Northbound Brewery Visitor Experience

Craft beer in Ireland has had a proper renaissance over the past decade, and Northbound Brewery has been part of that story from the start. Founded by husband-and-wife team David and Martina Rogers after they returned from time in Australia to settle in the north west, the Derry brewery has spent ten years building a range that locals are proud of - including the Derry Lager launched as a nod to the city itself. Now they are opening the brewery doors to visitors, with behind-the-scenes tours and a tasting room that lets you follow the beer from grain to glass. It suits anyone who likes to understand what they are drinking, couples looking for something different on a day out, and small groups after an informal, local experience.

What to expect

The visitor experience takes you through the full production process at the McClean Road site - how the recipes come together, how the fermentation tanks work, and what makes a craft lager different from what you find on most pub taps. The Rogers are passionate about local ingredients and collaborating with other north-west producers, so conversations tend to go beyond brewing into the wider food and drink culture of the area. The tasting element lets you work through the range properly, not just a sip and move on. Private group bookings are available for those who want a more dedicated session - a solid option for a birthday or a team outing. The brewery also runs a mobile bar for events across the region, so if you have caught them at a festival, this is the chance to see where it all happens.

Getting there

Derry is well connected by road: the A6 links it to Belfast in around an hour and a quarter, while the N13 and N14 bring you up from Letterkenny and Donegal in under an hour. From Dublin the drive is roughly two and a half hours via the M1 and A1. Translink runs regular express coaches between Belfast and Derry, and there is a rail service on the same corridor. The brewery is on McClean Road - a car is the most practical option for getting there directly, and parking is available on site.

While you’re in Derry

Derry is one of Ireland’s finest walled cities, with the 17th-century walls still walkable in full and a riverfront that has been transformed over the past fifteen years. The Bogside murals, the Tower Museum, and a lively food scene on Shipquay Street all make for a full day. There is more to see in Derry and across Co. Derry.

Good to know

• Date: 15 July 2026 (visitor experience expected to run across summer 2026 - check directly for session availability)
• Time: Various - times vary by session
• Price: TBC - check with the brewery directly before booking
• Book / check: Contact Northbound Brewery directly or visit their website for current tour availability
• Groups: Private group bookings are available and recommended for larger parties