Walking the Walls of Derry - A Journey Through 400 Years of History

Описание: Walking the Walls of Derry - A Journey Through 400 Years of History. After visiting the stunning Giant’s Causeway, we continued our scenic drive along the coast toward Derry. Perched dramatically on the edge of Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast, Dunluce Castle is a medieval fortress steeped in legend. Built in the 13th century and once home to the MacDonnell clan, its ruins cling to cliffs battered by the Atlantic. Stories of collapsing kitchens and ghostly apparitions add to its mystique. With breathtaking sea views and a history of battles, sieges, and romance, Dunluce Castle remains one of Ireland’s most iconic and atmospheric landmarks. Dunluce Castle is prominently featured in HBO's Game of Thrones series
Welcome to Derry—also known as Londonderry it’s one of Ireland’s most historic cities, where ancient walls guard centuries of stories. Built in the early 1600s, these walls are among the best-preserved in Europe, earning Derry the title of “the Maiden City,” since they were never breached during siege. At the heart of Derry is ¬¬St. Columb’s Cathedral, completed in 1633, is the oldest surviving building in Derry and the first Protestant cathedral built after the Reformation. Dedicated to St. Columba, who founded a monastery here in the 6th century, it stands as a symbol of faith and resilience. The Guildhall of Derry, standing proudly since 1890, is the city’s Gothic Revival jewel. Built by the Honourable Irish Society, it has been the stage for politics, culture, and community for over a century. Inside, dazzling stained-glass windows tell the story of Derry’s turbulent past, from the Plantation to the present. Overlooking the River Foyle, the Guildhall isn’t just a landmark—it’s the heartbeat of Derry’s history and identity. The Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall recalls the fierce Siege of Derry in 1689, when thirteen young apprentices closed the city gates against King James’s army. But Derry’s story doesn’t stop with the past. The Bogside’s world-famous murals, painted by the “Bogside Artists,” bring Derry’s recent history vividly to life. Here, you’ll see portraits of Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, global icons of peace and justice, alongside powerful local imagery from the Troubles—like the “Bloody Sunday” memorial, the boy with a gas mask, and the dove of peace. These murals honor both international figures and local struggles, reminding visitors of Derry’s journey from conflict toward reconciliation. The Bogside murals tell the story of Derry’s Troubles through powerful portraits. You’ll find depictions of John Hume, Nobel Peace Prize winner and architect of the Good Friday Agreement, and Bernadette Devlin, the fiery civil rights activist who became Britain’s youngest-ever MP. Alongside them, murals remember those killed on Bloody Sunday and honor everyday citizens who stood for justice. These walls are living history—memorials of struggle, resilience, and the pursuit of peace. Today, the graceful Peace Bridge links divided communities, symbolizing reconciliation. Derry’s history is one of resilience—where medieval strength meets modern hope.
Opened in 2011, Derry’s Peace Bridge arcs gracefully across the River Foyle, linking the historic city center with the once-divided Waterside. Designed as a symbol of unity, its sweeping curves represent two hands reaching out to connect. The bridge embodies Northern Ireland’s journey from conflict to reconciliation, inviting walkers and cyclists alike to cross with ease. More than steel and cables, it stands as a living monument to hope, healing, and shared futures. Thanks for watching. ‪@BigfootJourneys‬