InterestingFacts
Did you know that Londonderry NI is home to the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples in Europe? The walls were built between 1613 and 1618 by the Irish Society and are about 1.5 km in circumference, forming a walkway around the inner city. They have never been breached, hence the city's nickname, "The Maiden City." Another fascinating fact is that the famous craft of shirt-making was once a major industry here, earning Derry the title "Shirt Capital of the World" in the 19th century.
The city is also a record-holder for its Halloween celebrations, which are among the largest in the world, attracting over 100,000 visitors for a spectacular carnival of fireworks, music, and haunted trails. Furthermore, the Peace Bridge, opened in 2011, is a stunning piece of engineering designed to symbolize the union of two previously divided communities. It has quickly become an iconic landmark. And for literature fans, Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney hailed from nearby Bellaghy, and his influence is felt throughout the region. These facts are just a glimpse into the unique and intriguing character of Londonderry.
