Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Though calm today, Derry is marked by years of tumultuous conflict. These two walks
(each taking less than an hour) will increase your understanding of the town's history. The
first walk, starting on the old city walls and ending at the Anglican Cathedral, focuses on
Derry's early days. The second walking tour helps you easily find the city's compelling
murals, which document the time of the Troubles. These tours can be done separately or
linked, depending on your time.
▲▲▲
Walk the Walls
(See “Derry” map,
here
.)
Squatting determinedly in the city center, the old city walls of Derry (built 1613-1618 and
still intact, except for wider gates to handle modern vehicles) hold an almost mythic place
in Irish history.
It was here in 1688 that a group of brave apprentice boys, many of whom had been
shipped to Derry as orphans after the great fire of London in 1666, made their stand. They
slammed the city gates shut in the face of the approaching Catholic forces of deposed King
James II. With this act, the boys galvanized the city's indecisive Protestant defenders in-
side the walls.
