Derry's famous walls have survived virtually intact into the modern era
and offer walking tour parties a number of photogenic vistas of a
rejuvenated city centre.
Expert claims that the 19th century St Augustine's Chapel occupies the
site of the original Columban monastery have yet to be verified, though it
is now beyond doubt that the sumptuously decorated Long Tower Church is
located in the precincts of the Great Church or Tempull Nor,
constructed in 1164.
Derry's most famous ecclesiastical building, the elaborate early 17th
century St Columb's Cathedral, is said to incorporate a portion of the
Tempull Mor.
The highly acclaimed Tower Museum outlines the city's monastic origins
and charts the development of St Columb’s oak grove through its colourful
1453 year history. The Tower has to date won a clutch of major awards and
was cited in a list of the Top Ten Museums in the UK by The Times.
Just over four miles from Derry, another hilltop fortification, the
mystical Grianan of Aileach, dominates the landscape. This ancient round
fort dates from about the 6th century AD but lies at the centre of a complex
of Stone-Age monuments.
The Celtic traditions of Derry and the North West remain a vibrant
cultural force and are evident in the local crafts and folk music. "The
Fifth Province", a new theme show in Derry's Calgach Centre, explores
this Celtic legacy and examines the effect of emigration through the
centuries.
Other visitor attractions in the North West include the rugged beauty of
County Donegal, one of Ireland's most scenic areas, and the iconic Giant's
Causeway.
Readily accessible by road and rail, Derry also has an airport - City of
Derry - with direct flights to a number of UK destinations. Finally, since
1995, visitors have been given the opportunity to travel to this ancient
walled city in the lap of luxury on board an international cruise liner.
Carrickfergus I
Derry
