Walled city Londonderry

About

The Walled City of Derry, known both as Londonderry and Derry, is a historic district in Northern Ireland that dates back to the early 17th‑century Plantation of Ulster. Built on the site of the medieval town of Derry, it was chartered by the City of London in 1613 and fortified to protect settlers and merchants. Today, its narrow streets, stone arcades and the dramatic 18‑tower city walls invite visitors to walk a historic path that bears witness to moments ranging from the Siege of 1689 to the tumultuous Troubles of the 1960s–70s. Within the walls, tourists can experience a mix of architectural beauty and cultural symbolism. Highlights include the soaring St. Columb’s Cathedral, the vibrant Pea Yard, the Peace Bridge that links the old town to the modern city, and the historic Parliament Buildings. The ongoing debate over the city’s name—officially Londonderry but widely called Derry—reflects Northern Ireland’s complex unionist and nationalist identities, yet the Walled City remains a welcoming destination for anyone keen to explore its layered history, grand architecture and resilient community spirit.