Take a journey through time with a walking tour of Derry, Northern Ireland! With a rich and varied history, Derry offers something for everyone. From the ancient city walls to the more recent political murals, this guided tour will provide an in-depth look at the city’s rich cultural heritage. Along the way, you’ll explore some of the most iconic sites and locations in Derry, while learning about the city’s fascinating past. Whether you’re a first time visitor or a local, a Derry Walking Tour will give you an unforgettable experience.
The Early History of Derry
Derry, located in Northern Ireland, has a long and rich history that dates back to the 6th century. The city was first established by Saint Columba and became an important centre of Christianity and education throughout the centuries. Derry was the site of many significant battles and events in Irish history, such as the Siege of Derry, the Plantation of Ulster, and the Troubles.
The earliest recorded reference to Derry dates back to 546 AD when it was referred to as Doire Calgach. This translates to “oak wood of Calgach” in Gaelic and refers to the location of an ancient oak grove that existed on the banks of the River Foyle. The area was settled by St Columba, who was an Irish missionary who founded a monastery there in the 6th century.
Throughout the years, Derry has been ruled by various factions, including the Gaelic O’Doherty Clan and then later by the English monarchy. In 1613, King James I granted a royal charter to The Honourable The Irish Society for establishing a new walled city, which was later named Londonderry (or London-Derry). The construction of the walls began in 1613 and was completed in 1619, making it one of the best-preserved walled cities in Europe.
Derry became an important port city, thanks to its strategic location on the River Foyle. The city flourished as a trading post between Ireland and Scotland and was an important part of the woolen trade with England. It also had a thriving shipbuilding industry and was a major producer of linen and textiles.
Today, Derry is a vibrant and dynamic city, but its early history is still evident in its architecture, culture, and traditions. From its ancient walls to its historic landmarks, Derry is sure to delight any visitor looking to explore its fascinating past.
The Plantation of Ulster
The Plantation of Ulster was a British colonisation effort during the early 17th century. The aim of the Plantation was to replace the native Irish population in Ulster with loyal British Protestant settlers. The Plantation began in 1609 and continued until the 1690s.
The British government issued grants of land to planters from England and Scotland, providing them with incentives such as free rent for three years and exemptions from military service. The planters were given priority for employment, tax relief, and other benefits.
In addition to the British planters, some Protestants from other parts of Ireland also settled in Ulster. These settlers included Presbyterians from the lowlands of Scotland, who established a large community in Derry.
The Plantation of Ulster had a profound impact on the region, transforming the social and political landscape of the province. It gave the British Crown a stronger foothold in the north of Ireland and ushered in a new era of settlement and development.
The legacy of the Plantation is still visible today, with a strong Protestant presence in Ulster and a stark religious divide between Catholics and Protestants. Despite this, many people in Derry and the wider region still live side-by-side peacefully and are proud to call it home.
The Siege of Derry
The Siege of Derry, which took place in 1689, was one of the most significant events in Irish history. The siege began in April when Protestant forces from Scotland and England laid siege to the city of Derry in order to prevent a Catholic army from taking control of the city. After a 105-day siege, the Protestant forces were eventually victorious.
The siege began when a force of 13,000 Catholic soldiers led by King James II of England laid siege to Derry, which at the time had a population of around 6,500 people. The Protestant citizens of the city decided to resist and they closed the city gates against the Catholic army. The citizens endured a long and difficult siege in which food supplies quickly ran out. Despite their hardships, the citizens of Derry managed to hold out against the Catholic army for over three months.
The turning point came when relief ships carrying food supplies managed to break through the blockade and reach the city. This allowed the Protestants to continue resisting for another two months until finally, in late July, the Catholics retreated. This victory was a major success for the Protestants and it helped to secure Protestant dominance in Ireland.
The Siege of Derry is an event that is still remembered today, not just in Ireland but also around the world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what you believe in and of the courage and determination of the people of Derry. It is an important part of Ireland’s history and a source of great pride for the people of Derry.
The Good Friday Agreement
The Good Friday Agreement, or Belfast Agreement, was a major political development for Northern Ireland that was signed on April 10th, 1998. The Agreement provided for a new form of devolved government and aimed to bring an end to the violent conflict known as The Troubles.
The Agreement was based on four main pillars:
- A commitment to non-violence and peaceful resolution of disputes;
- Respect for human rights and equality of all persons;
- Respect for the legitimate claims and aspirations of all traditions in Northern Ireland; and
- Recognition of the rights of both communities in Northern Ireland.
The Agreement established the Northern Ireland Assembly and allowed for the British and Irish governments to work together in a new kind of relationship known as ‘strands’. It also established a power-sharing executive between the two main communities in Northern Ireland and put an end to military control of security affairs.
The Agreement was welcomed by most people in Northern Ireland who felt it had created a new basis for relationships and politics. It has since been credited with bringing a sense of stability to the region, although some people feel it has failed to address certain issues such as police reform and sectarianism.
The Agreement was also significant because it marked a new era of cooperation between the British and Irish governments and opened up opportunities for further dialogue and cooperation between both sides. It has also had a lasting effect on the peace process in Northern Ireland, with the Agreement serving as an example of what can be achieved through negotiation and compromise.
