Is Derry worth visiting?

Derry might not be as popular as Belfast or the Giants Causeway, but it certainly shouldnt be overlooked on a visit to Northern Ireland. Although smaller than Belfast, Derry is rich in history, culture and possesses bucketloads of charm. There is a reason that it was named the first UK City of Culture in 2013.

Is Derry Catholic or Protestant?

Although Derry was originally an almost exclusively Protestant city, it has become increasingly Catholic over recent centuries. At the last (1991) census, the population of the Derry Local Government District was approximately 69% Catholic.

How long are the Derry Walls?

approximately 1.5km The Walls, which are approximately 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day.

Is it safe to visit Derry?

Derry city. To put your mind at rest; the short answer is yes, Northern Ireland is very a safe place to travel. In fact, it is now considered the safest region in the UK. Belfast, its capital city, has much lower crime rates when compared with other cities like Manchester and London.

Is Derry or Belfast better?

Belfast is the best base. There is less accommodation in Londonderry so you will have a better variety of budget options in Belfast.

How do I spend a day in Derry?

Derry SightseeingTouring The City of Derry Cemetery.A tour of Bogside – Free Derry, Murals, Bloody Sunday Memorial.Bloody Sunday Memorial.Free Derry Museum.Derry City Walls.Visiting the Guildhall in Derry.The Craft Village of Derry.The Derry Peace Bridge.More items

Should I say Derry or Londonderry?

Generally, although not always, nationalists favour using the name Derry, and unionists Londonderry. Legally, the city and county are called Londonderry, while the local government district containing the city is called Derry City and Strabane.

Is Derry a nice place to live?

Youll also find good schools, friendly locals, a low cost of living and an excellent quality of life, due in large part to the world-class beaches, golf courses and scenery on its doorstep — including the Giants Causeway, the Wild Atlantic Way and 2019 Open host Royal Portrush.

Why is Derry called Londonderry?

The right name for the city is Derry from the Irish Doire Cholm Chille – meaning the oak-grove of Colmkille. It got the name Londonderry from a company of swindlers that were founded in London, in the seventeenth century, to drive the native Irish off the land and to settle the place with English and Scots.

Should I call it Derry or Londonderry?

The London prefix was added to Derry when the city was granted a Royal Charter by King James I in 1613. In 1984, the name of the nationalist-controlled council was changed from Londonderry to Derry City Council, but the city itself continues to be officially known as Londonderry.

What is Derry known for?

Derry is famous for its old intact city walls which surround the old city which lies on the banks of the River Foyle. This one mile of city walls are known as one of the best examples of a walled city in Europe. In 1689 the city of Derry withstood a siege for 105 days.

What is Derry city known for?

Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland, and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. The walls constitute the largest monument in State care in Northern Ireland and, as part of the last walled city to be built in Europe, stand as the most complete and spectacular.

What is there to do in Derry on a rainy day?

Museum of Free Derry. 821. History Museums. The Edge Watersports At The Crannagh Activity Centre. 128. Water Parks. Guildhall. 953. Tower Museum. 476. Greenvale Leisure Centre. Sports Complexes. The Craft Village. 147. Magherafelt Library. Libraries.Londonderry - Coleraine Railway. 112.More items

What is meant by Free Derry?

Free Derry (Irish: Saor Dhoire) was a self-declared autonomous Irish nationalist area of Derry, Northern Ireland, that existed between 1969 and 1972, during the Troubles. Its name was taken from a sign painted on a gable wall in the Bogside which read, You are now entering Free Derry.

What side of Belfast is Catholic?

As you can see, west Belfast is mainly Catholic, in most areas over 90%. For many years, the Catholic population expanded to the southwest, but in recent years it has started expanding around the Shankill and into north Belfast. The east of the city is predominantly Protestant, typically 90% or more.

Why is Derry not in Ireland?

The names of the city and county of Derry or Londonderry in Northern Ireland are the subject of a naming dispute between Irish nationalists and unionists. The district of Derry and Strabane was created in 2015, subsuming a district created in 1973 with the name Londonderry, which changed to Derry in 1984.

What do you call someone from Derry?

According to the citys Royal Charter of 10 April 1662, the official name is Londonderry.