NORTHERN IRELAND - Derry ~ Londonderry

Hello everyone and welcome back. I have returned to Northern Ireland for a 4 day break, which is one of several that I shall be taking within the Common Travel Area over the next few months.

Today you find me in Derry ~ Londonderry, the province's second city, set on the banks of the River Foyle. Known as Derry amongst Nationalists and Londonderry amongst Unionists, it gets its London prefix from the London Livery Companies who provided the money for the development of the city in the 1600's - it's city walls are the most complete in Ireland.

The city was at the forefront of the struggle for control of the English crown when Catholic King James II was deposed and replaced by Dutch Protestant William of Orange and his wife Mary. Supporters of James II tried to regain his throne via the back door - Ireland. In December 1688 the Earl of Antrim and his army marched on Londonderry in support of James II but a group of 13 apprentice boys stole the keys to the city gates and locked them shut, thus preventing access. A standoff resulted which lead to a seige lasting 105 days in 1689 in an attempt the starve the Protestant residents into submission. Food eventually got through by sea and river and the city did not surrender.

Coming by train you arrive at the city's recently and wonderfully restored Waterside station on the opposite side of the River Foyle to the city centre. You cross the river by walking over the stunning Peace Bridge which was opened in 2011.

This brings you to a point opposite the Guildhall behind which run the city walls, the path on the top of the walls can be accessed at several points. This is a city that has an edginess to it, so don't expect it to be twee like Chester or York

The city's Protestant cathedral is within the city walls and is dedicated to St Columb (also known as Columba or Colmcille) . He was an Irish abbot who went to Scotland and founded the abbey on the island of Iona - so there will be more about him when I return to western Scotland later in the year.

Derry ~ Londonderry is of course famous for it's murals. Most are political but in recent years a number of contemporary ones have been commissioned. If you watch "Derry Girls" on TV you may recognise this!