Where in Ireland is Londonderry located? londonderry

The city with the bright name Londonderry is located in Northern Ireland. It is relatively small, with an average population density. It is a quiet and beautiful corner on the northwest side of Ulster. Known as the center of the county of the same name, sea ​​port and economically developed city. All this ensures its stable development and a constant influx of tourists.

There was a lot of controversy around the name of the city. Prefix "London" was appropriated in the 17th century, by order of James I, the English king. It was originally called Derry - "oak". The name comes from the legend of the sacred oaks of the Druids. Both names are legal these days.

Londonderry will give you relaxing holiday with beautiful landscapes, comfortable living conditions, many interesting sights and the special atmosphere of a seaside city.

Region	Northern Ireland
Population	85,016 people
	around 6th century
Population density	2429 people/km 2
	pound sterling, euro
Timezone	UTC+0, summer UTC+1
Postal code
International dialing code

Climate and weather

Londonderry has a maritime climate, rather cool, with high rainfall and little sunny days. Summer air temperature in the daytime is about +17 °С, in winter -5 °С. The annual rainfall reaches 993 mm.

Ride to Derry better in summer when flowers bloom and trees turn green under the sun's rays. It is during the summer time that the majority of sunny days fall.

Nature

The county of the same name Derry, like the city of Londonderry, is located in the most picturesque region of Northern Ireland. It is surrounded by two picturesque lakes at once - the most big lake UK and Northern Ireland loch neagh and a smaller lake loch foyle. Clear waters of the river Bunn flow in the territory of the county, and in the river valley are spread the best lands for cultivation throughout the region.

Derry itself is located on two banks of the river Foyle, off the coast loch foyle. Its two parts are connected by bridges. In general, the landscape of the city is flat, formed by limestone and basalt. It serves as a kind of decoration for local landscapes. mountain range entitled sperrin.

Until the 16th century, it was believed that Derry was guarded by the sacred oaks of the Druids. The name of the city contains the memory of this, because "derry" is translated from Gaelic as "oak". And in our time, the oak is a very revered tree among the locals. On the alleys of the city there are often large oak plantations.

Attractions

The history of Londonderry begins in the 6th century AD. This small town of Northern Ireland keeps a lot of monuments from different times.

Saint Columba founded a Christian monastery on Irish soil, where he later formed modern city. The building of the monastery is one of the main attractions that are notorious. At the entrance to the monastery in 1972, British soldiers opened fire on civilians holding a demonstration. 14 demonstrators were killed in the shelling, including a priest and several children. The events of that day did not go unnoticed. It was dubbed "Bloody Sunday in Londonderry" by the media, giving it wide publicity. Now a monument to the victims has been erected at the site of the tragedy. Many tourists come to this place every year to lay flowers at the foot of the monument.

The Cathedral of St. Columba is the main religious monument, built in 1633. It was erected for five years from stone. This is the first Gothic cathedral in the entire British Isles since the Reformation. In 1776, the central tower was increased to 68 meters in height. In the XIX century, the cathedral was almost completely rebuilt, but retained the main features. This religious site is often the target of terrorist attacks. Several explosions on the territory of the Cathedral led to partial destruction. But this does not in the least frighten the believers of Northern Ireland, who come here in thousands from all over the country to bow to the shrine.

The cathedral was built at the end of the 19th century. Ezhena. It was built in the Neo-Gothic style and is very impressive in its external decoration. This makes it attractive to many tourists. You will not be disappointed if you visit this beautiful building.

Definitely worth a visit historical Museum Londonderry. It is located on Union Hall Place. There you will find unique exhibits that clearly show the historical important events in the life of the city. You will be offered exciting excursions and interesting stories from the life of the townspeople.

On the Foyle Road is the Railway Museum Foyle Valley And Harbor Museum- maritime museum. In these museums you will be told the history of the emergence railway on the lands of Northern Ireland, will be introduced to the formation of the seaport and the main military battles.

You will definitely enjoy the Craft Village, located right in the city center. By visiting it, you will be transported back to the 16th-19th centuries, you will be able to observe handicraft work, as well as buy original products.

