THE MADIEN CITY

One of the city’s best known landmarks as well as a retail store is Austins. Dating back to 1907 the store, housed in a distinctive five storey Edwardian building, has an extensive range of goods, many of which make ideal gifts. Situated in the Diamond in the heart of the city, Austins Department store is a must see for most enthusiastic shoppers. Meanwhile the Craft Village off Shipquay Street takes a step back in time and with its cobbled walkways and ornate shops be sure not to miss it!

The Port of Londonderry at Lisahally shares in the city’s commercial and tourist resurgence with increasing numbers of cruise ships now including the city in their itineraries. Developments in marine tourism will include the establishment of the city’s first pontoon on Queen’s Quay and the continued riverfront transformation.

The City of Derry Airport provides links from Dublin, Glasgow, Manchester and London Stansted. Ryanair offers some of the cheapest air fares into Ireland via its Derry-London Stansted route.

PALCES OF INTEREST
City Walls. Derry is the only completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of walled cities in Europe. Its Walls are a valuable tourist resource which draw ever growing numbers of visitors to the city. Built in 1613-1618 and measuring one mile in circumference, they constitute a unique promenade around the inner city. Its alternative title of The Maiden City is derived from the fact that its walls have never been breached.

Guildhall. The Guildhall overlooking the City Walls and the city’s main square (Guildhall Square) was built in 1890 and is a fine example of neo-gothic style structure. It presently houses the Council Chamber and is the civic and cultural centre for the people of the city.

The Tower Museum. As detailed earlier the Tower Museum, located within the city walls, tells ‘The Story of Derry’. It is an excellent museum and has won many awards for its presentation and display of information.

St Columb’s Cathedral. St.Columb’s is the first Protestant cathedral in the British Isles built after the Reformation and is a fine example of Planter’s Gothic and has played an important role in the history of the city. Standing on such a prominent position within the old city it represents something of infinite spiritual value in the development of this area.

Foyle Cruise Line Ltd. Offers cruises on the River Foyle to Culmore Bay or Greencastle with interesting commentary about this historic river.

Harbour Museum. A traditional museum with emphasis on the city’s maritime and riverine connections.

Loughs Agency~ Riverwatch. A new visitor attraction situated at the Loughs Agency Headquarters on the Banks of the River Foyle, Riverwatch allows people of all ages and abilities to explore and discover the natural resources of Lough Foyle.

Amelia Earhart Cottage.This cottage is situated in 55 acres of parkland and displays the development of flight through the century. A solid tribute to the bravery of the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, the cottage is located in the field where Amelia Earhart landed in 1932.

Genealogy Centre. With a database of over one million records the centre offers a fee paying research service and is a must for those interested in tracing their ancestors.

Workhouse Museum. Exhibitions on the Famine and Atlantic Memorial.

The Craft Village. Walk back in time in this picturesque shopping precinct located within the City walls it houses a traditional thatched cottage which provides entertainment during the summer months, a coffee house and local craft shops.