The Maiden City
Bookshops, Burritos and a Stop Off at Castlerock
Hey everyone! Welcome to my ninth in a series of travel blogs about the adventures I have gone on, as poet in residence at Belfast Grand Central Station and places you can travel to as well from the station.
One journey that will always be high on my list of favourites is the Derry~Londonderry train line. Honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful in the world. This time, I asked my mum to join me for a flying visit to one of our favourite cities—and it turned out to be one of those days that just sparkles.
We met at Grand Central Station for the 10:10am train and hopped on, coffees in hand. After a good catch-up and watching the scenery roll by, the train passed underneath Mussenden Temple, which opens onto Benone Beach—just stunning.
When we arrived at The North West Transport Hub, we spotted a little shop called Whistlestop, with toy trains and a tiny Thomas the Tank Engine chugging around the shelves… adorable!
From there, we stepped outside for the free shuttle bus into the city centre. Inside the bus station, we found Café Mona, where the staff were beyond lovely—so warm and welcoming. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel instantly at home.
We wandered through shops, over the cities Walls, and into a touristy spot full of brilliant souvenirs and Derry Girls merch. But one place I couldn’t miss was Little Acorns Bookstore on Great James Street. We met the owner—genuinely one of the nicest people ever—and even chatted about Translink’s Poetry in Motion publication – I even signed a few copies for her. I picked up a book for the journey home, and then we headed to Guapo for lunch, which came highly recommended by locals. It did not disappoint!
As we walked along the river, past The Peace Bridge and the Guildhall, I found myself thinking about how travel and poetry intertwine. In my role as poet-in-residence at Belfast Grand Central Station, I’m always gathering moments like these—quiet, vivid, full of story. Each journey adds a new thread to the poem I’m working on for the station, and this one was no exception.
The day was flying in, but we decided to stop off at Castlerock on the way home for an hour. We visited The Chocolate Manor (yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds) and took a wee walk along the beach to close out our day of adventuring. The city, the sea, and memories made with my mummy… what more could I ask for?
The Maiden City is always worth the journey, and the Journey Planner makes it simple to set out and see it for yourself.