The Walled City of Derry

ni2012: our time our place

2012.  It’s here and it’s going to be amazing.

This is the year we take centre stage with new, iconic visitor attractions, unprecedented events and historic anniversaries.  Whether it’s music, theatre, festivals, comedy, ships or show tunes, there’s going to be something to tickle everyone’s fancy.

The North West will play a major part in the celebrations of 2012, by hosting key events such as:

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and Maritime Homecoming Festival

Peace One Day Concert

Peace Camp by Deborah Warner

For further information on these events and all other key events happening throughout Northern Ireland in 2012, please go to www.ni2012.com

This is Our Time.  This is Our Place.

 

The Walled City of Derry

The Walled City of Derry is one of five key signature projects situated within Northern Ireland.  Being driven by NITB, the signature project aims to transform Londonderry, and its walled environs, into a world-class, must-see, visitor destination. 

The tourism offering in the city has progressed in recent years, with work being carried out on projects such as the refurbishment of the Tower Museum and development of the Museum of Free Derry; new signage and interpretation around the city walls; city centre environmental improvements in Guildhall Square and Waterloo Place; the preservation of key buildings such as the Playhouse Theatre, First Derry Presbyterian Church, and Saint Columb’s Cathedral; and emphasis being placed on the city’s cultural scene, with the roll-out of a Business and Cultural Animation programme, as well as exhibitions being put in place at the Nerve Centre, Verbal Arts Centre and the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall. 

The cultural scene in Derry~Londonderry is buzzing at the minute.  Having always had a reknowned music and cultural scene, this was raised to a new level, when in July 2010, it was announced that the city will host the first ever UK City of Culture in 2013.  If this wasn’t exciting enough, it was then announced a short time after, that the city will also be a host port in the final leg of the Around the World Clipper Yacht Race in July 2012.  Being a city with a rich maritime heritage, this is something the city is really proud off.

However the work doesn’t stop here.  In recent weeks, the city has witnessed the opening of the Peace Bridge - a new walk and cycle bridge across the River Foyle, linking the ancient Walled City to the historic Star Fort at Ebrington.  The Ebrington site itself will be transformed into a major cultural hub consisting of a huge outdoor performance plaza with a 14,000 capacity and also home to a number of museums and galleries.

Over the next two years, outstanding work on the Built Heritage programme will be completed with the re-development of the Aras Colmcille complex, the Guildhall, and the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall.  This will also be complemented by a world class lighting scheme, which will illuminate the city walls, Craigavon Bridge and the Built Heritage sites.

 

Derry~Londonderry:  UK City of Culture for 2013

Derry~Londonderry has made history after winning its bid to be the first ever UK City of Culture in 2013. The momentous win means that in 2013 Derry~Londonderry will play host to a year-long celebration of culture in the city, opening its doors to visitors from across the world.  It is anticipated that people will come in their thousands to experience the cultural life that has been at Derry's heart for generations.  For more information, please visit our City of Culture page.

 

Slí Cholmcille

St Columba Trail / Slighe Chaluim Chille

Sli Cholmcille, the St Columba Trail is the first visitor trail between Scotland and Ireland and is named after St Colmcille or Columba, a native of Donegal.  The trial stretches from Gleann Cholm Cille in South West Donegal to the Western Isles of Scotland.  There are nine interlinked routes, including three in Donegal, one in the city of Derry~Londonderry and another between Coleraine and Limavady. 

The trail  was recently launched in Belfast and further information  can be found at www.colmcille.org as well as this downloadable leaflet - St Columba Trail

The Sli has an online resource offering maps, images and information on St Columba and the places that he and his early Christian followers journeyed to.  For centuries, pilgrims have visited the numerous landmarks linked to St Columba which range from his Donegal birthplace to Iona in Argyll where he founded his monastery in 563.  It is hoped that this online resource will inspire modern day pilgrimages to these areas and create a new visitor experience for tourists in Ireland and Scotland.  Each of the 72 stops on the trail has historical significance and many are located in the most beautiful landscapes of Ireland and Scotland.  It was developed by Colmcille, a partnership between Foras na Gaelige and Bord na Gaidhlig, the bodies with responsibility for promoting Irish in the island of Ireland and Scottish Gaelic in Scotland.  The Amra Choluim Chille project was developed by Colmcille in partnership with the ULTACH Trust.

 

Derry~Londonderry Events Calendar 2012

Derry City Council has recently produced a programme of events for the city.  As Derry~Londonderry gears towards 2013 and the UK City, this years  events are bigger and better than ever before, with highlights including the Peace One Day Concert, North Atlantic Fiddle Convention, the Olympic Torch Relay and the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.  Please click here to download a copy of the events guide.

For further information please contact Derry City Council:

Tel: (028) 7136 5151  textphone: (028) 7137 6646

Or email: equality@derrycity.gov.uk