Last weekend saw myself and 2 friends from Ballaghaderreen Art Group in Derry for the Pride of Place Awards. We didn’t win a prize on the night but were delighted to be nominated by Roscommon County Council. We went up by bus on Saturday morning and returned on Sunday evening. The awards ceremony was on Saturday night…a wonderful evening full of entertainment and a gala dinner for 700 people. There was of course a lovely vegetarian option. Derry knows how to please it’s visitors…that’s for sure.
The City Walls are they most dominant feature of the city. They have been here for 400 years and are about 8 metres wide. On Sunday morning we walked the walls…as most visitors to the city do…it is a must.
Great views of the city from the walls. This is the Bogside…scene of much upheavel during the so-called Troubles. Thankfully all is peaceful now…
though it takes longer for some people to accept.
Lots of lovely discoveries to be made on the wall walk. St. Augustine’s Church was my personal favourite. Founded in the late 6th century there has been a church on this site ever since.
This lovely plaque is set into the footpath just inside the gate.
The church is open for visitors but as a service was just starting we stayed outside.
The graveyard is lovely…beautiful trees and very old graves here. I love reading old headstones…they can tell a lot about a place.
The inner city wall supports more stone slabs.
In memory of the long departed.
Back on the walls again…still the old sentry post stands here…
while cannons keep a peaceful watch now.
This is the Guildhall where we went to a craft fair on Sunday afternoon.
The Peace Bridge over the River Foyle was opened 2 years ago.
Wonderful mosaic in the Millennium Forum Building.
Beautiful…
such vibrant colours.
There’s so much to see in this wonderful city I can only give you a small taster here. Best of all though is the people…so friendly…welcoming and helpful. Taxis are cheap…3 or 4 pounds will take you anywhere in the city. It’s certainly a place I will return to in the not too distant future.
fromacountrycottage 
It is indeed a very vibrant city.
Thanks for this…it’s nice to see the real Derry as many of us only have the view from The Troubles.
Jane x
It really is a lovely city with so much culture and beauty. I only gave a glimpse of it here.
Congratulations on being nominated for an award! Good for you! Lovely tour of Derry, too.
It really is a wonderful place. Thanks for your good wishes.
Not being a city lover, I do love visiting Derry. Congratulations for your reason for being there Bridget.
One of my favourite places in the shrine of Cecil Francis Alexander in the Columba’s Church. A woman with a remarkable story, a bit too long to share here, but for one a reason why we have a visiting nurse service, despite the ruthess cutbacks today.
I am fascinated by the little Columcille Well on the edge of Bogside too. I have not been for a few year now. Must go back as I am sure it is better than ever there.
Did’nt explore St. Columba’s Church but we did pass by it. Hard to do everything in a short time. We fitted in quite a lot really. Will definitely go back there.
You’ve really whetted my appetite for it – and what is it about walls that demand to be walked – we always do too where possible – truly liminal places.
If there’s walls they’ve got to be done. It’s the one thing everyone asks “did you walk the walls.”
Thanks for this tour of Derry. It’s somewhere I have seen on TV a few times and thought it looked a fascinating place. Sad to see there are still signs of the troubled past but hopefully they are on the decline. I love the mosaic. Sounds like you had a great weekend.
I really recommend Derry…so much to see and do there.
Oh, what a lovely tour! Thank you, Bridget, for this inside peek into a beautiful old city!
Glad you liked it Cindy!
Thanks for sharing. Derry is now on my Bucket List. I absolutely love the St. Augustine’s Church!
It really is a lovely old church. We did’nt enter as a service was just starting but it is open to the public…and it’s free.
Looks a lovely city.
We’ve seen your husbands lovely window painting, your garden and what comes out of it, and the beautiful photos you make. But what is it you do that got you nominated for the award?
We were nominated for an award for our Community Art Group…we did’nt win but the weekend in Derry was lovely!