Derry/Londonderry- The First Tour of the City

I wasted no time in exploring the city center of Londonderry. Londonderry is the only remaining, completely intact walled city.

Walking up the walls. 

The views from the walls are wonderful

Derry/Londonderry has a majority Catholic population. Derry is the sight of the Bloody Sunday massacre (I will post about this in more detail later on). 

One of the only majority Protestant/Loyalist neighborhoods in Derry. You can tell by the red, blue, and white (the colors of the Union Jack) curbs. In a majority Catholic/Nationalist neighborhood, the curbs will be painted green, orange and white, the colors of the Irish flag. 

Here's a picture of the Peace Bridge, a pedestrian bridge over the River Foyle. 

Later on during this first week, we were taken to the Guildhall in the city center to meet the mayor. 

The Guildhall has been destroyed twice. Once by fire in 1908 and once by a bombing in 1972 during the troubles. The Guildhall only just reopened again this year after a major renovation. 

I love The Guildhall. I think it's beautiful, and I'm so glad it's open now. The stained glass windows are really spectacular. 

Coming Soon: GIANT'S CAUSEWAY 

-Shannon