History and Culture

Derry city is one of the oldest inhabited settlements in Ireland. The city has been known as Daire Calagach, Doire Cholmcille, Londonderry and Derry; the common thread linking all these names is the Irish word Daire or Doire (anglicised as Derry) which refers to an ancient oak grove. By tradition, St Columcille or Columba founded a small church on the site in 546 AD, and Derry was a monastic centre of some importance for the following thousand years. In March 1613, James 1 created the city of Londonderry and the county of Londonderry by charter, and the settlement was funded by the City of London.

By 1619 the city was completely enclosed within stone walls, 24 feet high and 18 feet thick. These played a crucial role for the English and Scottish planters in the sieges of 1641, 1649 and 1689. The Historic Walled City of Londonderry has been designated as one of only five Signature Tourism Projects by the NI Tourist Board. This designation seeks to achieve a world-class visitor experience at key tourist destinations, and over £47m of public and private investment has been committed to the Walled City Signature Project.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw the city grow, as trade, industry and emigration all flourished and prosperity increased. Partition had a major effect on the city, and the twentieth century’s legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and the Troubles remain significant in understanding the new story that the City of Derry is telling the world today. This story is one of creativity, energy and a vibrant public culture, exemplified by our selection as the inaugural UK City of Culture 2013. Take a look at the range of things to see, do and experience here.