A key feature of Derry/Londonderry, and one with historical and cultural significance, is The Walls. They were constructed of earth, lime and local stone during the period 1613-1618. Today they form a 1.5 km walkway around the inner city. Derry’s Walls protected the city through sieges in 1641, 1649, and the Great Siege of 1689. Because these walls were never breached, this town is also known as The Maiden City. They also host Europe’s largest collection of cannon of know origin.
A walk around the walls provides a great way to find some quirky and interesting places.
Here is the Tower Museum. Because of time constraints, I did not get to visit. However, I am returning to Derry.
Anyone need a haircut?
An interesting view from the wall.
Do you see that guy in the picture? He walked through the gate that is under me. I had seen him on the other side when I was photographing the peace gate. At that time, he was carrying a plastic bag as well as the bag slung over his shoulder. The bag looked heavy. The man was muttering angrily to himself. He looked up at me and scowled before passing through the gate. Notice the heavy plastic bag is missing in this picture.
Verbal Arts Centre
I was not even aware this place existed! Because of my interest in literacy, I want to go back just to hang out. The Verbal Arts Centre promotes the development of the verbal arts and literacy through its focus on all aspects of written and spoken word as well as research and publication of literacy materials for schools. It also promotes verbal arts events.
I was not even aware this place existed! Because of my interest in literacy, I want to go back just to hang out. The Verbal Arts Centre promotes the development of the verbal arts and literacy through its focus on all aspects of written and spoken word as well as research and publication of literacy materials for schools. It also promotes verbal arts events.
I am a spiritual person, but I do not attend church. Too often I have felt as if some of the mundane forces behind the institution distracted me from what I felt was a holy purpose.
However, this place called to me. I almost went inside to join the service. In fact, if I had been able to reach my husband to tell him I would be an hour later than I expected, I would have gone in. The pictures do not do the church and churchyard justice. There is an air of peace and contentment that I cannot describe. St. Augustine's is a sacred place.
However, this place called to me. I almost went inside to join the service. In fact, if I had been able to reach my husband to tell him I would be an hour later than I expected, I would have gone in. The pictures do not do the church and churchyard justice. There is an air of peace and contentment that I cannot describe. St. Augustine's is a sacred place.
And now for a different kind of wall.
When it comes to the conflict in Northern Ireland, I cannot choose sides. In Derry, I had a taxi driver who admitted to having both Loyalist and Republican friends. He had gone to public schools his entire life, and admitted that the schools did little to promote the Irish culture or history. Today, he works to promote peace.
The following photos show that the conflict still rages in some hearts.
When it comes to the conflict in Northern Ireland, I cannot choose sides. In Derry, I had a taxi driver who admitted to having both Loyalist and Republican friends. He had gone to public schools his entire life, and admitted that the schools did little to promote the Irish culture or history. Today, he works to promote peace.
The following photos show that the conflict still rages in some hearts.
Peace efforts are also visible.
The Peace Bridge was officially launched on 25 June 2011, as part of a shared space initiative and regeneration program.
Does this look familiar? The Hands Across the Divide statue which is next to the Craigavon Bridge in Derry, was draped with a French flag and photographed after the horrific terror attack in Paris, November, 2015. Unveiled in 1992, it symbolizes the spirit of reconciliation and hope for the future.
And two cool churches I saw while wandering around.