Derry

Vandalised road-sign Londonderry P3010060

Derry Stranorlar N13 roadsign cropped

Graffiti in Derry in the 1920

Cannon on Derry City Walls SMC 2007

Bishops Street Gate Derry SMC 2007

St Columb's Cathedral

Derry (officially known as Londonderry) is a city in Northern Ireland. It is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-largest city on the island of Ireland. The city is located on the River Foyle and is known for its well-preserved city walls, which are among the best-preserved in Europe.

History

Derry has a rich history that dates back to the 6th century when it was founded as a monastic settlement by Saint Columba. The name "Derry" is an anglicization of the Irish name "Doire," meaning "oak grove." The city was granted a royal charter by King James I in 1613, and its official name was changed to Londonderry to reflect the involvement of the City of London in its colonization.

The Troubles

Derry played a significant role during The Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted from the late 1960s to 1998. The city was the site of the Battle of the Bogside in 1969 and the Bloody Sunday massacre in 1972, where British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civil rights protesters, killing 14.

Geography

Derry is situated in the northwest of Northern Ireland, near the border with County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. The River Foyle flows through the city, dividing it into the Cityside and the Waterside.

Economy

The economy of Derry has traditionally been based on textiles and shirt-making, but in recent years it has diversified into the technology and service sectors. The city is home to several business parks and has a growing digital economy.

Culture

Derry is known for its vibrant cultural scene, which includes the annual Foyle Film Festival, the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival, and the Halloween celebrations, which are among the largest in Europe. The city is also home to the Nerve Centre, a cultural hub that hosts various events and workshops.

Education

Derry is served by several educational institutions, including the University of Ulster's Magee campus and the North West Regional College. These institutions offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Transport

Derry is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The city is served by the Foyle Valley Railway, which connects it to Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland. The City of Derry Airport offers flights to various destinations in the UK and Europe.

Notable People

• John Hume, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and politician
• Seamus Heaney, Nobel Prize-winning poet
• Nadine Coyle, singer and member of Girls Aloud

See Also

• The Troubles
• Bloody Sunday (1972)
• Saint Columba
• City of London
• County Donegal
• University of Ulster