The building of the City Hall is very interesting. It was built at the end of the 19th century and was destroyed several times. To date, the town hall has been completely restored and is harmonious combination wonderful painted stained-glass windows and oak panels. The huge four-sided clock on the Town Hall is one of the largest clocks in Britain.

When planning your city tour, make your way through the Courthouse, a symbol of Greek architecture. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century from white sandstone. Dungiven and crowned with slender sculptures symbolizing justice and peace.

It will be interesting to visit the historical building Derry's Guildhall, chapels St Augustine's Chapel, City Walls, Ulster University, Masons Hall. Don't miss the Manufacture Museum, the Workhouse Museum, the Harbor Museum and the Harbor Museum - each of them will provide you with a lot of interesting information about the city.

But, perhaps, the main attraction are the bright holidays. The Irish are extremely responsible for holding various festivities and festivals. You can verify this by visiting the city on carnival night. Banks of the Foyle Hallowe'en, during the festival of laughter Big Tickle Comedy, for a summer anime festival or one of the annual jazz music celebrations. On solemn days, the city is filled with a wonderful atmosphere, giving only vivid emotions and pleasant impressions.

Nutrition

Londonderry has a great selection of restaurants, small cafes, traditional pubs and bars. Establishments of national, British, Italian and European cuisine prevail. There are Indian and Chinese restaurants.

Restaurants offer seafood and traditional Irish cuisine "The Bayleaf" And "Halo Pantry & Grill". The cozy atmosphere, excellent service and excellent dishes will make you return to these establishments more than once.

The restaurant is especially suitable for business meetings and for visiting large companies. browns. Excellent entertainment and a modern kitchen will perfectly complement the meetings and ensure your comfort.

Inexpensive lunches will be served at the restaurant QUAYWEST. This place is suitable for both couples and big companies. The restaurant is open around the clock, concerts are held in the evenings. Local kitchen and light atmosphere will give a lot of pleasant impressions.

Indian and Italian cuisine can be tasted at the restaurant Mama Masala. This establishment is open during the day and at night. By calling, you can order dishes to the hotel.

Accommodation

Three-star hotels are very popular among tourists. Ramada Da Vinci's Hotel, Groarty House & Manor B&B, Rose Park House Bed and Breakfast, Waterfoot Hotel. The cost of rooms is from 40 € per night.

Among the four-star hotels, the hotel has earned a good reputation Beech Hill Country House Hotel, Everglades Hotel, City Hotel, Tower Hotel Derry. In each of these hotels you will find good service, comfortable rooms and a certain list of services already included in the price. The price per day of stay is from 50 € and more.

Lovers of luxury apartments and the widest service should recommend a five-star hotel BT48 Aparthotel located in the heart of Londonderry. Price per room - from 120 €.

Entertainment and recreation

Many tourist centers, entertainment and shopping establishments, clubs are open for tourists. All major entertainment facilities are located in the city center.

You can have a great time in local parks, walking on the pier, boating. As a trip to picturesque places we recommend that you follow the path Coleraine Railway.

Purchases

The shops, entertainment centers and restaurants can be concentrated in the city center. The best reputation among large shopping centers have Richmond And Foyleside. In these shopping establishments you will find all kinds of goods, ranging from cheap souvenirs to items from world brands.

On the outskirts of Londonderry placed shopping malls slightly smaller scale Lisnagelvin And Quayside. Usually the greatest excitement among buyers is observed here on weekdays, on weekends there are few visitors in stores. You will be able to freely shop without pushing in crowds of people. On Sundays, many shops are closed.

On the square Guildhall Square And Union Hall place covered markets open every day.

Among the Londonderry stores there is also one "landmark" - the oldest store Austins opened in 1830. Be sure to take a look there - outlandish things from the last century and goods from the most modern brands are waiting for you.

Arriving in the city and going to inspect the shops, be sure to pay attention to the sign "Poundworld". This is a chain of stores in the UK, where the cost of any product is about 2 €.

Transport

An airport operates twelve kilometers from Derry, from where regular flights are made to Dublin, Liverpool, London, Glasgow. A bus will take you to the airport, the journey will take about 30 minutes.

