Derry Key Attractions

County Derry is located in Northern Ireland. Derry is one of Ireland's most historical counties. Derry City, a scene of much conflict in the second half of the 20th century, is today, one of Ireland's most pulsating cities. Following the end of hostilities, the city has redeveloped much of its former character and appeal.

The historic walled city of Londonderry, also known as Derry, is a hub of culture and creativity, and is as well-known for its positive contemporary outlook as it is for the ageless quality of its craic.

The Walls of Derry

The city is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples in Europe of a walled city. These famous walls, which date back to the early part of the 17th century, have withstood several sieges, the most celebrated lasting 105 days. There are fine views from the top of the walls, which encircle the Old City, a circuit of one mile. Open to the public from dawn to dusk, there are daily walking tours of the wall, available year-round.

Tower Museum

In O'Doherty Tower, a medieval-style fort, this award-winning museum presents the history of the city, from its geological formation to the present day. Visitors are invited to walk through time and a series of exhibits and audiovisual presentations provoke their imaginations along the way. The tower's collection of historical artefacts includes items salvaged from the Spanish Armada, ravaged by storms off the Irish coast in 1588. The Tower Museum, a must for all visitors to Derry, is just inside the city walls, next to Shipquay Gate, and now includes a new Spanish Armada museum, which opened in 2005. Website: www.derrycity.gov.uk/museumservices/; phone: +44 28 7137 2411.

The Amelia Earhart Centre

The centre was erected to commemorate the unexpected landing of Amelia Earhart on her historic solo flight across the Atlantic on 21 May, 1932. A museum guide is available for a tour of the centre, who will show you where Amelia Earhart landed and readily answer any questions concerning the event. The centre is located in the north of the city, in Ballyarnett Country Park. Website:
www.derrycity.gov.uk/museumservices/; phone: +44 28 7135 4040.

The Workhouse Museum and Library

This splendid, compact museum on the Waterside, only minutes from central Derry, sits inside a building that was one of the much-feared 19th century workhouses that, in their day, were notorious for disease, misery and death. The story told here is both grim and moving. Built to keep the poor from starving to death, workhouses were actually little more than concentration camps. Along with explaining the roll of the facilities in Irish history, the museum also presents intriguing multimedia exhibitions on two moments in Derry's history: the Great Famine and the Battle of the Atlantic, when Derry played a major role in the defeat of the German Navy. Wensite: www.derrycity.gov.uk/museumservices/; phone: +44 28 7131 8328.

Harbour Museum

This museum is housed in the former Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners offices, built in 1882. It is designed as a traditional Victorian-style museum, dealing primarily with the citys maritime heritage. It also contains a range of assorted artefacts and hosts temporary exhibitions. Website:
www.derrycity.gov.uk/museumservices/; phone: +44 28 7137 7331.

Heritage Tower

Located in the Fountain area of the city, Heritage Tower was built during the
19th century and the gaol here was once the prison home to Wolf Tone and De Valera. Today, the gaol exhibits artefacts and memorabilia dating from WWI to the present day. You can also view models and paintings that are on display in the tower as well as some old wall murals, painted by local artist Robert Jackson. Phone: +44 28 7136 3419.

Riverwatch

Riverwatch offers people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to explore and discover the wonderful natural resources of the Foyle and Carlingford Loughs.
Learn about the incredible life of the salmon and much more through unique interactive exhibitions and activities. Fishing licences and permits are also available.
Website: www.loughs-agency.org; phone: +44 28 7134 2100.

Free Derry Corner

This spot, located on the outskirts of Londonderry, was the site of one of the most infamous clashes between Loyalists and Nationalists during the Troubles. On 4 January 1969, violence erupted between the local constabulary and a group of marchers. Though the surroundings have changed a little since that time, the site is still used for public rallies and demonstrations. The slogan: you are now entering Free Derry, was painted on a wall here soon after the 1969 incident and is visible to this day.