Derry is known by many names including Londonderry, Doire, Stroke City, and the Legenderry, which happens to be the local’s favorite.
Derry is known by many names including Londonderry, Doire, Stroke City, and the Legenderry, which happens to be the local’s favorite.
Walking the Walls of Derry
Walking the Walls of Derry
Derry is the only city in Ireland that is proud to claim of being completely walled. It was built originally in 1614, got completed in 1618, and has proudly celebrated 400 years of the existence of these historic walls.
Derry is the only city in Ireland that is proud to claim of being completely walled. It was built originally in 1614, got completed in 1618, and has proudly celebrated 400 years of the existence of these historic walls.
These walls create a historic walkway around the city (1.5km) and you will fall in love with the beautiful views surrounding the area. This walkway allows you to get a glimpse of the original layout of the historic city. And, what is amazing is that the city still maintains its Renaissance-style street plan even today.
These walls create a historic walkway around the city (1.5km) and you will fall in love with the beautiful views surrounding the area. This walkway allows you to get a glimpse of the original layout of the historic city. And, what is amazing is that the city still maintains its Renaissance-style street plan even today.
Original cannons, which were used in two sieges in the 17th century, can also be found along the way. The walls even have the four original city gates – Butcher Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Shipquay Gate, and Bishop’s Gate. Three additional gates got included in the 1800’s – Magazine Gate, New Gate, and Castle Gate.
Original cannons, which were used in two sieges in the 17th century, can also be found along the way. The walls even have the four original city gates – Butcher Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Shipquay Gate, and Bishop’s Gate. Three additional gates got included in the 1800’s – Magazine Gate, New Gate, and Castle Gate.
The walls gained an immortal position in Irish history thanks to the defiance of the Protestant Apprentice Boys of Derry. It was because of them slamming the gates in front of the coming Catholic army that made the Derry Walls an emblem of Unionism and Loyalism.
The walls gained an immortal position in Irish history thanks to the defiance of the Protestant Apprentice Boys of Derry. It was because of them slamming the gates in front of the coming Catholic army that made the Derry Walls an emblem of Unionism and Loyalism.
The gates were closed for a long time to the public as they had become a vantage point for stone-throwers and snipers. However, thanks to the peace process, the gates are open and have become the most visited attraction in Derry.
The gates were closed for a long time to the public as they had become a vantage point for stone-throwers and snipers. However, thanks to the peace process, the gates are open and have become the most visited attraction in Derry.
You too must not miss visiting the Derry Walls, and the best way to do so will be by a guided tour. A good tour will help you learn about many heartwarming stories about the troubled past of the walls. And this will make your experience even more enriching.
You too must not miss visiting the Derry Walls, and the best way to do so will be by a guided tour. A good tour will help you learn about many heartwarming stories about the troubled past of the walls. And this will make your experience even more enriching.
The Peace Bridge
The Peace Bridge
Just a little walk from the Walls of Derry and the Guildhall is the Peace Bridge which is nothing short of a visual treat. It certainly is a vital stop if you visit Londonderry and you must include it in your Northern Ireland travel itinerary.
Just a little walk from the Walls of Derry and the Guildhall is the Peace Bridge which is nothing short of a visual treat. It certainly is a vital stop if you visit Londonderry and you must include it in your Northern Ireland travel itinerary.
Ever since it was launched in 2011, this Peace Bridge has become an important part of the infrastructure of the city. It is considered special by locals and even visitors are left amazed owing to its physical beauty and also because of the symbolic story that it represents.
Ever since it was launched in 2011, this Peace Bridge has become an important part of the infrastructure of the city. It is considered special by locals and even visitors are left amazed owing to its physical beauty and also because of the symbolic story that it represents.
The cycle’s beautiful snaking curves and the footbridge is reflective of the victory over adversity and also it is a symbol of peace that connects the two sides of the gorgeous River Foyle.
The cycle’s beautiful snaking curves and the footbridge is reflective of the victory over adversity and also it is a symbol of peace that connects the two sides of the gorgeous River Foyle.
Since its inception, the Peace Bridge has become the icon of the Walled City and is the backdrop to various popular festivals held there.
Since its inception, the Peace Bridge has become the icon of the Walled City and is the backdrop to various popular festivals held there.
You can cross this mesmerizing Peace Bridge and visit Ebrington Square. Ebrington Square happens to be a former Army barracks and has been changed to a spectacular public place for art exhibitions, music spectacles, and various open-air events.
You can cross this mesmerizing Peace Bridge and visit Ebrington Square. Ebrington Square happens to be a former Army barracks and has been changed to a spectacular public place for art exhibitions, music spectacles, and various open-air events.
The Guild Hall
The Guild Hall
Also located close to the Walls of Derry is yet another most popular and most stunning landmark – The Guild Hall. It has been in the heart of the city life since 1887 and is the home to the Mayor’s Parlor and Council’s Chamber.
Also located close to the Walls of Derry is yet another most popular and most stunning landmark – The Guild Hall. It has been in the heart of the city life since 1887 and is the home to the Mayor’s Parlor and Council’s Chamber.
What is most attractive about the Guildhall is its stunning collection of stained-glass windows. These windows were donated by the London Companies, and they are representative of everything from musicians to fishmongers.
What is most attractive about the Guildhall is its stunning collection of stained-glass windows. These windows were donated by the London Companies, and they are representative of everything from musicians to fishmongers.
The Guild Hall was built in the neo-gothic style and is without a doubt one of the most outstanding buildings that you will get to see in the North West. It was constructed by the Irish Society in 1887.
The Guild Hall was built in the neo-gothic style and is without a doubt one of the most outstanding buildings that you will get to see in the North West. It was constructed by the Irish Society in 1887.
This auburn stoned building has neo-gothic architecture and Tudor overtones. The staircase, as well as the corridor and main hall organ, gives an interesting insight into the distinctive history of the building.
This auburn stoned building has neo-gothic architecture and Tudor overtones. The staircase, as well as the corridor and main hall organ, gives an interesting insight into the distinctive history of the building.
Not only will the stained-glass windows amaze you, but you will be left mesmerized also when you learn about the Plantation of Ulster. The Guild Hall interestingly has a tourist interactive information point that has interpretation panels throughout the entire building. This brings life to the many special features of the building.
Not only will the stained-glass windows amaze you, but you will be left mesmerized also when you learn about the Plantation of Ulster. The Guild Hall interestingly has a tourist interactive information point that has interpretation panels throughout the entire building. This brings life to the many special features of the building.
If you visit Northern Ireland then you must not miss visiting The Guild Hall for sure. Not only is it a popular tourist attraction but also the backdrop to many key events of the city including the Derry Halloween celebrations, Spring Carnival celebrations, and more.
If you visit Northern Ireland then you must not miss visiting The Guild Hall for sure. Not only is it a popular tourist attraction but also the backdrop to many key events of the city including the Derry Halloween celebrations, Spring Carnival celebrations, and more.
These are just some of the must-visit places and Londonderry has a lot more in store for its visitors. You definitely are going to be left awe-stuck with this history-rich city. And, its present, which is familiar and easy-going, with the “heart of the Irish” vibe, will make you fall in love with it. Furthermore, the people of Londonderry, the cuisine, and the natural beauty of this city are also things that you will cherish for a long, long time.
These are just some of the must-visit places and Londonderry has a lot more in store for its visitors. You definitely are going to be left awe-stuck with this history-rich city. And, its present, which is familiar and easy-going, with the “heart of the Irish” vibe, will make you fall in love with it. Furthermore, the people of Londonderry, the cuisine, and the natural beauty of this city are also things that you will cherish for a long, long time.
