. We’ll open the floor to some speakers to ask what you miss about home and reminisce together of St. Patrick Days gone by, while watching a photographic exhibition of Derry of the past and present.

The Derry Diaspora are coming home virtually

Tickets are limited and selling out fast and there are Derry diaspora from Germany, Liverpool, London, Scotland and Saudi Arabia that will be in attendance. In a world where we have been living with such uncertainty, there’s one thing that we can be sure about and that is the need for connection, which is why we know this past year has been particularly difficult for our Diaspora.

“Home is where you go to find solace from the ever-changing chaos, to find love within the confines of a heartless world, and to be reminded that no matter how far you wander, there will always be something waiting when you return.”

If we take a look at the stats, we can see that “the latest CSO figures show that over the past decade 380,000 Irish people emigrated while 250,000 returned. In the past, emigration was driven by poor economic performance in Ireland, however, over the period 2013 to 2019 when the economy was growing very rapidly, almost half of the cohort of young people in their mid-20s emigrated and two-thirds of them subsequently returned.” It’s no surprise that this year, migration flows have fallen dramatically due to the pandemic and although we are able to speak to family with the help of technology, nothing compares to a real-life hug.

Join us on 16th March by booking your ticket

Until that day comes, however, why not join us on the 16th of March for a fun, informal event highlighting what’s great about Derry and having a good catch-up. We are delighted to be partnering with local business and government to make this event happen and we look forward to seeing you all soon.

Press Release 18th Feb 2021

Another St. Patricks Day without local or global celebrations and the Irish community coming together to connect and celebrate as only they know how.

This year  Destination Derry and Friends want you to join with us as we celebrate St Patrick’s eve virtually, an evening filled with friends, “Home”, Irish music, culture and a Derry catch up!

The event Destination Derry – Connecting With Home will take place virtually on Zoom on St Patrick’s Eve March 16th from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm

With an opportunity to network with others worldwide in the Destination Derry – Connecting With Home breakout zoom rooms, this is a great opportunity to celebrate a unique St. Patrick’s eve event.

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Destination Derry (a not for profit collaborative community project powered by Taggart Homes) and partners are hosting a free, virtual, celebration to connect Derry people from all over the world with their local Derry community. A chance to make connections, reminisce and celebrate together while being apart. The event will also offer an opportunity to Foyle Search and Rescue to share their story and how all of us can help them in the great work that they do.

Many of our family and friends were unable to make it home for Christmas and future plans are uncertain. Destination Derry have partnered with others across the city and county to create an opportunity to meet online and experience a St. Patrick’s event that will be a nostalgic reminder of home, a destination that they will hopefully be able to return to very soon.

Partnering with Ulster University, Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Millennium Forum, City of Derry Airport, the North West Community Network and Taggart Homes to host a St. Patrick’s Day event that is reflective of the times we are living in.

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What can you expect?

Destination Derry – Connecting With Home

• Learn more about Destination Derry an initiative to promote Derry city and county as a great place to Live Learn Work and Visit delivered by Michael Taggart.
• Message from Brian Tierney Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council
• Memories from home – nostalgia and local memories to bring you virtually to the heart of Derry.
• Entertainment by Ulster University students and a chat with a graduate from the Magee campus, now pursuing a career on the global stage.
• Looking Back Moving Forward a nostalgic photo and video exhibition of St. Patrick’s event from other years.
• What’s happening in Derry right now – the growth.
• Our business partners discuss “Their Derry” their memories, the future and what’s ahead. An intimate conversation with those who chose Derry as the location to set up their business, or place of work and how they reflect on their life in this special part of the world.
• Opportunity to network with others worldwide in the Destination Derry Connecting With Home breakout zoom rooms.

This past year has been extremely tough for many and has brought about a new way of working, living and interacting, so although we can’t be together in person this St. Patrick’s Day, we can use this opportunity to come together online and celebrate all that Derry means to us, at home and abroad.

Book for this free event here. Everyone welcome at home or away.

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For further media enquiries contact Evelyn 0035387 2246989

2020 has been a tough year for everyone. With 2021 just around the corner, families all across the world are reuniting virtually this Christmas.

With this in mind, Taggart Homes who power the Destination Derry initiative have launched their Christmas message, #ItsTimeToComeHome video.

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In keeping with the theme of Destination Derry, the message is simple. Home is at the heart of who we are. Now with remote working and working from home, maybe it’s time to consider coming home. Being closer to those we love.

Families and friends everywhere are desperately missing their loved ones, so Taggart Homes created this video to showcase the importance of home and in particular the wonderful spirit of being home in Derry at Christmas.

It highlights what an amazing place Derry is and that our thoughts are with everyone, especially our Derry Diaspora living abroad and unable to share the festive season with the ones they love at home.

This is a message of hope.

Throughout this year, our community have had to adapt to a new way of living and working. Working remotely has resulted in a new way of living and working in the region. Where originally we no choice, a new world of choice has opened up. This is remote working and working from home in Derry.