It cannot be said that Londonderry has a very developed transport system. It does not have an abundance of highways and a turbulent stream of cars. Priority transport is public buses. A day pass will cost you 1.7 €, which is much lower than in other cities in the UK. Bus services also operate in the vicinity of the city and to the capital Belfast.

The city has all conditions for cycling. You can rent a bike at the rental shops on the street waterloo street. Cars for rent are provided directly at the airport.

If you feel like a romantic trip around the city, take a ride on a charming train Ulsterbus Foyle. It serves passengers in the city and beyond. The fare is about 1.2 €.

Connection

Communication is provided in the city at a fairly high level. At your service - post offices, street payphones, city telephone network, mobile communications, Internet.

Post offices are open from 9:00 to 18:00. It is very profitable to make calls from local payphones. You can purchase the card at the newsstand.

Calling abroad from landline phones is more profitable after 20:00 and before 8:00, as well as on weekends.

Mobile communication is provided by operators T-Mobile, O2, Vodafon, Orange. The highest quality communication is provided by the operator Vodafon. The most favorable rates in the Orange network.

Many restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping centers have free access to WiFi. At post offices and internet cafes you can access the internet for 6.70 € per hour.

Security

The Irish are extremely sociable and friendly. They are very hospitable and always ready to help visitors. Behave in society openly and politely.

Be aware that smoking in public places will result in a fine. Garbage thrown out of the container can also cause a fine, and quite a lot.

In Londonderry, the crime rate is very low, but in crowded places, be careful about the safety of personal belongings and money.

If you are traveling by car, remember to limit the speed limit to 50 km/h. Traffic in the city is on the left.

Business climate

Almost since its foundation, Londonderry has played an important role in the country's economy. And today it is a major port city and the economic center of Northern Ireland. Traditionally, Derry has housed chemical ( DuPont), linen, clothing and food industry enterprises. In the last decade, the preferred sector of economic development has been the high-tech sector.

The services sector is dominated by trade, tourism and transport.

Real estate

In Londonderry, you can buy or rent high-end luxury properties at an affordable price. So, 1 m 2 of administrative real estate will cost 2,400-2,700 €, residential - 1,700-2,100 €.

Going for a walk, take warm clothes and an umbrella with you - the weather in this area can be unpredictable.

Derry (Londonderry) stands at the foot of Loch Foyle, less than three miles from the border with. The city, running up the slopes of two hills, with houses of pastel colors, with many turrets, is a charming entertaining sight, and since two-thirds of the local population are Catholics, the local atmosphere cannot be compared with Belfast. However, from the moment of the division of the country in 1921 until the end of the 1980s, the Catholic majority suffered from the infringement of civil rights, and the Protestant minority controlled all institutions of local government. The situation escalated to the limit after in August 1969, during a protestant march, the police tried to storm the Catholic territory in the Bogside.

After these events, British troops had to enter Northern Ireland. The crisis deepened further on January 31, 1972, when the British paratroopers opened fire on the civilian population, killing 13 unarmed demonstrators (this day became known as Bloody Sunday). Since then, Derry has changed a lot: the tension here has subsided much earlier than in - thanks in part to the reasonable policy of the local municipal council, although shocking graffiti is still visible in some places, demonstrations are held from time to time and violent political disputes are fought. The city center has been gentrified and redeveloped, and for some time now Derry has earned a reputation as a center of innovative art.

Attractions Derry (Northern Ireland)

In Derry, you can completely bypass the city wall (1 mile) - one of the best preserved in. The wall with bastions and ramparts encircles the medieval part of the city and has 4 gates - Ship, Butcher, Episcopal and Ferry, which have hardly changed over the centuries. It is best to start exploring the city from the Town Hall Square, in the past the embankment, where the city cannons are lined up in a row (between the Ship and Store Gates), the muzzles of which are visible from behind the ramparts. The reconstructed medieval O'Doherty Tower houses a magnificent display of the city's turbulent history.

