About County Derry -
Londonderry
County Londonderry or County Derry is one of the six counties of
Northern Ireland in the province of Ulster in Ireland. It was named
after its main town – and later city and administrative centre –
Derry (Londonderry), which lies in the north-western corner of the
county.The highest point in the county is the summit of Sawel
Mountain (678m) on the border with County Tyrone. Sawel is part of
the Sperrin Mountains, which dominate the southern part of the
county. To the east and west, the land falls into the valleys of the
Bann and Foyle rivers respectively; in the south-east, the county
touches the shore of Lough Neagh, which is the largest lake in
Ireland; the north of the county is distinguished by the steep
cliffs, dune systems and remarkable beaches of the Atlantic coast.
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Mussenden Temple
Mussenden Temple is a small circular building located on cliffs near
Castlerock in County Londonderry, high above the Atlantic Ocean on
the north-western coast of Northern Ireland. It was built in 1785
and forms part of the estate of Frederick Augustus Hervey, the 4th
Earl of Bristol, Bishop of Derry. Built as a library and modeled on
the Temple of Vesta in Italy, it is dedicated to the memory of
Hervey's cousin Frideswide Mussenden. Over the years the erosion of
the cliff face at Downhill has brought Mussenden Temple ever closer
to the edge, and in 1997 the National Trust carried out cliff
stabilisation work to prevent the loss of the building.
The Walls of Derry
The most visibly striking historic feature of the city is the
historic walls. It is the only remaining completely walled City in
Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe
and they have been kept in a splendid state of preservation. The
Walls were built by The Honourable The Irish Society as defences for
early seventeenth century settlers from England and Scotland - the
settlement was a plan of Plantation by James I. The building of the
city was financed by the trade Guilds of the City of London and work
began in 1613 and finished in 1618 under the supervision of Sir
Edward Doddington of Dungiven. The prefix London was thus added to
the name of the city and the city of Londonderry became the jewel in
the crown of the Ulster Plantations. The Walls which are
approximately 1.5km in circumference form a walkway around the inner
city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the
original town which still preserves its Rennaissance style street
plan to this day. The four original gates Shipquay, Ferryquay,
Bishop and Butcher gates have all been rebuilt and three new gates
added Magazine, Castle and New Gate. There are canon mounted
throughout the Walls most notably above Shipquay Gate. These were
donated by the Guilds of London in 1649.Guided tours available all
year round.
Workhouse Museum
The Workhouse opened in 1840, closed as a Workhouse in 1948 but
continued to be used as a hospital until 1991. A group of local
historians managed to save some of the original Workhouse building
from demolition and this is where the museum and the Waterside
branch library are now housed. The Museum occupies two floors of the
old Workhouse building and opened in 1997. At present the exhibition
includes: the Atlantic Memorial exhibition, dealing with the
extensive part played by Derry in the Battle of the Atlantic during
World War II: Artefacts and archives on display throughout the
building relating to Workhouse life, 19th century poverty and the
Famine. The venue is regularly used for temporary and travelling
exhibitions. The building is of great historical interest and a
number of ghostly residents are said to haunt the building and
surrounding area.
Tower Museum
The award winning Tower Museum is located within the city’s historic
walls at Union Hall Place. Permanent exhibitions at the museum
include The Story of Derry exhibition and An Armada Shipwreck – La
Trinidad Valencera. However throughout the year the museum also
plays host to a range of other temporary exhibitions. All the
exhibitions use display and interactive techniques to present their
stories to the public. Find
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Millennium Forum
The Millennium Forum offers the largest conference and exhibition
facility in the North West and it delivers first class Drama,
Musicals, Films, Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Opera, Pantomime,
Classical and Popular Music. In addition, there are Children's Shows
and Festivals and the programme includes a mix of community
entertainment and arts and cultural events. The Forum is run by
Derry Theatre Trust, and is funded by the Millennium Commission, the
Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Derry City Council and a Private
Overseas Funder. With its stunning entrance and marble floored
Italian-style Piazza, we can promise you a wonderful night’s
entertainment in sumptuous surroundings in the historic walled city
of Derry.
Foyle Cruise Line
The beautiful city centre river is one of Londonderry's most
underused treasures. Discover the history of the city and witness
it's transformation as Derry moves into the 21st Century. Cruises
depart from the city taking you on a unique experience to Culmore
Bay and Greencastle. Entertainment on evening cruises. Aboard the
Toucan One, you will enjoy the lush Irish Scenery, rain or shine!
The perfect venue for every occasion: birthdays weddings,
anniversaries, company parties, school groups– any celebration is
made more memorable on the River Foyle! Sip a drink from our fully
licensed bar, at pub prices, whilst you relax aboard the Toucan One.
We can tailor everything to your needs; serve you with the most
tempting menus, from mouth-watering snacks to silver service
banquets.
Limavady and the Roe Valley
Limavady and the Roe Valley - At the heart of the North West,
Limavady and the Roe Valley is the perfect location for a touring
holiday, relaxing short break or a family day out. Benone Tourist
Complex and the Roe Valley Leisure Centre offer fun facilities for
kids and adults alike, whilst the young and young at heart will
findexhilaration in adrenaline filled activities on the beach,
mountains and surrounding areas. Historical enthusiasts will delight
in exploring the myths and legends surrounding the Roe Valley
Country Park, Dungiven Priory andthe wealth of historical heritage
waiting for discovery. Boasting some of Northern Ireland's most
tranquil and breathtaking scenery,much of which is located within
Binevenagh and Sperrins Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
Limavady and the Roe Valley encompasses the historic towns of
Limavady and Dungiven and embraces a diversity of villages and
hamlets scattered throughout the mountains and valleys. Those
searching for a relaxing pastime will enjoy searching for gifts and
souvenirs in Limavady and Dungiven towns or revel in a scenic tour
of the region. Limavady and the Roe Valley hosts a growing number of
local, national and international events, including the Danny Boy
Festival, the Limavady Jazz and Blues Festival, the NI Milk Cup
International Youth Football Tournament and the Roe Valley Folk
Festival, during which the visitor will experience colourful
spectacles and savour a carnival atmosphere. From the most
convenient urban locations to the charm of the rustic cottage,
Limavady provides a range of quality accommodation and eateries,
with a warm welcome, sumptuous home cooking and a cosy 'home from
home' atmosphere. Call into Limavady Tourist Information Centre or
visit our website to obtain information on accommodation,
attractions and activities in the area, where we are ready and
willing to help with your queries!
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