- For other places with similar names, see Derry (disambiguation) and Londonderry (disambiguation).
Derry or Londonderry (in Irish , Doire Cholm Chille or Doire), often called the Maiden City, is a city in Northern Ireland. The old walled city of Londonderry lies on the west bank of the River Foyle, but the city now covers both banks and is connected by two bridges.
Derry is near the border with the Republic of Ireland, and serves much of western Ulster, including Donegal, as well as the west of County Londonderry. It is Ulster's second largest city and has an airport, City of Derry Airport. The city is run by Derry City Council.
The Name of the City
The city's name is a subject of dispute between nationalists (usually Catholics) and unionists (mostly Protestants), with nationalists calling it Derry, and unionists, Londonderry. The majority of the city's inhabitants use Derry. The city council is controlled by nationalist parties, and has officially changed its name to Derry City Council. The name of the city is still specified by its Royal Charter as Londonderry, and many unionists continue to call it Londonderry.
- See main article: Derry/Londonderry name dispute
 The "No Surrender" graffiti right outside the city wall: "LONDONDERRY WEST BANK LOYALISTS STILL UNDER SIEGE NO SURRENDER" |
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History of the City
Derry is one of the longest continuously inhabited places in Ireland. The earliest historical references date to the sixth century A.D. when a monastery was founded there, but for thousands of years before that people had been living in the vicinity. Colonists from London arrived here in 1600's and built the walled city of Londonderry. The city has long been a focal point for important events in Irish History.
Derry was the first ever planned city in Ireland, it was begun in 1613, with the walls being completed 5 years later in 1618. The central diamond within a walled city with four gates was thought to be a good design for defence. The grid pattern chosen was subsequently much copied in the colonies of British North America [1].
- See main article: History of Derry
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