To the left of the Ship Gate, along the top of the wall, you can go to the gap between the steps of the Water Bastion, once washed out by the flood of the Foyle River. Next, you will come to the Newgate Bastion and the Ferry Gate, from where you can see the Waterside area located on the other side of the river (originally Protestant, but now semi-Catholic, which indicates a softening of the political situation). Between the Ferry and Bishop's Gates is the main attraction of the city - the Cathedral of St. Columban, standing at the southern end of the wall. The cathedral overlooks the Protestant enclave of Fontaine, from where one of the city's best panoramas opens up.

The cathedral was the first church building built in Ireland after the Reformation (1633). In 1688-1689, Derry played a key role in the victory of William's troops over the Catholic King James II, withstanding a 15-week siege that claimed the lives of almost a quarter of the city's population. In those days, there was a battery in the cathedral, and a cannonball hole is still visible on the portal. Returning to the walls, you can walk past the white sandstone courthouse next to the Bishop's Gate, and there (to the left and downhill) the remains of the tower of the old prison have been preserved.

In the Double Bastion stands the Roaring Meg, a cannon used in the siege, and below are the streets of the Bogside (Marsh Side). Previously, this area was controlled by the IRA, and Free Derry Corner (a corner of free Derry) served as the site of the first barricades against British troops in the midst of the "troubles". Next to it rise the memorials of Bloody Sunday and the Strike of the Hungry. Further along the city wall you will see the King's Bastion, where the statue of Reverend George Walker used to be, blown up in 1973. Every year on August 12, the city honors the memory of this priest and his associates - participants in the Protestant march.

Arrival, accommodation and meals in Derry

Trains from Belfast arrive at east coast Foyle, from where there is a free bus to the bus station on Foyle street near the Town Hall Square. The city airport is located 7 miles to the northeast and is connected to the center bus route. The tourist office is located at 44 Foyle street, there is also a currency exchange office. You can stay at the Derry City Independent Hostel at 4 Asylum road, half a mile up Strand road. You can check into The Saddller’s House, at 36 Great James street, or Clarence House, at 15 Northland road, with excellent rates.

Catering establishments include The Leprechaun on Strand road 23 with delicious homemade cakes and hot dishes, Aroma Bistro at Union Hall place for decent lunches and snacks, and the stylish Mange 2 on Clarendon street, which offers a variety of meat and fish dishes. A good option is also the Badger’s bar at Orchard street 16. Internet access is available at Webcrawler Cyber ​​Cafe, at 52 Strand road. Most entertainment takes place in pubs, and traditional music venues are concentrated on Waterloo street, just outside the north wall - these are Bound for Boston and Peadar O'Donnell's, in addition, you can look at Sandino's on Water street.

Students gather at the Roc Cafe at the intersection of Rock and Strand. An extremely popular place is the Earth Niteclub (above). Downey's on Shipquay street is Ireland's premier rhythm and blues club, and this music is played almost every night. Most other clubs have DJs, such as the Strand and The Carraig bars located on Strand road. Information and announcements can be found in the bi-weekly edition of Derry Journal.

In contact with

There is a whole city name dispute (en:Derry/Londonderry name dispute). The prefix "London-" appeared in the 17th century according to the decree of the English king James I. Since then, the question of the true name has remained a subject of dispute between the British and the Irish (Irish nationalists prefer the name "Derry", while supporters of a political union with Great Britain, Unionists use "Londonderry"). Currently, both names can be considered official, although "Derry" is more common. In 1984 Londonderry City Council changed its name to Derry City Council. In general, the name "Derry" is very common in Ireland, it is carried by several fairly large settlements excluding villages.

Geography

Historically, Derry originated as a monastic centre, then as a port and fortification at the mouth of the River Foyle, at Loch Foyle. The first buildings were on west bank, now the city is located on both banks, connected by two bridges.

History

Economy

Derry is the second largest economic center in Northern Ireland. Linen, clothing, chemical (DuPont) and food industries have traditionally been located here. In recent years, the high-tech sector has been developing. For example, the Seagate plant produces 80% of the magnetic heads for its hard drives in Derry.

Education and culture

The city is home to a university college.

