Derry

Derry, also known as Derry or Londonderry, is a city in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. It lies on the River Foyle and is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland. The city proper has about 85,000 residents, while the wider Derry City and Strabane District Council area is home to roughly 250,000 people.

Name and identity: The city has a long-standing naming duality. Nationalists commonly use Derry, while many unionists prefer Londonderry. Both names refer to the same urban area, and usage varies by context and audience.

History and urban form: Derry grew as a fortified settlement in the early 17th century during the Plantation of Ulster and developed into an important commercial center. The 17th-century city walls are among the best-preserved fortifications in Ireland. The 1689 Siege of Derry is a key event in its history. In the late 20th century, the city was affected by the Troubles, with regeneration following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Landmarks and culture: Notable sites include the circular city walls, the Guildhall, St Columba’s Cathedral, and the Tower Museum. The Bogside murals preserve social history, and the Peace Bridge, opened in 2011, links the city center with the Ebrington area. The Apprentice Boys of Derry festival is a major annual event.

Economy and education: The economy has shifted from traditional industries such as linen and shipbuilding to services, education, healthcare, and tourism. Institutions include Ulster University at Magee Campus and the North West Regional College. Derry is connected by road and rail to Belfast, and by the City of Derry Airport near Eglinton.