Londonderry (if you’re Protestant) or Derry (if you’re Catholic) is the only city in Ireland with its wall fully in tact. The wall was built in the early 17th century to protect the English and Scottish settlers sent to populate Ireland under James I. It is about 1.6 km (if you’re Canadian) or 1 mile (if you’re American) around, and makes for a scenic and interesting – if you have a good guide – walk.

Along the walls are 22 cannons pointing in all directions, but the most poignant points directly at The Bog, the primarily Catholic residential area. Derry was the site of the intial Troubles violence. The Good Friday Agreement stopped the sectarian fighting, but it has not stopped the segregation of the populace. Clicking on the images will enlarge them.

Other images from my walk along the wall.

This plaque really stood out for me.

Derry is also a city of murals. The murals below are tributes to the women who worked in the linen factories. The mural in the header of this post shows the main characters from the program Derry Girls.

When our group leader called for a group photo on the wall, our guide in bright yellow was happy to be front and centre. 😋

Our afternoon found us at the Ulster American Folk Park which traces the history of the Mellon family from very humble roots to a successful financial family in the USA. There were people in costume to explain what each building was, and the transition from Ireland to New York includes a tour of a replica ship.

A very long but interesting day of history. Next stop is a Dublin suburb with time out for a look at ancient passage tombs. Fanacht tiünta!