Derry Travel and Tourism Guide

Derry (also referred to as Londonderry or Derry 'stroke' Londonderry or even as Stroke City) straddles the river Foyle in the far northwest corner of Northern Ireland. When the island was partitioned in 1921, Derry was isolated from its huge hinterland in Donegal and Inishowen in particular. Known to many as the cradle of the 'troubles', the civil rights movement and the location of Bloody Sunday when British Paratroopers shot dead 13 civil rights protesters on 31st Jan 1972. The city enjoys one of the longest and most colourful histories of any Irish urban centre.
Derry is one of the longest continuously inhabited places in Ireland. The earliest historical references date back to the sixth century A.D. when a monastery was founded there, but for thousands of years people had been living in the vicinity. These 'prehistoric' people left traces of their existence in the various archaeological sites and objects which abound in this area.
The name Derry derives from the Gaelic word Doire meaning an oak grove, particularly an oak grove on an island totally or partly surrounded by water or peat bog. Such was the case at Derry.
Since the end on the troubles & the signing of the Good Friday Agreement Derry has seen a boom in building, development & prosperity. Now a vibrant entertainment centre for the northwest with top hotels, pubs, clubs & the Millennium Forum theatre complex. Its Tower Museum & city walls complete with cannon make it a magnet for all sorts of visitors.