In recent months Derry has been ranked as the top place in Northern Ireland to work from home. Plus it’s fourth best in the UK. Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney, said

“Derry and Strabane ticks all the right boxes when it comes to working from home and working remotely. Not only is there accessibility through strong broadband speeds, but the high scores on green spaces, low crime and air quality show that Derry and Strabane is a fantastic overall location for working and living.”

If you are considering relocating to Derry city or county, visit our Live section to find out about what we have to offer.

It is a great place to live, work, study and visit. Plus it offers a low cost of living, affordable housing and a warm and welcoming community.

We would also like to say a well done to the St Cecilia’s College choir for their beautiful rendition of O Holy Night and to congratulate them on their recent win of the prestigious UK-wide Gold Teaching Award, selected from thousands of nominations as one of the nation’s most inspirational schools.

Visit www.destinationderry.com and read all the great blogs and case studies written by people who have returned or relocated here to live in Derry.

If you are in business in the region you can register your details for free on the Destination Derry website or feel free to get in touch with queries or to tell us your story about #cominghome.

You can also check out our Destination Derry social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Finally we wish you Happy Christmas and a great New Year.

Escape from England – Destination Derry!

My partner and I had been looking to escape from England. We both lived in Northamptonshire – “semi” retired, in our 50’s and looking for a better and more holistic lifestyle. My partner had spent some of her childhood on the outskirts of Dublin, moving permanently to England at the age of 19. I had never lived in Ireland but was aware of the natural beauty of the country and the charm of its people, who, as a Northerner, I had always found incredibly friendly. I had travelled to Ireland many times for business, usually Belfast and Dublin, with a few trips to Cork and Shannon and the obligatory stag weekends in Dublin. Only once, more than 20 years ago had I been to Derry on a brief business trip and it made such an impression on me that I had always wanted to return for leisure but never got around to it.

Nearing the end of 2019, we knew we wanted out of England and considered Ireland as a good potential destination, so we flew to Belfast on the 3rd January 2020 to explore. We had an insanely good time there, much better craic than you would find in England! We hired a car and headed through the breath-taking, rugged landscape to Derry where we stayed for 3 nights, enjoying a fabulous time in the local pubs and exploring the area. During our trip, we viewed a few houses at a new build development company in Culmore before flying home. Wow! We were so impressed by the location, quality and price of what was on offer – much better than anything in England! We knew that this is where we wanted to be.

Heading back to Belfast, we both agreed that we had experienced one of those moments in life where a different path suddenly illuminates.

I’m an impulsive individual who very much subscribes to the Richard Branson philosophy of “screw it, let’s do it” and on the 10th January we paid the deposit on the house we fell in love with. Finalities came just 40 days later and we were here! We have a better house than we could have afforded in England and really lovely neighbours who have made us very welcome here.

I think Northern Ireland is a bit of a well-kept secret in England. People don’t know much about what it’s like here, which is a pity because it’s such a unique place and very much a land of opportunity, particularly Derry, which is often overlooked.

Post-BREXIT Northern Ireland occupies a unique place in Europe. It is the only place in the UK with an open land ‘border’ to the European Union that we are now privileged to live less than a mile from. I like the idea of the best of both worlds. Derry is truly a special place, with a passionate and genuine people who appreciate quality and nature’s bounty.

Derry is in a fabulous location at the mouth of the Foyle, right on the boarder of Donegal. In less than 30 minutes I can be on the Wild Atlantic coast of Ireland having driven through the Mamore Gap mountain pass. Seeing the patchwork fields and hamlets of the “Poitin republic of Urris” spread before, you would be forgiven for thinking you had entered The Shire from The Lord of the Rings. It is stunning! Likewise, 20Km gets you to Inch Island in Lough Swilly. Here, my partner was on the beach at the harbour one day with her 2 year-old granddaughter, who had also relocated to Derry with her mother at the same time as us. They were chatting to the Fishermen who were landing their catch and left with a complementary sample of their yield that I cooked. Fresh king and queen scallops and oysters and freely given with a smile; a perfect example of Irish hospitality. Also on your doorstep is the amazing Causeway Coastal route and Sperrin Mountains, with its eerie elevated pine forests calling to be explored.

The city itself is fascinating, with a rich history and sense of pride. It is a walled city full of character and has everything you need locally. The floral displays the council provide and maintain are fantastic, I have rarely seen healthier bedding plants nor more profuse displays. I never tire of the views of the Foyle with its ever-changing patina of colours as I drive into the city, nor the views of the Lough and mountains as I come back home.

To us, as runaways from England, we love it here. Everything is better and cheaper. The food is much better quality than we would get at home with organic, local produce being the norm. Even the roads are better maintained. We don’t pay for prescriptions or water, unlike in England. We have community convenience stores here that actually are “proper” local shops where you can get anything you need at a reasonable price – like a takeaway 8 piece Ulster Fry breakfast for just £2.50, and where you will be made to feel welcome by the staff.

Derry is a great place. I know we made the right decision to move here and wish we had done so years ago, you would be doing yourself a great disservice not to come and see what’s on offer.

Finally, we feel at home and look forward to the continuing journey of discovery that awaits us.

D & C, proud new Derry residents.

18 October 2020

Find out more about living in Derry here