‘Ireland’s Historic Walled City’

There is always a warm welcome in the historic Walled City of Londonderry also known as Derry, a city of contrasting cultures and the home of renowned hospitality. Situated on the banks of the River Foyle, Derry is the regional capital of the North West and the focal point for some of the most ambitious commercial and tourist developments in Northern Ireland.
The city in its natural environment offers the visitor a sense of history and culture unlike any other place in Ireland and the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau (DVCB) has used the historic past to encourage growing numbers of first time visitors to the city. DVCB, 44 Foyle Street, for Tourist Information Tel (028) 71 26 7284 or Administration & Marketing Tel (028) 7137 7577.

Culturally the city is a composite of peoples, since it has been invaded in turn by the Celts, Danes, Normans, Scots and English. The city has a new and positive profile and this has contributed to a confidence which is apparent and vibrant through its youthful population.
As a business and industrial centre the city is a hub of commercial and retail activity. Foyleside Shopping Centre is located on the west bank of the River Foyle and has tenants from all the High Street names including Marks and Spencer and Debenhams.

The Award Winning Tower Museum which tells the story of Derry includes the ‘Armada in Ireland’ exhibition at the museum. This exhibition will convey the story of one of the largest ships in the Armada fleet, La Trinidad Valancera, which floundered for three days before sinking in Kinneoge Bay, after the failed invasion of England in 1588. The central feature of the exhibition will be the permanent display of artefacts recovered from the sunken vessel alongside loan artefacts such as armour, ordnance survey information, medical equipment, paintings, documents and charts. It will provide an insight into life onboard a 16th century galleon. The exhibition and refurbishment work at the Tower Museum will be completed in 2004.