Famous countrymen

• Dean, Seamus - Irish poet, prose writer, literary critic
• Hannon, Neil (Neil Hannon, born in 1970) - composer and poet, leader of the baroque pop group The Divine Comedy (founded in 1988)

Write a review on the article "Londonderry"

Links

• (pdf)

Notes

An excerpt characterizing Londonderry

On the Tverskoy boulevard someone called out to him.
- Pierre! Have you arrived long time ago? a familiar voice called out to him. Pierre raised his head. In a double sleigh, on two gray trotters throwing snow at the heads of the sleigh, Anatole flashed by with his constant comrade Makarin. Anatole sat straight, in the classic pose of military dandies, wrapping the bottom of his face with a beaver collar and bending his head slightly. His face was ruddy and fresh, his hat with a white plume was put on sideways, revealing his curled, oiled and finely snowed hair.
“And right, here is a real sage! thought Pierre, he sees nothing further than a real moment of pleasure, nothing disturbs him, and therefore he is always cheerful, contented and calm. What would I give to be like him!” Pierre thought enviously.
In the hall, Akhrosimova, the footman, taking off his fur coat from Pierre, said that Marya Dmitrievna was asked to go to her bedroom.
Opening the door to the hall, Pierre saw Natasha sitting by the window with a thin, pale and angry face. She looked back at him, frowned, and with an expression of cold dignity went out of the room.
- What's happened? asked Pierre, going in to Marya Dmitrievna.
“Good deeds,” answered Marya Dmitrievna, “I have lived in the world for fifty-eight years, I have never seen such shame. - And taking Pierre's word of honor to remain silent about everything that he learns, Marya Dmitrievna told him that Natasha had refused her fiancé without the knowledge of her parents, that the reason for this refusal was Anatole Kuragin, with whom her wife Pierre had taken, and with whom she wanted to run away in the absence of his father, in order to secretly marry.
Pierre, raising his shoulders and opening his mouth, listened to what Marya Dmitrievna was telling him, not believing his ears. To the bride of Prince Andrei, so much loved, this formerly sweet Natasha Rostova, to exchange Bolkonsky for the fool Anatole, already married (Pierre knew the secret of his marriage), and fall in love with him so much as to agree to run away with him! - This Pierre could not understand and could not imagine.
The sweet impression of Natasha, whom he had known since childhood, could not unite in his soul with a new idea of ​​her baseness, stupidity and cruelty. He remembered his wife. “They are all the same,” he said to himself, thinking that he was not the only one who had the sad fate of being associated with a nasty woman. But he still felt sorry for Prince Andrei to tears, it was a pity for his pride. And the more he felt sorry for his friend, the more contempt and even disgust he thought about this Natasha, with such an expression of cold dignity, who now passed him along the hall. He did not know that Natasha's soul was filled with despair, shame, humiliation, and that it was not her fault that her face inadvertently expressed calm dignity and severity.
- Yes, how to get married! - Pierre said to the words of Marya Dmitrievna. - He could not get married: he is married.
“It doesn’t get any easier from hour to hour,” said Marya Dmitrievna. - Good boy! That's a scoundrel! And she waits, the second day she waits. At least she won't wait, I should tell her.
Having learned from Pierre the details of Anatole's marriage, pouring out her anger on him with abusive words, Marya Dmitrievna told him what she had called him for. Marya Dmitrievna was afraid that the count or Bolkonsky, who could arrive at any moment, having learned the matter that she intended to hide from them, would not challenge Kuragin to a duel, and therefore asked him to order his brother-in-law to leave Moscow on her behalf and not dare to appear to her on the eyes. Pierre promised her to fulfill her desire, only now realizing the danger that threatened the old count, and Nikolai, and Prince Andrei. Briefly and accurately setting out her demands to him, she let him into the living room. “Look, the Count knows nothing. You act as if you know nothing,” she told him. “And I’ll go tell her that there’s nothing to wait for!” Yes, stay to dinner, if you want, - Marya Dmitrievna shouted to Pierre.
Pierre met the old count. He was embarrassed and upset. That morning, Natasha told him that she had refused Bolkonsky.
“Trouble, trouble, mon cher,” he said to Pierre, “trouble with these girls without a mother; I'm so sad that I came. I will be frank with you. They heard that she refused the groom, without asking anyone for anything. Let's face it, I've never been very happy about this marriage. Let's suppose he good man, but well, there would be no happiness against the will of the father, and Natasha will not be left without suitors. Yes, all the same, this has been going on for a long time, and how could it be without a father, without a mother, such a step! And now she's sick, and God knows what! It’s bad, count, it’s bad with daughters without a mother ... - Pierre saw that the count was very upset, tried to turn the conversation to another subject, but the count again returned to his grief.
Sonya entered the living room with a worried face.
– Natasha is not quite healthy; she is in her room and would like to see you. Marya Dmitrievna is at her place and asks you too.
“But you are very friendly with Bolkonsky, it’s true that he wants to convey something,” said the count. - Oh, my God, my God! How good it was! - And taking hold of the rare temples of gray hair, the count left the room.

