Derry City Walls

Londonderry, United Kingdom

Derry's walls were originally built by the Irish Society between 1613 and 1619. They were built with the intention of protecting the Scottish and English planters that had moved to Ulster as part of the Plantation of Ulster that had been established by James I. It was a direct consequence of the previous settlement being destroyed by Irish chieftain Cahir O'Doherty during O'Doherty's rebellion. As a result of the building of the city's defences by the Irish Society, which was a consortium of livery companies based out of the City of London, the city was officially renamed Londonderry in the 1613 royal charter. This is what has subsequently led to the naming dispute for the city and county of Derry/Londonderry.

The walls are at the centre of the historic city of Derry and within them are a number of Derry's most important landmarks including the Apprentice Boy's Hall and St. Columb's Cathedral.

The walls are about 1 mile in circumference and contain many of the city's most important landmarks. The entire length of the walls is fully accessible on foot. There are seven gates in total, four of which were built at the same time as the walls themselves and three were added later.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1613-1619
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

James Kildea (10 months ago)
Very historic. We visited very early in the morning so we has time to walk around and take photos. Very good.
Peter J. O'Connor (15 months ago)
Unique medieval city walls with a few alterations since, encompassing one of Europe's most turbulent and interesting cities. An easy walk that can I believe be jogged along in around 35 minutes, easily. Buy Why? Do check out the wonderful Derry Playhouse (Artilary St) and the lovely artisan village.
Playing playstation 2019 (16 months ago)
Visiting the Derry Walls is fun for the whole family. Historical interest, retail interest and a museum. A very interesting city with lovely shops for all ages and interests.
Jeremy Walker (2 years ago)
Great place. Get a good tour guide. They're inexpensive and really knowledgeable and entertaining.
Jerry O'Connor (2 years ago)
Did A fantastic and informative tour around the city walls. Derry & the walls are well worth the visit. ?
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone theatre structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens. It was built in 161 AD by the Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. It was originally a steep-sloped theater with a three-story stone front wall and a wooden roof made of expensive cedar of Lebanon timber. It was used as a venue for music concerts with a capacity of 5,000. It lasted intact until it was destroyed and left in ruins by the Heruli in 267 AD.

The audience stands and the orchestra (stage) were restored using Pentelic marble in the 1950s. Since then it has been the main venue of the Athens Festival, which runs from May through October each year, featuring a variety of acclaimed Greek as well as International performances.