Derry Things to Do Tips by DrexelDragon Top 5 Page for this destination

Walk around the City Walls of Derry

If you've been reading my other travel guides, I've been consistently referring to the town as L'derry/Derry. This is because it is more commonly known as Derry among the locals who are mostly Catholic. The protestants, who are many in number, refer to it by both names. Stringent catholics or those who resent the British rule will not recognize it as Londonderry. Yet, here I refer to Derry alone, because that was the name when the walls were built. It was renamed once British rule was established.

The walls are impressive. They are one of just a few thoughout Europe that are intact as well as tthey are. The city is quite proud of them and they work to maintain them. Unfortunately, I never did put myself in a spot to take any great pictures of the walls or their gates.

It only takes about an hour to walk all the way around while stopping to take in the views and read the signposts. Along the walls you can see the cannons that were placed for defense of the city. You have a good view of the Guildhall from the northside. The northside is also where the tower museum is, but I did not go due to reconstruction.

Bloody Sunday Murals

Contrary to popular belief, Bloody Sunday did not take place in Dublin or Belfast. It occurred in Londonderry/Derry. The murals are painted onto the sides of row homes in the area down the grass hill from the city walls. This area is also referred to as the Bogside. This is where the majority of Catholics make their homes, and the Bogside is also used to refer to the entire one side of the River Foyle. The other side is referred to as the Waterside, or the area in which the majority of protestants reside. The sign shows the significance of the tensions between the different groups involve.

The murals themselves were painted by a group called the Bogside Artists. The Bogside Inn is reputed to be home to a fine pint as well. I am pretty sure that I took photos of every mural there was there, so be sure to check my travelogues to see them all.

Directions: It's located in the southwest section of the city, and you can see the area from the city's walls where the grass runs down to the road.