Derry – Ireland’s historic walled city and much more

Choose the city and county for a holiday with a difference

From perfectly preserved city walls (among the finest in Europe) to wonderful amenities for outdoor pursuits; from marvelous heritage to vibrant entertainment and exciting street festivals: Derry has it all.

If you're looking for a holiday with a difference, make Derry your destination!

You will be enthralled by the history and the archaeological treasures. Come and see the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. Marvel at its perfectly preserved walls, which are among the finest in Europe.

But these sights are just a fraction of what lies in store for the visitor today. Derry is brimming with artistic and cultural endeavour. You will be amazed at the range and variety of amenities and attractions on your doorstep.

The choice is yours: from activities and adventure to rest and relaxation, from heritage and sightseeing to interesting events and festivals. When you add in wonderful restaurants and pubs, great cultural events, and wonderful shopping, you have a very special mix.

Come and enjoy the unique experience for yourself. No matter what kind of holiday you have in mind, Derry has got it all.

As befits a city with more than one name (it's also known as Londonderry) which has seen many changes over the years, Derry is in the midst of a huge transformation at present. The vibrant community is looking to the future with great flair and an air of excitement.

Make Derry your destination and you will get a rare glimpse of a city steeped in rich history striding out confidently for the future.

And remember also that the city is an ideal gateway to a myriad of attractions and facilities in the surrounding county. This is just one of many pleasant surprises that lie in store in this eclectic place.

Let your voyage of discovery begin!

THE HIGHLIGHTS

Tour the City Walls
To take a guided walking tour along the massive walls that surround the inner city of Derry is to, literally, step back through centuries of history and momentous events. You will be amazed at the size of the structure before you. The walls rise to a height of 7.9m in places, are 9.1m at their widest and reach 1.5km in circumference! You can even climb up the ramparts via stone staircases and get a marvelous view of the city landscape.

It took five years - from 1613 to 1618 - to build this enclosure as defences for early 17th century settlers from England and Scotland. Marvel at how they have withstood the passage of time. And also think of how they survived three sieges during the turbulent times of the 17th century.

On your stroll, 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 - and the cannon mounted throughout the walls, most notably above Shipquay Gate.

The Guildhall
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.

St. Columb's Cathedral
Derry has an ancient ecclesiastical tradition - a monastery was founded here by the great Irish saint, Colmcille as far back as the 6th century AD. The magnificent St. Columb's Cathedral, built in 1633, is named in the saint's honour and is the city's most historic building. Marvel at the centuries of relics and artefacts that are contained today within its walls.

The Tower Museum
Drop into the award-winning and highly impressive Tower Museum, located just inside city walls at the Magazine Gate, and get a unique insight into the whole complex history of Derry right up to the present time. Trace its origins from geological formations millions of years ago. Find out about the Plantation, through to the Siege of Derry and the city's troubled political past.

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 of 'La Trinidad Valencera' was discovered by the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971.

Explore a rich maritime tradition
Why not get a spectacular perspective of the city's maritime location by taking a cruise along the glorious Lough Foyle? You will be following the path of the Vikings, ancient Irish kings and many emigrants who all sailed on this beautiful stretch of water.

Then drop into the Harbour Museum at Harbour Square to explore further the city's rich maritime tradition down through the centuries. See all about its great heritage in this traditional Victorian-style museum.

PLACES TO VISIT

If you can drag yourself away from the many attractions and amenities in Derry City, there's much to see and marvel at in the surrounding county. Interesting county locations include:

Limavady
The very name of this town, meaning 'Leap of the dog' in Irish, conjures up great images. It's said that a dog owned by one of the O'Cahan chiefs jumped a gorge on the River Roe bringing a warning of an unexpected enemy attack! Enjoy wonderful scenery and views in this area, bordered by the fertile Roe Valley, the Sperrin Mountains, Lough Foyle, the Atlantic Ocean and a stretch of beach (Benone) which is often described as one of the best in Europe.

Coleraine
Located on the wide River Bann, Coleraine is a market town which had a long tradition of whiskey distilling. It's also a university town - the University of Ulster, on the northern outskirts, opened its doors in 1968.

Bellaghy
On a visit to this village in the south of county, you will get a chance to explore the origins and work of the County Derry-born winner of the Nobel Literature Prize, Seamus Heaney. The poet's poetry, films and broadcasts are featured in a visitor centre, 'Bellaghy Bawn', there. The 17th-century stronghold also contains a guide to archaeology, history and nature around Bellaghy.

Claudy
The salmon filled River Faughan meanders past this little village. Watch out for the nearby Ness Wood Country Park, with its 19 hectares of woodland, and particularly for the spectacular Ness 9m waterfall that streams from the River Burntollet which is the largest in Northern Ireland.

Portstewart
Portstewart is an attractive seaside resort with its small sheltered harbour, promenade and three mile beach stretching to the mouth of the River Bann. The 19th century novelist Charles Lever was dispensary doctor here for some time, and many of the incidents related to his stories are said to have originated in this district.

