Derry City, the Guildhall & “Other Voices Courage 2020”- 9th July.

Join Other Voices “Courage 2020” at the Guildhall in Derry City on July 9th

Beloved electro folk duo Saint Sister – comprising Derry’s own Gemma Doherty and Belfast-native Morgan MacIntyre – will be joined by members of the ‘New Music’ collective Crash Ensemble on July 9th. Their performance will be live streamed from the Guildhall, Derry City on YouTube, Facebook and rte.ie at 8:00 p.m (GMT) on Thursday July 9th, free of charge, thanks to the support of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, RTÉ and IMRO.

Other Voices “Courage 2020” has garnered a fantastic global response since it began on June 23rd, with concerts from James Vincent McMorrow, Maija Sofia, Lankum, The Murder Capital, Kodaline, Neil Hannon, Cathy Davey & Eve Belle. Courage is a new initiative of live streamed performances from some of Ireland’s best known heritage sites. The live performances continue to remind us that our music culture can lift us up beyond our challenges and that music is vital to the core of our collective humanity.

Make a break for Derry City. 

Dating back to the 6th century, the city of Derry is steeped in history at every turn. St Columba founded a monastery here and the city’s name comes from the old Irish word for Oak grove. The impressive City Walls provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance style street plan. Derry City is the only completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest in Europe, and the best way to enjoy these stony ramparts is to go for a stroll.

Take a walking tour of the Derry City Walls and hear the fascinating stories about brutal 17th century sieges, starving citizens and fearsome roaring cannons. Look over to the city’s Bog-side area and you’ll see history literally written on the walls in those famous murals. Then finish off by walking across the iconic Peace Bridge (a vital link between the two sides of the River Foyle), to Ebrington Square and the Walled City Brewery, where you can raise a glass to this unique city.

Or, if you are a fan of the Netflix & TV show “Derry Girls” and want to walk in the footsteps of Erin and the gang, you can take the Derry Girls guided tour! As you tour the streets and take in the sights, you’ll be able to see some of the highlights of the hit TV show, including Dennis’s Wee Shop and Pump Street, as well as other notable locations.

The Guildhall, Derry City.

Sitting close to the famous 400-year-old Walls is one of Derry City’s most recognizable – and arguably one of the most stunning – landmarks, the Guildhall. It has been in the heart of city life since 1887 and the auburn brick building is the anchor for the buzzing Guildhall Square. The Guildhall’s most arresting feature is its collection of stunning stained-glass windows. Donated by London Companies, they represent everything from fishmongers to musicians. You will possibly recognize the Guildhall Clock as it was modeled on London’s Big Ben.

Fashioned in a neo-gothic style, the Guildhall is one of the most striking buildings in the North West of Ireland and was originally built in 1887 by The Honourable The Irish Society. The red sandstone building is of neo-gothic architecture, with Tudor overtones. The building’s staircase, main hall organ and corridors give a fascinating insight into this distinctive building’s history. There are interactive tourist information points with interpretation panels situated throughout the building bringing to life its many special features. The dedicated exhibition explores how the Ulster Plantation has shaped the City’s history.

The Tower Museum, Derry City. 

The award-winning Tower Museum outlines the intriguing story of Derry City, from its founding by St Columba, through momentous events like the Siege of Derry and Bloody Sunday. Housed in a 16th Century tower house by Derry’s historic city walls facing the city’s Guildhall, the Tower Museum was opened in 1992 and provides an interpretive and impartial account of the troubled history of this often divided city along with an exhibition, “the Armada in Ireland”, which outlines the disastrous retreat of the Spanish Armada around the Irish Coast. The exhibition contains artifacts recovered from La Trinidad Valencera, shipwrecked off the coast of Donegal in 1588.

The Museum of Free Derry, Derry City. 

In the Bogside area of Derry, delve deeper into the story of Derry at the Museum of Free Derry, where state-of-the-art audio-visual displays offer a fascinating insight into the city’s role in the worldwide civil rights movement and the early conflict era in the city.

In County Derry, the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coastal Route, making the city the perfect base to discover two of Ireland’s great coastal touring routes.

Explore Derry virtually!

Until you’re ready to travel why not take a virtual tour of Derry from home. Here you’ll be able to see the historic 400-year-old City Walls, the Guildhall and even experience 360 views of some of Derry’s most iconic visitor attractions.

To make a break for Derry City and to explore Ireland’s scenic north west further why not book a private, customized, chauffeur drive tour of Ireland with Specialized Travel Services – Fill in the Contact form or send an email request to: newyork@jeremyd50.sg-host.com

It’s cosmopolitan, creative and steeped in history – but it’s the unique combination of warmth and wit that makes Derry City so special! Your Ireland vacation will be LegenDERRY!

Note: Featured image at the top of the blog is of the Peace Bridge in Derry City © Photographer/Creator: Aidan Monaghan © Tourism Northern Ireland.