The Derry Walls — Attraction in Northern Ireland

The best way to see the Derry Walls is to walk around the exterior of the monument, exiting the Walled City through New Gate, passing by Bishop’s Gate and re-entering the Walled City through Butcher Gate. On this route, which follows the line of a now-lost, dry moat, you will pass three surviving full bastions – Church, Double and Royal – and a demi-bastion – the Platform. A walk around the top of the ramparts, provides an elevated promenade to see how the city has developed out beyond the Walls. The Derry Walls are approximately a mile in circumference and take in both the highest and lowest points on what used to be the Island of Derry. The usual arrival point for the Derry Walls is in Guildhall Square ascending the Walls at the steps or ramp through Magazine Gate. An equally pleasant arrival point is in Bishop Street Without, ascending the steps at Bishop’s Gate or using Stable Lane. Derry's walls were originally built by the Irish Society between 1613 and 1619. They were built with the intention of protecting the Scottish and English planters that had moved to Ulster as part of the Plantation of Ulster that had been established by James I. It was a direct consequence of the previous settlement being destroyed by Irish chieftain Cahir O'Doherty during O'Doherty's rebellion. The walls are about 1 mile in circumference and contain many of the city's most important landmarks. The entire length of the walls is fully accessible on foot. There are seven gates in total, four of which were built at the same time as the walls themselves and three were...

The Derry Walls have lovely views of the city of Derry (or Londonderry). You can stroll along them and check out the cannons, which sadly used to point at the Derry, Irish Catholic side of town. The English Protestants were on the protect walled side. A sad picture of what life used to be like in this segregated city. Neighborhood’s used to separated from each other by religion.

We had a lovely Buddhist tour guide who showed us about, but you can explore easily on your own, but you might not get the history, which I was very interested in. To me, this city was the where I felt ‘the Troubles’ distinctly. I’m glad that those days are over, as I can still feel the tension.

We were here on the Orangeman weekend and most of the Irish people had left to go to Ireland and closed their shops. There were still ashes from bonfires from their marches in some areas. I would not recommend exploring during that weekend, as there were tough looking guys glaring at us when we went to walk down one street; we immediately turned around. An odd feeling to be in a half empty city on a weekend.

Clearly, things are not all butterflies and rainbows. Healing still...

This is a great walk with a lot of historical points along the way. You will need to be a little agile to make it up one side, as it's quite steep on that side.

If you start out the back of the St. Columb's cathedral, go right, that way you will walk down the steep hill on the other side instead of up it. When you get back around, it will be steps to get back up on that side.

Don't forget to get a selfie with the Derry Girls mural; and if you don't know that show yet, I suggest you watch it on Netflix, it's hilarious! There are lots of shops and places to eat all around the wall as well. The entire walk around does not take that long.

We found parking at Bishops gate across from St. Columb's. Wear comfortable shoes with good grips, as everything in Europe is cobblestones and uphill everywhere you go.

We went at the start of August, the weather in Ireland changes on a dime; one minute it is raining, the next the sun is so hot you are peeling off the layers, then in between that is cold and windy.

It's best to wear clothing that repels the wind & rain and dries out quickly if you do get wet. And...