Derry Girls: Awning that partially blocks mural re-erected

Oct 18, 2024

A controversial pub awning that obscures part of the Derry Girls mural in Londonderry has been put up again just days after its removal.

The installation outside Badger’s Bar on Orchard Street initially went up in early September.

It was taken down on Monday but on Thursday morning it was re-erected.

On Wednesday the location was used for filming of Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee’s new Netflix comedy series, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.

The mural has become one of the most visited sites in Derry since it was first unveiled in 2019.

Thousands of visitors – and locals – have flocked to the pub to take a selfie with Erin, Michelle, Orla, Clare, and "the wee English fella" James.

When it first went up it sparked much criticism with tourists telling BBC News NI they had been left disappointed they could not see the mural.

Badger's Bar told the BBC News NI that they would not be making any public comment on the matter.

It is also the subject of an investigation by the local council, who have planning responsibility.

Planning permission for an awning was granted in 2022.

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said earlier this week the permission “did not include the awning and structure in the elevation where the Derry Girls mural is located”.

Constanza Jorquera and her sister, Sofia, are both originally from Chile and came to Derry specifically to see the mural.

"We watched the show like three years ago during the [Covid] pandemic and we said one day we have to go to Derry and see this," Constanza said.

"Sofia moved to Germany and I went over to visit her there and we both said that the time was right to go, so here we are three years later.

"I think the mural still is great, it reflects all the character's personalities, even with the awning and I am happy there is a tribute to the show here.

"I think it still looks good and I think it does live up to hype still."

Bernie Waters, who is from Dundalk in the Republic of Ireland, is visiting the city on a day-trip and thinks the awning does "cut the mural in half".

"It probably would be better without it, but I guess it's to facilitate people drinking and smoking outside for the bar," she said.

"It only shows their heads now and you can't really see their schools uniform anymore though."

Helen Crawford is from Shropshire, England, and is doing a tour across the island of Ireland with her husband.

She said many of their friends told them that Derry was "a must-see" on their trip and recommended getting their photograph taken beside the mural.

"I have to admit I've not seen the show myself but I will do it when I get back, I promise," she said.

"The photo I saw online didn't have the awning so it is a bit of a shame that it's up now and we didn't maybe come down yesterday, but I guess it rains a lot in Ireland so a covered pub seating area isn't the worst idea."