Derry

Derry

General Information
Name	Derry
Native Name	Doire
Other Names
Settlement Type	City
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	54.9972° N, 7.3092° W
Map
Population
Total
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

Derry (officially Londonderry) is a city in Northern Ireland, located on the River Foyle. It is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-largest city on the island of Ireland. The name "Derry" is an anglicization of the Old Irish name "Doire," meaning "oak grove." The city is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and its role in the Northern Ireland conflict.

History

Derry's origins date back to the 6th century when it was established as a monastic settlement by Saint Columba. The city was strategically important due to its location on the River Foyle, which provided access to the Atlantic Ocean. In the 17th century, Derry was granted a royal charter by King James I, and the city was officially renamed "Londonderry" as part of the Plantation of Ulster.

The Siege of Derry

One of the most significant events in Derry's history is the Siege of Derry in 1689. During the Williamite War in Ireland, the city was besieged by the forces of King James II. The siege lasted for 105 days, and the city's defenders famously refused to surrender, leading to the eventual relief of the city by the forces of King William III.

The Troubles

Derry played a central role in the Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to 1998. The city was the site of the Battle of the Bogside in 1969 and the Bloody Sunday massacre in 1972, where British soldiers shot and killed 14 unarmed civil rights protesters.

Geography

Derry is situated in the northwest of Northern Ireland, near the border with the Republic of Ireland. The city is built on the banks of the River Foyle, which flows into Lough Foyle and the Atlantic Ocean. The city is surrounded by hills and has a temperate maritime climate.

Economy

Historically, Derry's economy was based on the textile industry, particularly shirt-making. In recent years, the city has diversified its economy, with growth in the technology, digital media, and tourism sectors. The city is also home to the University of Ulster's Magee campus, which contributes to the local economy.

Culture

Derry is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals, music events, and cultural institutions. The city was awarded the title of UK City of Culture in 2013, which helped to boost its cultural profile. Derry is also famous for its Halloween celebrations, which are among the largest in Europe.

Transport

Derry is served by the City of Derry Airport, which offers flights to several destinations in the UK. The city is also connected by rail and road to other parts of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Foyle Bridge and the Craigavon Bridge are key transport links across the River Foyle.

Education

Derry has a range of educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools, as well as higher education facilities. The University of Ulster's Magee campus offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Also see

• Northern Ireland
• Siege of Derry
• Troubles
• Bloody Sunday (1972)
• University of Ulster