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Derry
& Strabane Council Logo |
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The
City Coat of Arms |
Londonderry (or
Derry) is the second largest city in Northern Ireland with a
population of approx. 100,000
Irish name: Doire
or Doire Colmcille, meaning the oak grove of St Columba. Sometimes
referred to as the Maiden City, due to the impregnable walls which
held out during the 1688-89 Siege of Derry. As the last city in
the British Isles to be enclosed with defensive walls, Derry to-day
is a major centre of tourism attractiing thousands annually to visit
the historic walls.
The old walled
city of Londonderry lies on the west bank of the River Foyle
(Cityside) with the Waterside on the east bank and the river being
spanned by two bridges.
The person
traditionally seen as the founder of the original Derry is St.
Columba 521 - 597 (also known as Colm Cille or St. Columb), a holy
man and royal prince from Tír Chonaill, the old name of County
Donegal which lies just a few miles from the City in the Irish Republic..
Over the years
Derry has produced an impressive array of musical talents, many of
whom went on to become international artists, most notably - Josef
Locke, Phil Coulter, Dana and recently "The Priests"
(Eugene & Martin O'Hagan). As well as these major
"stars" Derry has produced numerous local singers and
musicians who formed the main-stay of the arts in the City and these
include one of our Probus members, Mr William Loughlin (Bass), a
recording and broadcasting recitalist.
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New Peace Bridge
opened June 2011 |
Craigavon Bridge |
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St Columb's
Cathedral (C of I) |
St Eugene's
Cathedral (R.C.) |
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Siege Cannon in
Shipquay Place |
Peace Statues at
Carlisle Circus |
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