Iona Inn in Londonderry: A Waterside Guesthouse Steps from Craigavon Bridge

A Family-Run Guesthouse Where the Waterside Meets the Walled City

Tucked onto Spencer Road in the Waterside neighbourhood, Iona Inn sits on the Londonderry side of Craigavon Bridge, the double-deck crossing that links the east and west banks of the River Foyle. The inn is run by the Moran family and operates as a guesthouse with a cosy, intimate feel shaped by its long history in the area.

A Building Tied to a Pub That Has Stood Since 1859

The inn shares more than a doorstep with the neighbourhood. Next door stands a popular and authentic bar that the Moran family also owns, an establishment in continuous operation since 1859. Shared ownership gives the inn its own dining and lounge areas, which visitors can settle into without ever leaving the building.

Location on Spencer Road and the Waterside

The address is 15-19 Spencer Road, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6AA, placing the property firmly in the Waterside district. From the front door, the foot of Craigavon Bridge is a short stroll away, and the historic Derry walls rise on the far side of the river, the cluster of city-centre sights that draws most first-time visitors. A landmark worth tracking down on foot is the Hands Across the Divide statue, roughly a seven-minute walk from the inn and one of the most photographed pieces of public art in the city.

A Comfortable Base for a Short or Long Visit

The inn keeps its scale deliberately small, offering ten rooms that read as comfortable rather than sprawling. Whether the plan is a flying visit or a longer stay, the format suits both, with shared dining and lounge spaces that invite lingering over a morning coffee or an evening read.

What's Within Easy Reach

A championship golf course sits about a kilometre away, useful to know for travellers who like to pair city time with a round. Long Tower St is another recognisable Waterside landmark close to the inn, and the surrounding streets include the everyday shops, cafés and transport links that the Waterside is known for. Looking across the bridge, the Derry walls and the compact city centre are all within walking range, making the inn a practical springboard for exploring on foot.

Practical Considerations

The address on Spencer Road is the easiest way to find the inn by car or on foot, and Craigavon Bridge offers a direct route into the rest of the city. Some details about the property, including its facilities and surrounding amenities, may change over time, so it is worth confirming current arrangements before travelling.

A Note on the Wider City

Londonderry was named UK City of Culture in 2013, a year that put its restored walls, harbour-side regeneration and lively arts scene on the travel map. The inn's Waterside setting puts visitors close to much of that story, with the bridge acting as a quick crossing point between the guesthouse and the older, walled core of the city.