Northern Ireland

Derry Girls: Awning partially covering mural of characters taken down by bar

Awning erected by Badger’s Bar attracted criticism after erected last month

The famous Derry Girls mural now part covered up by Badgers Bar garden in Derry. The mural has become a major attraction in the city since the TV series. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 12-9-2024
The famous Derry Girls mural was part covered up by Badger's Bar awning PICTURE: MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN (MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN PHOTOGRAPHY )
By John Breslin

A pub awning partially covering the Derry Girls mural in the city, a major tourist attraction, has been taken down a month after it was put up.

The awning was erected outside Badger’s Bar on Orchard Street in early September after the owners received planning permission in late 2022.

However it provoked some controversy with visitors to the city and locals criticising the fact they were unable to see the mural in its entirety.

The Derry Girls mural in the city centre. PICTURE: MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN
The Derry Girls mural in the city centre. PICTURE: MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN

The Derry Girls mural featuring the characters from the hit Channel 4 comedy, Erin, Michelle, Orla, Clare and James, was created by a local non-profit, UV Arts. It is located on the side wall of the bar, opposite the Foyleside Shopping Centre.

Planning permission for the awning was granted to the bar in December 2022, with no objections received during the application process.

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

“Council has been engaging directly with the applicant in relation to this matter,” the spokesperson said.

Badger’s Bar declined to comment.