Londonderry from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Londonderry.

• Hot tours to the UK
• Tours for the New Year around the world

The seaport and second largest city in Northern Ireland is Londonderry, or simply Derry as it is lovingly called locals(Londonderry) boasts significant historical milestones that once took place here - this is the siege of Derry and the Battle of Boside. It also has wonderfully preserved 17th-century fortifications, and its lively pubs and friendly locals are a real find for the inquisitive tourist.

Tourist centers and post

The Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau is located at 44 Foyle Street. It is located there tourist centre Failte Ireland. And one more - City of Culture Office - is located on Waterloo Place.

Post offices are open from 09:00 to 17:30 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 12:30 on Saturdays. The Main Post Office is located on Custom House Street.

How to get there

Derry Airport is located 12 km east of the city on the A2 highway through Limavady. The airport has regular flights from Dublin and Glasgow, London, Liverpool and Nottingham. You can get there by bus number 143A, next to Limavadi (travel time 30 minutes). A taxi to the airport will cost 15-20 GBP. Prices on the page are for April 2019.

Search for flights to Dublin (nearest airport to Londonderry)

By bus

Maiden City Flyer's route 212 provides regular service between Derry and Belfast (fare EUR 15, travel time 1hr 45min), while Goldline Express's route 271 connects Derry to Dublin (EUR 20, 4 hours) . Derry also has routes from Omagh (1hr 15min), Coleraine (1hr) and Portstewart and Portrush.

Lough Swilly offers transportation to Buncrana, Carndon, Dungloe, Letterkeny (30-45 minutes) and Greencastle in County Donegal (1 hour). Bus Éireann runs from Derry to Galway (5 hours 15 minutes) with stops via Letterkeny and Sligo.

Airporter has routes to international Airport Belfast (1 h 30 min) and George Best Belfast City Airport (2 h). Buses leave every hour on weekdays and every 2 hours on weekends.

The bus station is located northeast of the Old Town.

The prefix "London-" appeared in the city in the 17th century (decree of the English King James I). Since then, the question of the true name has remained the subject of controversy between the freedom-loving Irish and the British. The first, which is understandable, prefer simply "Derry".

On the ferries

Lough Foyle Ferry operates a ferry service between Magilligan in County Derry and Greencastle in County Donegal and between Buncrana and Rathmullan.

Transport

Local carrier Ulsterbus Foyle serves Derry and the surrounding area on 13 different routes. Buses leave from a stop on Foyle St. An unlimited day pass on these routes will cost 2.30 GBP.

Bicycles can be rented from Bee's Cycles on Waterloo Street or from BM Cycles at 159 Clooney Road. There are car rental points at the airport - Avis, Europcar and Hertz, as well as in the city - Desmond Motors Ltd at 173 Strand Road.

Popular hotels in Londonderry

Weather in Londonderry

The warmest months are July-August when the temperature rises to 17°C. The coldest months are December-January with a temperature of 7°C.

shopping

Most shops are concentrated in the city center. The two main malls are Foyleside and Richmond. Shopping centers smaller ones - Quayside and Lisnagelvin - are located on the outskirts of the city.

Markets open daily at Guildhall Square and Union Hall Place. Another market - Walled City Market - opens on Guildhall Square every first Saturday of the month.

Londonderry is also home to the oldest store in the world, Austins, founded in 1830.

On Saturdays, the city center is crowded with tourists, but on Sunday the influx subsides, and therefore many shops are closed.

