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County Derry
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| Attractions: Bogside Derry's City Cemetery Derry's City Walls Downhill and Mussenden Temple |
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| Co. Derry Doire Prov. Ulster Nortern Ireland (United Kingdom) |
| Major cities: Derry, Coleraine, Limavady, Magherafelt, Portstewart |
| Surface: 2,074 km2 Population: 214,800 |
County Derry can boast about being the county with the longest continually human residence thanks to a dwelling from 8000 BCE discovered on Mount Sandal near Coleraine. From these Mesolithic settlers onwards each generation has left its own distinct footprints. As a result County Derry offers a wide variety of archaeological and historical sites. Quite honestly however we have to say that the through and through dabbler will certainly find some stone circles and tombs to his taste, but the quality and scenery of the archaeological sites will be disappointing for the average man.
The vast majority of visitors will be drawn to County Derry because of the historical city of Derry and its turbulent past.
Most visitors will confine their visit to a walk over the City Walls and pass the Bogside murals and monuments and quite frankly that's a downright shame, because Derry's City Council as well as the residents encourage people to get informed. No matter whether you fancy the modern multimedia approach from the city owned Tower Museum , the personal, almost intimate, touch from the Museum of Free Derry, an initiative of the Bogside residents, or the slightly bombastic tones of the Apprentice Boys of Derry Memorial Hall the message of Derry will surely get across.
In spite of the praiseworthy museums it might be a good idea to allot at least a day for roaming about the walled city, the Fountain Area, the Bogside and the Creggan.
Given the good reputation of Derry's pubs and music you will find yourself in a pub one evening. A cocktail of alcohol-politics-religion is explosive all over the earth and Derry is no exception on this rule. Keep in mind that the current peace is fragile and use your common sense when talking politics.
You might feel the urge to get out for a day after being confronted with Derry's history. Hikers will find diversion in the nearby Sperrin Mountains. If you prefer a less wearying activity you might enjoy the scenic views offered by the coastal drive between Derry and Portrush. Don't forget to stretch your legs in the gardens of Downhill and Mussenden Temple.
Londonderry
When Saint Columba founded a monastery in 546 he spotted a clump of oak trees and consequently the settlement was named Doire, which translates as Oak Grove. In time the name Anglicized and became Derry.
In the seventeenth century the city was renamed Londonderry as a tribute to the Irish Society, an initiative of the City of London and sponsor of the City Walls. The settlers sung the praises of the walls which yields designations as Maiden City and Jewel in the Crown of the Ulster Plantation. Native Irish on the other hand loathed the walls as well as the name Londonderry and clung to the name Derry.
The controversy was partially solved in 1984 when the City Council was given permission to use the name Derry for common everyday use within the city. Officially however the city is still referred to as Londonderry in national and international communications. The Republic of Ireland couldn't care less about the naming-issue and maintained the name Derry.
In short: if you're heading to Derry from Dublin you start following the directions to Derry, once you have crossed the national border you have to keep your eyes open for Londonderry and when you've reached the city limits it's Derry all over the place.
So far the city, but what about the county? County Londonderry was established in 1613 and consisted of the former County Coleraine and bits and pieces of the neighbouring counties. Legally speaking County Londonderry, and the other counties of Northern Ireland as well for that matter, ceased to exist with the introduction of the district system in 1973. Ever since thinking in terms of counties in Northern Ireland is very much a Nationalistic and Republican thing. Consequently, but with no historical bearing whatsoever, the name County Derry prevails.