Mini guide to Derry
Northern Ireland’s second city is a blend of the modern and ancient, and has put the recent political troubles of the region behind it. This pleasant and interesting city is also a good gateway to the lovely countryside of Northern Ireland’s northwest.
Located on the river Foyle as it curves around the city, Derry has one of the world’s best-preserved ancient town walls and a stroll along the ramparts gives an excellent view and orientation of the city.
The 17th-century layout of four main streets radiating from the Diamond has been well preserved and includes four gateways - Bishop's Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Shipquay Gate and Butcher's Gate. Attractions include the 17th century Gothic cathedral of St Columb, Apprentice Boys' Memorial Hall, Craft Village and Tower Museum while outside are the Guildhall, Harbour Museum, Workhouse Museum and Foyle Valley Railway Centre.
If the wet Irish weather gets the better of you, head for the Tower Museum which tells the story of Derry from the days of St Columcille to the present, while the interesting Harbour Museum has a small collection of maritime memorabilia on display, charting mass exodus of Irish to America.
Ireland’s real attraction is its charming countryside, typified by green rolling hills and lovely lakes. Within a few hours drive is the haunting and remote Donegal county, with its fantastic coastline and barren peaks. Further south on the coast, near Galway, is the wild and barren Connemara - a stunning patchwork of bogs, lonely valleys, mountains and lakes.
Nearby, at Ballyarnet, is a monument marking the landing of the first woman to fly across the Atlantic solo, Amelia Earhart (1932).
It’s difficult to ignore the irrepressible spirit of the Irish and wherever you are on the Emerald Isle, you’ll invariably end up in one of the endless selection of pubs, sipping a Guinness, enjoying traditional ‘diddley eye’ music and listening to an Irish yarn.
The international airport at Belfast has frequent flights to London and other European destinations, alternatively Dublin receives trans-Atlantic flights and is only three hours away by car.
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