Walking in Londonderry

Cuisine and restaurants

A restaurant serving traditional Irish cuisine and seafood, The Bayleaf, is located at 2 Clarendon Street. Another Irish restaurant, Halo Pantry & Grill, is located on 5 Market Street.

Entertainment and attractions Londonderry

Notable is the historic Derry's Guildhall, where various events take place; the Cathedral of St. Columbus (St Columb's), opened to parishioners in 1633; Neo-Gothic St Eugene's Cathedral and St Augustine's Chapel.

Museums

Tower Museum with an exhibition about the history of the city is located on Union Hall Place, railway museum on Foyle Road, Harbor Museum Maritime Museum in Harbor Square.

Developments

Halloween Night Carnival - Banks of the Foyle Hallowe'en. Derry hosts Big Tickle Comedy in March, City Of Derry Jazz And Big Band in April, and Foyle Film, Northern Ireland's largest film festival, in November.

The annual Instinct Arts Festival, the Celtronic Electronic Music Festival, the Maiden City Festival, and every summer Derry hosts the Tomo-Dachi Anime Festival.

Such a dual name itself already speaks of the difficult history of Derry. Nestled in the hills of the Foyle Valley, this pretty town suffered a lot from Protestant-Catholic conflicts, especially during The Troubles. And so far, as I wrote earlier, relations between residents are tense. A sad example is the explosion that occurred during the recent official visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Derry (fortunately no one was hurt), which became a kind of culmination of the riots and demonstrations that swept across Ireland in connection with these events. I must admit, I didn’t manage to walk around this city for a long time and see a lot, but I will try to tell you more about Derry. And I compensate for the lack of photos with music :)

Derry/Londonderry is the second largest city in Northern Ireland after Belfast and the fourth largest on the island. In 2013 Derry will be the first city to receive the title of UK City of Culture. From Belfast by bus, the journey will take about two hours. The Foyle River flows through the city, on the hills in the valley of which Derry is located.

Initially, the city was built on a hill on the western bank of the river, now this area is called Cityside, the eastern bank is Waterside, both of these parts of the city are connected by two bridges - Craigavon ​​Bridge and Foyle Bridge. About 110 thousand people live in the city and the nearest suburbs, there is a seaport (Londonderry Port) and an airport (City of Derry Airport). Derry is close to the border of County Donegal of the Republic of Ireland, with which the city has had strong ties for centuries.

The town's name, Derry, is an anglicised Irish Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "St. Columbus". However, the very first name of the place where the city now stands was the Irish Daire Calgaich - "Calgach oak grove" (according to one version, Calgach is the Irish name of the ancient Caledonian leader Calgacus, who fought with the troops against the Romans under the leadership of Agricola and was defeated in the battle at the Graupia Mountains in 83).

In the VI century. a Christian monastery was founded here, it is believed that St. Columba was its founder, and the settlement received his name, the first mention of which in the Chronicles of Ulster dates back to 1121. At the time when the Vikings sailed to Ireland, the monastery of Derry managed to avoid destruction. The settlement grew and prospered during the XII-XIII centuries, when the Mac Lochlainn dynasty ruled here, but with the death of this family, medieval Derry fell into decay. In the second half of the XVI century. the British made attempts to conquer Ulster - the only part of the island that was not subject to them. The first English troops appeared in Derry in 1566, but the garrison lasted only a few years, then another garrison arrived in 1600 during the 9-year war with the O'Neil and O'Donnell clans. In 1604, the small trading settlement was granted the first royal charter by King James I and Derry received the status of a city. However, already in 1608 the city was destroyed by Cahir O'Doherty, the leader of Inishowen. This period in the history of Great Britain is called the Plantation of Ulster - the colonization of the lands of Northern Ireland by Protestants - immigrants from England and Scotland. In 1613, James I of Derry was again granted a royal charter and the "prefix" "London" was added to the name, and the county of the same name was also formed. Despite the fact that the city is better known as Derry, Londonderry remains its official name to this day.

