Derry Ireland

Welcome to Derry!

County Derry

The story of Derry is a long and tumultuous one.

Set on a hill on the banks of the Foyle estuary, strategically close to the open sea, it came under siege and attack for over a thousand years

Information Derry Ireland

Derry to the Catholics and nationalists, Londonderry to the Protestants and unionists, the town stands on the River Foyle just as it wends its way into becoming the lake of the same name. Derry is the second city of Northern Ireland, well developed since the arrival of the master tradesmen who arrived from London four hundred years ago. Its geographic location made it a centre of trade, and its politics made it an important place to defend too. High walls were built around the city centre, and they served the city well when James II laid siege to the town in 1689. A Catholic rival (and once serving monarch) of Protestant William of Orange to the British throne, James II’s siege ended with thousands of the city’s defenders dying of disease or starvation.

The walls themselves can be enjoyed from a historical perspective through a walk from the Tower Museum. St Columb’s Cathedral is one landmark you will pass behind Bishop’s Gate. This is a memorial to the great siege.

Limavady is five miles west of Coleraine and a place for golf fanatics and cliff enthusiasts. The golf resort of Castleknock overlooks the cliffs, while the buildings on the edge of the cliffs appear to be a hodge podge of architecture. Downhill Castle was built in the 1780s by the Protestant bishop of Londonderry (who was also the fourth earl of Bristol). The ruins feature a walled garden and a domed building called Mussenden Temple.

For fans of Nobel Laureates, you can check out Bellaghy Bawn, a fortified farmhouse first constructed in 1613. It features an exhibit on the life and times of Seamus Heaney, Ireland’s most famous living poet and a lecturer in the same field. If you happen to be in Ireland and Heaney is giving a reading or a lecture nearby, it might be worth your while to check him out, provided you can get into the reading.

Attractions Derry Ireland


Derry Tourist Attractions

  • Derry City Walls - Derry

    Throughout the ages these famous walls have withstood several sieges, the most celebrated lasting one hundred and five days. Fine views from the top of the walls encircle the old city, a circuit of 1 mile. Access is free at all times.

  • Foyle Valley Railway Centre - Derry

    Located at Foyle Road, Derry, there are two CDR steam locos on display at the centre here - the Columbkille class 5 2.6.4T and Meenglas class 5 2.6.4T, both built in 1904. There is also an audio visual and electronic map display. Summer weekend trips on the CDR diesel railcar numbers 12 and 18 run along the narrow gauge track through Foyle Riverside Park.

  • Harbour Museum - Derry

    Located at Harbour Square, Derry, a traditional museum, with emphasis on the city's maritime and riverine connections. Displays include miscellaneous artefacts which help to create a Victorian atmosphere. Temporary exhibitions are regularly displayed in the museum.

  • Roe Valley Country Park - Limavady

    Located at Limavady, Ulster's first domestic hydro-electric power station opened in 1896. A lot of the original equipment is still preserved, particularly the ruined water mills used in linen production. The park has a riverside walk, history trail, canoeing, rock climbing, fishing, visitor centre, exhibitions and cafe.

  • St Columb's Cathedral - Derry

    Located in Derry City and built in 1633, the stained glass depicts heroic scenes from the great siege of 1688/89. The keys of the gates which were closed against the Jacobites are displayed in the chapter house. There's an audio visual display on the siege and history of the cathedral.

  • The Fifth Province - Derry

    Located at the Calgach Centre, Butcher Street, Derry, The Fifth Province uses a variety of dramatic effects and audio-visual techniques to bring to life the history and culture of the Celts.

  • The Tower Museum - Derry

    Located at Union Hall, Derry, the Tower Museum tells the story of Derry, chronicling the history of the city from its geological formation through to the present day.

  • Workhouse Museum - Derry

    Located at Glendermott Road, Derry, in a restored early Victorian building, this Workhouse Museum houses a range of exhibitions dealing with poverty, famine and health care. An extensive exhibition on the Battle of the Atlantic is also displayed here.

The Golf Courses Derry Ireland

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Brown Trout Golf Club
Castlerock Golf Club
City of Derry Golf Club
Foyle Golf Club
Kilrea Golf Club
Manor Golf Club
Roe Park Golf Club
Traad Ponds Golf Club