The County of Derry takes its name from its largest city, steeped in centuries of tumultuous history. Sometimes called Londonderry, depending on the political point of view, this county in the north offers both the beauties of nature in its scenic coastal areas and the Sperrin Mountains as well as a multitude of historical sites [...]
Free Derry Corner is an icon representing the Republican Resistance, and marking the eastern border of the Bogside area. The words “You are Now Entering Free Derry” were painted on the side of a dwelling, destroyed by British troops in 1972, and then rebuilt.
There are a variety of murals in the Bogside area, depicting [...]
This Early Georgian Style manor house is located in a picturesque area outside the city of Derry. The estate is made up of 3, 641 acres adjacent to protected woodlands and features glorious views of the city, the River Foyle, and surrounding areas.
The Prehen family first occupied the estate in 1640. In 1738 Andrew Knox, [...]
This unique facility showcases the fish and wildlife resources of the region, particularly the River Foyle and the Carlingford Loughs. Visitors can take advantage of interactive exhibits such as those presenting the life cycle of Ireland’s native salmon.
The old office of the Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners is the current site of a museum that houses the maritime treasures of the city.
The building was erected in 1822 and also contains a variety of other artifacts and exhibitions, including a curragh replica representing the vessel used by St. Columba in 563 A.D. when [...]
In an effort to stem the tide of growing poverty, the Derry Workhouse was established in 1832, but as history unfolded, the building came to be used for quite different purposes. As potential emigrants came to Derry, a popular departure point, many of them discovered that they could not afford to pay for the passage. [...]
The walls surrounding the City of Derry are 26 feet high and as much as 30 feet wide in certain areas. Construction was completed in 1618, funded by the London trade guilds in charge of the plantation of new settlers from England and Scotland. The original purpose was to serve as a defense from Donegal’s [...]
Located just outside the walled city near the River Foyle, the original Guildhall building was completed in 1890. Made from stone and sandstone, and embellished with Victorian ornamentation in the neo gothic style, its most notable feature is a series of exceptional stained glass windows.
The windows portray the history of Derry, and were created by [...]
Built as a memorial to the 13 boys who began the siege of Derry in 1688 by closing the gates of the city in the face of King James II, it has served, over the years, as a memorial to the persistence and steadfastness of Derry’s protestant population.
More than 20,000 members of the Society have [...]
Built on what was formerly the site of the monastery founded by St. Columba, the cathedral was under construction from 1628-1633. It was the first Protestant Cathedral built in Britain or Ireland following the reformation. Most of the Protestant houses of worship at the time were converted Catholic institutions. ST. Columb’s original set of bells [...]