LOTS TO DO

Whether it's inside or outside the walls of the city, or indeed whether it's indoor or outdoor activities that take your fancy, Derry offers fantastic choices.

The following are just a few of the interesting options:

There is wonderful angling to be had locally. As well as providing the lifeblood to the city, the River Foyle is one of the richest fishing waters in Europe. Try out this wonderful stretch for excellent salmon and trout catches. Another great option, offering a most tranquil setting, is the Creggan Country Park nearby.

Given its location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Foyle, and with fine waterways such as the River Bann and River Roe, County Derry is a paradise setting for lovers of watersports of all kinds. Take your pick - a cruise on the Lough, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and many more. Excellent facilities include Creggan Country Park, the Foyle Pontoon marina in Queen's Bay, and a number of leisure centres.

Lovers of land-based outdoor activities need not worry though - there's also much for them to do in the area. Go for an exhilarating trip as you follow the Foyle Valley Cycle Route that connects the historic walled city to the border towns of Strabane and Lifford. For fans of golf, you can choose the fine local parkland courses of the City of Derry and Foyle International Golf Course, or sample some of the world's most renowned links courses at nearby Royal Portrush or Ballyliffin. What better way to see the beautiful countryside than to saddle up and avail of the fine horse riding facilities in the area?

Enjoy the night life! Derry is a city that knows how to let its hair down and loves to make visitors feel very much at home. Great pubs, good company and loads of music are present in abundance. Whether it's an Irish music 'seisiun' in a traditional pub, chilling out to the sounds of jazz, enjoying a classical concerto or even a West End show at the impressive Millennium Forum, or lapping up the atmosphere in a nightclub you're interested in, this is the place for you.

With notable literary and entertainment greats such as Brian Friel, Seamus Heaney and Phil Coulter growing up in Derry, no wonder it offers marvelous arts and entertainment options to the visitor today. Whether its theatre, the arts, crafts and galleries that take your fancy, there's much to explore and enjoy.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE

See where Amelia Earhart landed!
Get up close to a piece of aviation history by visiting the Amelia Earhart Centre in Ballyarnett Country Park to the north of the city. Hear all about how the famous aviator made an unexpected landing on her historic solo flight across the Atlantic on 21 May, 1932. Take a guided tour of the exhibition centre established to commemorate the event and see where she landed.

Heritage Tower - once home to Wolfe Tone and De Valera!
Built during the 19th century, the Heritage Tower was once the prison home to famous Irish leaders, Wolfe Tone and De Valera. The Tower is located in the Fountain area of the city. View artefacts and memorabilia dating from World War I to the present day, as well as models, painting and murals.

Hezlett House
Make the short, 45-minute journey from the city of Derry to Castlerock, County Derry to see this idyllic thatched cottage that evokes memories of a bygone age. See timber frames that date back over 300 years as well as an interesting roof construction.

Springhill House and Costume Collection
A visit to this 'Plantation' house in Moneymore, County Derry will provide a fascinating insight into this period of Irish history. Hear many stories of life over the centuries, including one about a resident ghost! Enjoy also an exquisite costume collection and beautiful walled gardens.

Workhouse Museum
As the name suggests, this exhibition at Glendermott Road deals extensively with workhouse life in Ireland at the time of the Great Famine in the 1840s. It also commemorates the role played by the city in the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II.

HOT TIPS

Get shirty! Derry and Northern Ireland have a famous tradition for clothing manufacture, and a visit to Glenaden Shirts Exhibition in Altnagelvin Industrial Estate will give you a unique insight into this. Follow the history of shirt making over the past 150 years at the exhibition and drop in next door to a Glenaden factory outlet where you can pick up shirts made there.

Just imagine the folly of it all! Be amazed by the positioning of the beautiful 18th century Mussenden Temple built perilously close to the edge of a sheer drop near Castlerock, County Derry. As you view the sight, think of its creators, who were inspired, it seems, by the Tivoli Temple of the Roman Goddess, Vesta. The temple is part of the Downhill Estate, which also comprises the ruined Downhill Castle, extensive gardens, grounds and forest.

Explore the depths and wonderful natural resources of the Foyle and Carlingford Loughs - from the safety of dry land! Visit 'Riverwatch' at the Lough's Agency in the Waterside area of the city and you will learn about the incredible life of the salmon and much more. The interactive exhibitions and activities are a must for all ages.

For a good insight into the traditions of both communities in the city, pay a visit to the Museum of Free Derry and the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall. The Museum illustrates the story of the Civil Rights Movement and related events while the Memorial Hall is where the Siege of Derry celebrations take place every year.

The locals certainly know how to make you feel welcome and how to enjoy themselves. It's no surprise then that the city is home to a number of major festivals and social events. Especially noteworthy is the Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival - this sees over 40,000 revellers take to the streets at Ireland's largest street carnival. Why not check this and other great events out!

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