Enjoy a Weekend Break in the UK City of Culture 2013: Derry

In terms of culture, the UK has plenty of it. So to be named the UK’s City of Culture is a coveted title. This year, Derry in Northern Ireland is flying the flag of this cultural honour. And if that’s not flattery enough, Lonely Planet has also named it one of the top ten cities in the world to visit for a weekend break in 2013.

Expect to see beautifully rugged and craggy landscapes, mesmerising historical reminders of a bloody past, and artistic signs of the political unrest that went on here.

Derry City Wall Triumphal Gate, Northern Ireland, UK by Laura Bernhardt

Circle the city walls

This year will be the 400^th anniversary of the city walls, which have stood their ground since the 17^th century. While the walls have always defended Derry and have never been breached, most of the city’s buildings were destroyed during the bloody sieges on the city. This makes the walls one of the city’s most historic attractions. A stroll around the old border is a must while you’re there.

Saint Columb’s Cathedral

As one of the only buildings to survive the Siege of Derry, Saint Columb’s Cathedral is the city’s oldest building. Finished in 1633, the imposing cathedral stands strong in the middle of the city. Built from the same stone as the city’s walls, the church’s original foundation stone, recording its completion, still sits in the porch under the spire. Here you’ll also find a hollow mortar shell from the Great Siege of 1688-89. Fired into the churchyard, the shell carried the terms of surrender. You’ll find numerous other historical artefacts inside the cathedral including old photos and the padlocks that held the city gates closed in the 17^th century.

Saint Columb’s Cathedral, Derry, Northern Ireland, UK by John Lord

Inishowen 100

This scenic route stretches along Ireland’s northern coastline and is unlike any other leisurely drive in the UK. To put it bluntly, it’s stunning. The 100 mile route officially begins in Brigdend, 15 minutes from Derry, and meanders around Inishowen’s wild and jagged coastline. Passing panoramic views of Lough Swilly and the Atlantic, the route also makes its way to the lookout at Fahan, Knockamany Bens, which overlooks the Five Finger Strand and Crockaulin, which descends into Greencastle.

See the People’s Gallery

Made up of 12 large outdoor murals, the People’s Gallery is a powerful display of socialist political statements. Spread across the Bogside district north of the river, these murals were created by the Bogside Artists who first formed in 1993 and use their art to convey the people’s struggle for basic democratic rights.

Visit the Tower Museum

Encompassing all of Derry’s intriguing and turbulent history, the Tower Museum is an impressively overwhelming historical story of the city’s life. You can easily spend a day wrapped up in Derry’s often troubled and bloody past, starting with its geological formation and covering everything from the Siege of Derry to the political troubles the city has faced.

With its name now solidly on the tourist trail, Derry is going to be a popular place this year. So before you head off, just a word of advice – pre-book your accommodation. Companies like Superbreak offer cheaper hotel prices for a short city break in Derry and the surrounding area.

Tags: Circle the city walls, Inishowen 100, Northern Ireland, People’s Gallery, Saint Columb’s Cathedral, Tower Museum, UK’s City of Culture

Category: Cities, Cities