​​​Iconic Derry Girls mural partially obscured by bar awning

The mural dedicated to Derry Girls, written by Lisa McGee, has been partially blocked by an awning. The series first broadcast on Channel 4 in 2018 and ran for three seasons before finishing in 2022. The mural has now become an iconic ‘must-see’ when visiting the area.

The painting was unveiled in 2019, and since then, visitors have travelled to Orchard Street to see it and take a photo with the main characters, Erin, Michelle, Orla, Clare, and James.

Badger’s Bar received planning permission for the awning in 2022. Although it has now been installed, the local council have said that permission did not allow for this section to be created.

The bar said they won’t be making any public comment regarding the obstructing of the mural.

Lovely to see Derry shoot itself square in the foot again by building a glorified smoking hut to cover half the Derry Girls mural...
Scunnered is not the word for it.
I despair. pic.twitter.com/YdBjNWGJny

— Claire Allan / Freya Kennedy (@ClaireAllan) September 12, 2024

Tourists and fans of the Channel 4 series spoke to BBC News NI about their feelings on the matter. While many fans were disappointed by the now-cut-off view of the painting, several viewers were still delighted to have seen the mural at all.

Others sympathised with Badger’s Bar, recognising that with the growing difficulty of keeping businesses going, the bar is trying their best to keep customers happy while still spending money and enjoying their drinks.

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed that the council is currently considering the matter, as the granted planning permission did not include the awning and structure elevation in front of the mural.