Derry/Londonderry — The Walled City★★
Derry (or Londonderry — even the name is political: Nationalists say "Derry," Unionists "Londonderry," Pragmatists "Derry/Londonderry" or jokingly "Stroke City") is one of the most historically significant cities in Northern Ireland and the only city on the British Isles whose city wall is completely preserved and walkable.
The city wall (built 1613–1619, about 1.5 km in circumference) offers an elevated walk around the entire old town with views of the Bogside (the nationalist district), St. Columb's Cathedral, and the River Foyle. The walk on the wall takes about 45 minutes and is free.
The Bogside below the walls is the counterpart to Belfast's Falls Road — a district full of political murals, essential for understanding recent Irish history. Here, on January 30, 1972, Bloody Sunday occurred, when British soldiers shot 14 unarmed civilians during a civil rights demonstration. The Museum of Free Derry (£8) on Rossville Street documents the events vividly and emotionally. The "Free Derry Wall" (also "You Are Now Entering Free Derry" — the famous gable wall) and the "People's Gallery" (12 political murals) are freely accessible.
Since 2011, the Peace Bridge — a curved pedestrian bridge over the Foyle — has connected the historically divided halves of the city and become a symbol of reconciliation. In 2013, Derry was the first city in Northern Ireland to be named UK City of Culture and has since developed a thriving arts and music scene.
💡 Tipp
Derry is perfectly suited as a stop between Belfast and Donegal (Wild Atlantic Way) — 1.5 hours from Belfast, 1 hour from Letterkenny. The city wall is the best starting point: Begin at Shipquay Gate and walk counterclockwise. The Free Walking Tours (donation-based) are excellent and provide the historical context you need.
