A City With Two Names - Derry- Londonderry, Ireland

If someone refers to the city as Derry, they are probably Catholic. If they refer to it as Londonerry, they are most likely Protestant.

Derry-Londonderry has the most complete circuit of historic walls of any town in Ireland, measuring about 26’ high and almost one mile around. They were constructed between 1613 and 1618 to protect the English and Scots settlers in the new town established as part of the Plantation of Ulster.

There are seven gates or entrances to the walled city. Four of these were original: Shipquay Gate, Bishop’s Gate, Butcher Gate, and Ferryquay Gate. Three additional gates, Castle Gate, New Gate and Magazine Gate were added between 1790 and 1888.

Here is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

The mural depicts a scene with Bernadette Devlin from the ‘Battle of the Bogside’ which took place in August, 1969. For many years, Bogside was the tinderbox of the modern "Troubles" in Northern Ireland. Most notably, the tragic 1972 Bloody Sunday events unfolded here, during a march protesting the internment of pro-Catholic activists. When a British regiment moved in to make arrests, 13 marchers died.

Guildhall clock tower

Storefront along Shipquay Place

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Fighters of Derry: Their Deeds and Descendants, Being a Chronicle of Events in Ireland during the Revolutionary Period, 1688–91

By Young, William R.

Breaching Derry's Walls: The Quest for a Lasting Peace in Northern Ireland

By Jon Van Til (see http://crab.rutgers.edu

Discover Derry: City Guides O'Brien

By Brian Lacey

A mural of Annette McGavigan in the Bogside area was shot by the British army as she watched the riots in 1971.

Guildhall was built in 1890, and was the focus of multiple terror attacks during ‘the troubles’.

The interior of Guildhall

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There are historical exhibits in Guildhall.

Some of the sights while walking the mile-long city wall.

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Old cannons on the wall

This hotel was built in 1902 on Waterloo Place. It was badly damaged with several bombs during ‘the troubles’ and was restored in 2002.

Ferryquay Gate

Bishop’s Gate

Shipquay Gate

Castle Gate

St Augustine Church graveyard

Along Magazine Street

Waterloo Place

Looking out on Ferryquay street from the city wall

The view of Guildhall from the wall

First Derry Presbyterian Church, one of three churches within the walled city.

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St. Columb’s Cathedral was built between 1628 and 1633.

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The Carlisle Road Presbyterian Church first opened in 1879.

Hands Across the Divide sculpture created by Maurice Harron and erected in 1992. It symbolizes reconciliation between both sides of the political divide during ‘the troubles’.

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This is the Peace Bridge, a cycle and foot bridge crossing the River Foyle.

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A street mural characters in the Netflix show ‘Derry Girls’.

Carlisle Road Methodist Church first opened in 1875.

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There are still some signs of the political atmosphere here.

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This is the old Austin’s Department Store building in the Diamond area opened in 1830 and closing in 2016.

Some more of the architecture of the city.

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What you should know:

• The currency is the Pound Sterling.

• You will need a valid passport and a UK travel power adapter.

• The city wall, as well as at the city is very walkable, and a great way to get around.

• People are friendly and helpful.

• You could spend a couple of hours to a couple of day exploring the city.

• Sometimes there is a service charge included in the bill, if not a 10-15% tip is acceptable.

• Hop-on Hop-off bus is a great way to get the lay of the land.

• You can spend a few hours to a few days exploring the city.

For more information: Derry - Londonderry