1. The Walls
The Walls surrounding the old city of Derry were built between 1614 and 1619. Remarkably, they remain almost perfectly preserved. They were built by the London-based businessmen responsible for the Plantation of Derry to defend the city from the local Irish rebels. A number of sieges against Derry took place, the biggest of which was in 1689. However, the Walls stood firm and were never breached, an honor very few cities in Europe can claim. It is this fact that earned Derry the nickname, The Maiden City.
Derry's Walls are a circuit of almost one mile (1.5km) and are over 5 meters wide in places. There are guided tours or you can simply walk them yourself. Derry has obviously changed remarkably since the walls were first built so the modern elements of the city - shopping centers, theaters, offices, shops and restaurants - are interwoven with the intact historical structure of the walls. The Walls themselves, and the view they offer across Derry City, are spectacular.
Visiting the Apprentice Boy's Memorial Hall is highly recommended as part of a trip to the Walls, in order to get a fuller understanding of the history and makeup of the city. Also look out for the stunning St Columb's Cathedral, Derry's most historical building.
2. Tower Museum
The Tower Museum is located within Derry's historic walls and is one of the best places to learn more about the rich heritage of the city. There are many exhibitions put on throughout the year, but the two main ones tell the story of Derry and the story of La Trinidad Valencera.
The story of Derry is all about the city, from the time before it was settled, to the construction of the magnificent walls, to the conflict in Northern Ireland.
The La Trinidad Valencera is something completely different. It was one of the tallest ships belonging to the Spanish Armada. It sank close to Derry in 1588 and was found by divers from the city in 1971. The Tower Museum displays artifacts from this great ship and tells its story.
The other thing to do while at the Tower Museum is to go to the top floor viewing platform. There you will find some of the most spectacular views of Derry.
3. Murals and the Bogside
The Bogside of Derry is a very built up and populated neighborhood just outside the Walled area of the city. It was an area that played host to some of the most horrible - and significant - events of Northern Ireland's Troubles. Those events, their background, and meaning can be further explored at the Museum of Free Derry. Its interactive, multi-media displays are essential viewing for anyone wanting to get a full understanding of this often complex city.
The Bogside is an area that is also famous for its wall murals. In fact, the murals are as much a part of the heritage and recent history of Derry as anything else.
4. Guildhall
The Guildhall is at the center of all civic life in Derry. It is located just outside the Walls and was first opened in 1890. It is where the city's council sits and is a beautiful and striking building. Look out for its numerous and stunning stained glass windows.
Immediately outside the building is an area known as Guildhall Square. It plays host to many events, including civic occasions, festivals and concerts. Day-to-day, however, it is a great place to just soak up the atmosphere of the city with its hustle and bustle and buskers and characters, all in the shadows of the magnificent Guildhall and historic Walls.
5. The Playhouse
The modern city of Derry is fast gaining fame as being a European center of art and culture. The Playhouse theater plays a significant role in that. It is a community orientated art center, so if you are looking for something homegrown and homogeneous, this is a good place to look. The program runs all year and features theater, comedy, dance and music.
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