The walled city of Londonderry is regarded as the origin of the Troubles that tore Ireland apart in the late 1900s. Stroll through today’s charming streets and inspect many statues and murals commemorating the wWorld wWars, the cCivil rRights mMovement and the struggle between Irish republicans and British loyalists.
Trace the 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) circumference marked by the Derry City WallsOpens in a new window. These well-preserved 17th-century ramparts have never been breached by attackers. Tour the walls to see cannons and viewpoints. At the epicenter stands t the DiamondOpens in a new window, from which you can see all four original gates. Appreciate Edwardian, Georgian and Victorian architecture in Derry.
For a change of style, visit the neo-Gothic GuildhallOpens in a new window. Browse exhibits on Irish history and climb the majestic staircase. Relax in the plaza with a view of the structure’s flamboyant façade.
Among the best places to understand Derry’s complex history are the Museum of Free Derry and Bloody Sunday MemorialOpens in a new window. Study photos and relics belonging to the Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday, which stand out as tragic parts of the Troubles. The museum is northwest of the city walls in an area full of political paintings and tributes. Snap photos of the You Are Now Entering Free Derry MuralOpens in a new window that introduced the autonomous nationalist city of Free Derry from 1969 to 1972.
See the artworks in St. Columb’s CathedralOpens in a new window. Cross the Foyle River via the curling Peace BridgeOpens in a new window uniting loyalist Waterside with nationalist Cityside.
Peruse boutiques and cafés in the commercial sector, where you will find the Foyleside Shopping Centre and the Richmond Centre.
Londonderry is one of Northern Ireland’s largest cities and is more commonly referred to by locals as Derry. The area has cool, rainy winters and mild to warm summers.
The city is in the northwestern corner of Northern Ireland, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the border with the Republic of Ireland. Drive west from Belfast for about 90 minutes to reach Derry.
Londonderry is a living museum that tells the story of centuries of social division.