Londonderry

Londonderry, also known as Derry, is a city in the west of Northern Ireland. It lies on the River Foyle, which forms part of the boundary with County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. The city is the administrative center of the historic County Londonderry and is part of the Derry City and Strabane district.

Founded in 1613 as part of the Plantation of Ulster, Londonderry was planned with a circular street layout and substantial earthwork walls, which remain among the best-preserved city fortifications in Europe. The Siege of Derry in 1689 is a defining event in its early history. In the Troubles of the late 20th century, Derry became a focal point of civil rights protests and conflict, and the 1998 Good Friday Agreement contributed to a long period of relative stability.

Landmarks include the Walled City area, the Guildhall, the Guildhall’s stained glass and the Bogside murals. The Peace Bridge, opened in 2011, links the city center to Ebrington Barracks. The economy is driven by public administration, education, health, retail, and tourism, with the Magee Campus of Ulster University located in the city and City of Derry Airport serving the region. The city has a cultural scene, with events such as cross-border festivals, and a football tradition led by Derry City FC.

Governance and naming: The city is part of the Derry City and Strabane District Council. The name Londonderry/Derry is contested, with different communities preferring different forms; in official UK government contexts the name Londonderry is often used, while many residents and Irish authorities use Derry.