May 14, 2023 – Derry, Northern Ireland

Derry was another hub of violence during The Troubles, the period between 1969 and 1998 when those mainly of the Protestant persuasion couldn’t get along with the Catholics and vice versa. The Protestants had the power and the backing of the British.

Things started to escalate in the late 60s and early 70s. The British sent troops for peacekeeping but their presence only made things worse. On one Sunday in 1972, protesters and troops clashed and 14 protesters were shot and killed and more wounded by the Brits.

The event is known as Bloody Sunday. There are murals on apartment buildings in the area where it happened, an area called Bogside.

You will see the Tower Museum as you enter in Magazine Gate. It has displays explaining the founding of Derry and more of it’s history. What’s even more interesting is the displays and artifacts of the Spanish Armada.

There’s two cannons from Spanish ships that were recovered from a shipwreck not far from Derry. Thirty Spanish ships were lost around Scotland and Ireland. The Spanish didn’t know the waters well, especially along Ireland’s north and west coasts.

After the establishment of Derry, walls were built around it. They’re up to 8 meters high and 9 meters thick. You can walk the path at the top for free. It’s about a mile.

Along the way signs explain the features and history. The tourist information office is next to the Magazine Gate where stairs lead to the path. The helpful people in the office will give you a map of Derry which includes a guide to the walls.