County Londonderry

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Londonderry is considered to be one of the longest continuously inhabited places in Ireland, with historical references dating back to the 6th century A.D.

Londonderry, was founded in 546 when St. Columba founded a monastery there beside the River Foyle. It’s a remarkable old city, set in a surrounding landscape of natural beauty and diversity. The powerful political murals in the city’s Bogside district can be seen from the magnificently preserved walls. Also in the county is Coleraine with its many shops and recreational facilities, and Limavady - origin city of the song ‘Danny Boy’.

History and Heritage

The Ulster plantation, which took place in the 17th century, involved English and Scottish migrants colonising Ulster and at that time, Derry city was enclosed by massive stone and earthen fortifications. It was the last walled city to be built in Ireland and is the only one whose ancient walls survive complete.

Londonderry has had a colourful and, at times, turbulent past and has withstood many sieges. Politics and religion have always been significant factors in the city’s evolution. It was also one of the main emigration points to the USA and played a key role in the linen trade to the same continent.

Sites to see

The Calgach Centre, Dungiven Priory, Bellaghy Bawn, The Walls of Derry, Tower Museum and Plantation of Ulster Visitor Centre. Take a ferry trip on the Lough Foyle Ferry departing Magilligan in Londonderry to Greencastle in Donegal.

Sports and Leisure

Londonderry is another strong GAA county but it is also well appointed on the golf, angling and bowling fronts.

The River Foyle, which straddles the border with Donegal, is one of Europe's top Salmon fisheries.

Water-sports are popular, with Lough Foyle providing plenty of opportunities. Enquire at the Harbour Museum about booking a cruise.

Londonderry is also well served for those of an aeronautical disposition as it has clubs and schools covering flying, skydiving and gliding.

Eat, Drink and Stay

Good restaurants include The Lime Tree (Limavady), Browns, Exchange Wine Bar, Fitzroy and Mange 2 (all Derry City), Cromore Halt Inn (Portstewart), Brown Trout Golf & County Inn (Aghadowey), Arbutus (Kilrea) and Ardtara Country House (Upperlands).

Lively pubs are the norm in Derry City and include Mullan’s Bar, Dungloe Bar, Gweedore Bar and Peadar O’Donnell’s.

B&B accommodation is in plentiful supply and that’s matched by the diversity of restaurants, pubs and coffee shops.

Festivals

March: Arts Festival, Magherafelt

May: City of Derry Jazz Festival

June: Jazz and Blues Festival - Limavady

August: Maiden City Festival, including the Apprentice Boy’s March Gasyard Wall Feile – concerts, theatre and Irish language events

October: Feile na Samnha – Halloween carnival in the streets

November: Foyle Film Festival – the North’s biggest

Things you have to see or do

The Calgach Centre – among its most interesting exhibitions is a high-tech presentation called ‘The Fifth Province’, which focuses on the areas Celtic roots

Dungiven Priory – incorporating Cooey-na-Gal medieval tomb

Bellaghy Bawn plantation castle – r estored as a Visitor Centre, with archive of manuscripts of nobel poet Seamus Heaney

The Walls of Derry – the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland

Tower Museum – located in Derry City and recently reopened with New Armada Exhibition

Plantation of Ulster Visitor Centre – at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains at Draperstown

Verbal Arts Centre – centre for the promotion of spoken and written word in Ireland

Useful links

Derry Visitor www.derryvisitor.com

Northern Ireland Tourist Board www.discovernorthernireland.com

Brilliant Ireland www.brilliantireland.com