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Derry Londonderry Northern Ireland

Derry, also known as Londonderry, is the second largest city in Northern Ireland. The city's dual name reflects its troubled history. Londonderry is the official name, which appears on maps. Derry, however, is more commonly used in the Nothern Ireland Catholic community and in the Republic of Ireland. Although some Protestants prefer Londonderry, Derry is commonly used by both sides. If you are driving along the roads toward Derry/Londonderry, you might notice that most signs have the 'London' part crossed out.

Derry/Londonderry is one of the longest continually inhabited places in Ireland. In the 17th century it was the site of some major battles of the Irish Rebellion of 1641. More recently, the city saw some fierce fighting during the Irish War for Independence in the early 1920s. After the Partition of Ireland in 1921 it became part of Nothern Ireland. Like Belfast, Derry was the site of much unrest during the 1960s through the 1990s, the era known as the "Troubles." Perhaps the city's most famous incident took place on July 30, 1972 when 13 unarmed protesters were shot by British paratroopers during a civil rights march. This would later be known as 'Bloody Sunday.'

Although the scars of the violence still remain, Derry has been a peaceful city for almost 20 years. The historic city walls have never been breached and inside them you will find some lovely Georgian and Edwardian architecture. Like Belfast, Derry/Londonderry is divided along sectarian lines and has its own small array of murals. The city is full of museums, including the Amelia Earhart Centre which commemorates the aviation pioneer's unexpected landing there on her solo transatlantic flight in 1932. Derry/Londonderry is also a great base for exploring Giant's Causeway which is about 80 km. from the city.