Derry, a small city of just under 100,000 residents, is located on the gorgeous Northern Irish coast and is home to an incredibly rich history. It isn’t clear exactly when Derry was first founded, but it has been an established settlement for at least one thousand years. People have been living in the area of Derry for far longer.
When visiting Derry, you can see much of what the city was before conflict began. One of the most famous sites in Derry is the Derry City Walls. The city walls were built in the early 1600s, as the residents of Derry could predict incoming trouble and wanted to be sure their city had a layer of protection from potential invaders. The city walls are still standing strong, and you can walk the entire length of the walls in less than 45 minutes.
Starting in the mid-1600s, Derry has been a center of conflict. When visiting Derry, you can see the remnants of this through the architecture, along with the museums. Political street art covers many buildings in the city, with the most notable one being the gable reading, “You are now entering Free Derry”- which is updated regularly to reflect solidarity with other communities facing oppression in similar ways to what the people of Derry have gone through over the years. The Museum of Free Derry provides a comprehensive overview of recent conflict, including the fight for civil rights and the Troubles. The Siege Museum dives into the older history, particularly the Siege of Derry, which marked the first attempted invasion of the town in 1689.
Derry is the perfect town to visit if you’re interested in history – there are dozens of activities to do, no matter which time period you’re interested in, and the landscape of Northern Ireland provides a beautiful backdrop for your Derry getaway! Book your trip today and immerse yourself in history!
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