Known as the walled city due to the vast walls thatsurround the city centre, a visit to Derry-Londonderryis not complete until you walk the famous walls. A brilliant vantage point itis a must see for all, one of the few walled city’s left in Europe. The wallsstill have the gates (six in total), watchtowers, canons, battlements and more,all of which ensured they were never breached. With informative walking toursavailable a guide will help explain the ancient and modern history of thisgreat city.
Derry-Londonderry’snewest landmark and certainly one which is a welcome addition to the city isthePeace Bridge. The magnificent structure opened inJune 2011 as a sign of peace in a city with a history of religious division.The bridge connects the unionist and nationalist areas of the city, providing awalk way and cycle bridge across the River Foyle, crossing from behind theGuildhall to the Ebrington Barracks. It has proved a hit with both locals andvisitors and provides easy access from the City side to the vibrant St.Columb’s Park.
Take a walk around the city’s popular St Columb’sCathedral and the surrounding gardens, and prepare to be taken back by howspectacular it looks. Another impressive building and popular citylandmark is Guildhall, the building were those elected to DerryCouncil meet. It is also used for many functions and events, and you arefree to walk around it as you please.
Upon leaving the Guildhall, take a walk through thePeace Park in the city. The park has a flame burning in it that was litby Martin Luther King III (son of the famous man himself), and there are four walkwaysleading up to it with messages from local school kids. A reallyinspirational park and well worth checking out.
The nightlife in Derryis a mainstay of the city to, with both pubs and clubs to choose from aroundWaterloo Street, the TheNerve Centre is a popular venue, or alternatively check out the partyatmosphere along the Strand Road.
If you love to shop, check out Austin’s in the Derrycity centre. Austin’s is the world’s oldest department store forget about Harrodsand Macy’s. The city’s popular craft village is another must see. The villageis home to a number of small Irish craft and boutique shops making it extremelypopular with tourists and locals alike. Hand-crafted gifts from the villagewill make the perfect keep sake of your time in Derry-Londonderry.
The city has a number of popular hotels andaccommodation providers with The City Hotel located within walking distance ofmost of the city’s most popular destinations. The city centre plays host to aregular weekend market located at the city wall’s behind the Guildhall. Be sureto swing by here and pick up a bargain and grab some breakfast to kick-startyour day in Derry.