Actually, disputes over the name of the city still do not subside: the Republicans (Catholics) call it Derry, while the Unionists (Protestants) - Londonderry. In 1984, the Catholics succeeded in having the City Council change its name from Londonderry City Counsel to Derry. Unionists saw this as a threat to a surge of anti-British sentiment among the population. In 1994, the airport was renamed from Londonderry Eglinton Airport to Derry city ​​airport. In 2006 there were attempts to rename the city to Derry, but the Supreme Court of Northern Ireland ruled that the name of the city remains the same, as indicated in royal charters of the 17th century. Despite this, in recent years, debate has continued on this issue - it is proposed, for example, to change the spelling to LondonDerry, or even rename the city to DoireLondonDerry. In general, while preference for one or another variant of the name serves as a sign of which side of the barricades this or that person is on. It is not uncommon to see how London is smeared in the name on road signs, or the word Free is added instead. The name Derry is often used in the press and by officials.

In 2007, there was a heated discussion about the case of a tourist from Canada who wanted to buy a ticket to Derry at the box office, but the cashier told him that such a city did not exist. There was an uproar in the press and the bus company was forced to "deal" with its employee and apologize. And even now, being in Derry, you need to be more careful with the name - the owner of some shop or cafe can easily take you out into the street if he hears that you call the city the way he does not like it. Well, or a passerby may say something unpleasant to you. In general, the most “safe” way so far is to call the city DerryLondonderry. Also often the name of the city is written as L'derry or L-Derry. Irish comedian Dara O’Briain once joked from the stage: “Hello, my name is Dara or, if you prefer, you can call me Londondara.” Well, in slang, Londonderry is often called Fat Lad, and Derry is Fat Dad.

In the 17th century construction in Derry was booming. The city was carefully planned in accordance with all urban planning norms of the time, and various fortifications. At that time, Derry was the largest planned settlement in British Isles. Derry is also remarkable in that it was the last city in Ireland surrounded by stone walls, and these walls have been perfectly preserved to our times. The walls were erected in the period 1613-1619. and their total length is about 1.5 km. The average width of the walls is 4 m, the height is 12 m. The 4 first city gates are also perfectly preserved. As far as I know, now there are guided tours on the top of the walls. Probably open from the walls beautiful views to the city and surrounding areas.

Speaking of the gates of Derry, dedicated to everyone dancing Irish dances :)

My eye was also attracted by the frequently seen images of the coat of arms of Derry. Researchers express various versions about the origin of this coat of arms. For example, it is believed that the castle means located nearby in the XIV century. Greencastle, owned by the Anglo-Norman ruler of Ulster, Richard de Burgh. The skeleton is "attributed" to the cousin of this same de Burgh, who died of starvation in 1332, imprisoned in one of the towers of the castle. The skeleton may also represent the executed Cahir O'Doherty. Catholics also call their curious version - they say, the skeleton depicts a local poor man, tortured to death by bureaucratic delays during the discrimination of Catholics by Protestants.
The motto of the city is “Vita, Veritas, Victoria” (Life, Truth, Victory).

Several old buildings have been preserved inside the city walls. Among them, The Guildhall is the center of the political and cultural life of the city. Representatives of local authorities meet here, and Derry Feis is also held - competitions in various types of Irish traditional art.

In front of Guildhall there is a small (by our standards:) square, which on the one hand is limited by the Tower Museum (I will talk about it in the next post) and a store with Polish delicacies (as the sign says:)

and also on the square there is such a funny fountain - jets of water in it periodically beat right "from under the ground". I was touched by this dog, which specially jumped on the slabs, from where the jets beat, they knocked it down - well, in general, the animal frolicked with might and main :)

The spire of the Catholic Cathedral of St Eugene's Cathedral (work on its construction lasted from 1849 to 1873)

In the center is the spire of another cathedral, but Anglican (more precisely, it refers to the Church of Ireland). St Columb's Cathedral was built in 1633 and is the oldest building in Derry.

Of the interesting museums in Derry, there is, for example, the Amelia Earhart Center And Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the very spot where this legendary woman landed on May 21, 1932 after her first solo flight across the Atlantic. For those interested in vintage trains and locomotives, the Foyle Valley Railway Center may be of interest. You can also visit the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall (I will talk about these apprentice boys and their role in the history of Derry later), and numerous monuments and graffiti dedicated to the conflict between Protestants and Catholics.