Stroll along the historic walls of Derry

See one of Europe’s finest Walled Cities

What a panoramic setting! Massive walls almost 7.9m high and 9m wide take you around the only remaining completely walled City in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe.

As you walk along the historic walls that surround the old City of Derry, also known as Londonderry, experience a deep sense of history. You are travelling over a city boundary which has witnessed truly momentous events down the centuries.

Be sure also to take time to appreciate the great treasure that lies before you. Not only is it the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland but it is one of the best-preserved city fortifications in all of Europe.

Think back to when these great walls were first constructed almost four centuries ago. They were built by the rulers of the city at the time, called The Honourable The Irish Society, as defences for early seventeenth century settlers from England and Scotland who had come to live there under a Plantation Plan by King James I.

Imagine the effort it took, over a period of five years from 1613 - 1618, to build this massive structure, which is still in a splendid state of preservation. Marvel at its size - the walls rise to a height of 7.9m in places and are 9.1m at their widest!

As you walk along the huge wall encircling the inner city, stretching to 1.5km in circumference, bear in mind that you are visiting an ancient place. As far back as the 6th century AD, a monastery was founded here by the great Irish saint, Saint Columba (Columb).

The name, 'Derry' is derived from the old Irish word, ''Daire', meaning an oak grove, particularly one on an island surrounded by water or peat bog.

Many people know this place as 'Londonderry', of course, a name which originates from when these walls were built. At that time, the City of London took on the responsibility of running the city and surrounding area, and the building of the city was financed by the trade Guilds of the City of London. The prefix, London was thus added to the name.

On your stroll around the impressive wall enclosure, take particular note of the four original city gates -Shipquay, Butcher, Bishop and Ferryquay,which have all been rebuilt. See also the three new gates that were added - Magazine, Castle and New Gate.

Admire the cannon mounted throughout the walls, most notably above Shipquay Gate. These were donated by the Guilds of London in 1649.

Famous Sieges
As you stroll along, think back to the turbulent times of the 17th century when these gates and walls were centre stage as the city withstood three sieges. The most well-known one lasted 105 days from Dec. 7, 1689. One famous incident connected with the start of that siege was when young 'apprentice boys' seized the keys of the city and locked the gates.

If you drop into the award-winningTower Museum, located just inside city walls at the Magazine Gate, you will get a unique insight into the whole complex history of Derry right up to the present time.

See also some remarkable objects here that were recovered from one of the largest ships from the Spanish Armada that sunk off the Co. Donegal coast in 1588! The shipwreck was discovered by the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971.

As you continue along the walls, see how they provide a unique promenade from which to view the layout of the original mediaeval city. You will be amazed by the Renaissance-style street plan preserved there to this day, with all roads converging on the central square called The Diamond. It is easy to explore this area, the only intact medieval walled city in Ireland or Great Britain.

The walls also offer a great vantage point from which to get a good look at the remainder of the city environs. These includeFree Derry Corner, which marks the entrance to the famous Bogside area which has featured prominently in the city's recent history.

Close to the wall enclosure, you will be fascinated by the imposing Guildhall. This neo-Gothic style building houses some of the finest examples of stained glass windows in Ireland. It is the civic and cultural centre for the people of the city.

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FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on any of the items featured above, or on the county in general, please contact:

Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau
44 Foyle Street
Derry
BT48 6TE
Northern Ireland

Tel: 0044 (0) 28 7137 7577
Fax: 0044 (0) 28 7137 7992
Email: info@derryvisitor.com
Web: www.derryvisitor.com