Welcome
To the e-travelguide to Hotels, guest houses
and attractions in Derry
Make the most of your
time in Derry, use the information provided
on this web site by clicking on the links
above to plan your visit.
Often referred to as the Maiden City, Derry, or Londonderry as it is officially known, is the second largest city in Northern Ireland. Located in County Londonderry on the Foyle estuary, Derry is one of the province’s most dynamic cities, revelling in the peace the end of the Troubles has brought and rapidly emerging as one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations. From the remarkable city walls standing in testament to its long and illustrious history, to the picturesque beauty of the city centre with its plethora of grand buildings, Derry is one of the true gems of Northern Ireland.
Spectacular buildings such as St Columb’s Catheral, the neo-gothic Guildhall and the Georgian Courthouse adorn the city centre, creating a refined ambience that makes the city a joy to explore. The Craft Village, meanwhile, comprised of retail, workshop and residential areas, gives visitors a glimpse of Derry life between the 16 th and 19 th centuries. However, for all its genteel charm Derry’s long and often brutal history has left and indelible mark on the city. It was the site of many of the key flashpoints of the Troubles, which have earned international renown in their own right. Three days of continuous rioting during the ‘ Battle of the Bogside’ in 1969 were one of the crucial factors in the deployment of British soldiers on the streets of Northern Ireland. This was followed three years later by ‘Bloody Sunday’, where 13 civilians were shot dead by British troops during a demonstration, believed to be the result of IRA agitation.
Today Derry remains clearly divided into Catholic and Protestant areas, although the bitterness and violence that previously marked this division has since passed into memory. The Cityside on the west side of the Foyle is an overwhelmingly Catholic area, while Waterside on the east side is predominantly inhabited by Protestants. While today there is little political agitation between the two sides, the lingering division has been the focus of great attention from both the city’s political and religious leaders. Nevertheless, over the last few years Derry has become utterly rejuvenated and has become the cultural and economic capital of the North West region. With a wealth of history, welcoming population and a vibrancy of which many larger cities would be proud, the Maiden City is one of the most magnificent destinations in the whole island of Ireland.
Contact: 0118 971 4700 |
