Polly #2 Explores Londonderry

A view of Derry from the wall

Derry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland, and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. Even though the legal name is Londonderry, it’s more commonly known as Derry.  The city covers both banks of the River Foyle, but the old walled city is on the west bank of the river.

A view of the wall

Taking a break while walking on the wall

According to wikipedia, 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 during the period 1613-1619 by The Honourable The Irish Society as defenses for early 17th century settlers from England and Scotland. The Walls, which are approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) in circumference and which vary in height and width between 12 and 35 feet (4 to 12 metres), are completely intact and form a walkway around the inner city. They provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance style street plan. The four original gates to the Walled City are Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate and Shipquay Gate to which three further gates were added later, Magazine Gate, Castle Gate and New Gate, making seven gates in total. Historic buildings within the walls include the 1633 Gothic cathedral of St Columb, the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall and the courthouse.

It 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.

One of the many murals and signs still evident around the city

Listening to the guide describing the history of the wall and the city of Derry

One of the canons still on the wall

A gate that leads to the wall

Another view from the wall

The River Foyle runs through the city

The Peace Bridge is a new walk and cycle bridge that crosses the River Foyle in Derry

A symbol of peace:As you enter the city across Craigavon Bridge, the first thing you see is the Hands Across the Divide Monument. This striking bronze sculpture of two men reaching out to each other symbolizes the spirit of reconciliation and hope for the future.

Pretty flowers along the sidewalk

A roundabout off to the right makes it easy to get around the city

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Tags: Polly 2