Today we were exploring Derry city centre and promenade. After a late breakfast, we drove into the city centre and once finding parking (which was a feat in itself) wandered through town. Beginning in 'The Diamond' we wandered down the hills to the promenade, wandered along the river front before taking a different route back up to the car. Of course we stopped in all the little shops and for a pot of tea along the way!
Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. The walls constitute the largest monument in State care in Northern Ireland and, as the last walled city to be built in Europe, stands as the most complete and spectacular. The Walls were built in 1613–1619 by The Honourable The Irish Society as defences for early 17th century settlers from England and Scotland. The Walls, which are approximately 1.6 km in circumference and which vary in height and width between 3.7 and 10.7 metres, are completely intact and form a walkway around the inner city. Unfortunately due to the foot we did not climb or walk the walls, though they were quite impressive from the ground! The four original gates to the Walled City are Bishop's Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate and Shipquay Gate. Derry is one of the few cities in Europe that never saw its fortifications breached, withstanding several sieges including one in 1689 which lasted 105 days, hence the city's nickname, The Maiden City.
The Guildhall in Derry, is a a beautiful building in which the elected members of Derry and Strabane District Council meet. Built in 1890, with major internal reorganisation and restoration completed in 2010, means the Guildhall is now a key tourist attraction and main arrival point for the City, as part of the Walled City Signature Project.
The Cityside and Waterside of Derry are connected two car bridges but also by a foot bridge in the centre of the city outside the Guildhall called Peace Bridge.
Though it was late afternoon, we decided to jump into the car and head in land a little to the town of Strabane. The town is located further along the east bank of the River Foyle, which marks the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To keep with tradition, we wandered the centre of town and the little shops before heading home the scenic way through the back roads and even smaller towns!
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| Derry Walls |
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| A random cottage in Derry, with a really cute frontage! |
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| The Guildhall |
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| Peace Bridge |
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| Derry |
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