A Day in Derry

I apologize that this post is WAY overdue! I had my first test in my Medical Cell Bio. class last Thursday and I had to put my blog on hold while I was busy studying away in the library.


Last Saturday we decided to take the train to Londonderry/Derry. This little town is steeped with history and is still experiencing some fall out from the "troubles." Even the name has stirred up some controversy. Apparently back in the day, if you called it Derry you were deemed a Catholic, Nationalist or Republican Supporter in the eyes of the R.U.C. or British Army who called it Londonderry. For the history buffs hiding out there in my fan base, Bloody Sunday took place here. This incidence, though seemingly small today, is still a huge source of pride (and in some cases bitterness) for the people residing here. Religion is still a very touchy subject here and most people we met simply avoided the whole issue all together by stating they were atheist. But all issues aside, I absolutely loved this town! The people were very friendly, as usual, and we had a fabulous time!

Here are some pictures of St. Colum's Cathedral. I manage to snap one shot of the entry way before the women who worked in the church informed me that photography was not allowed. Oops.




We stopped at the church while we were walking around ON the city's original walls! So cool!!




A "cannon shot" for my dad photographed in the style of our Gettysburg trip. :-)



As you can imagine, walking around on city walls allows for some pretty incredible views!





(A preview of Derry's famous murals!)


After we finished walking the walls, we asked one of the locals where the murals were.









I loved the contrast of the bold statements the murals made and the quaintness of the town. The sign in picture below reads "You are now entering FREE Derry." As opposed to Derry ruled by the British. If you look closely you can see Derry has been vandalized and has been painted over a few times.

This is a view of the city walls outside of the city. Terry McCafferty is an Irish Republican POW if you'd like to learn a little more about him click here. The controversy involving him is pretty confusing and I'm not sure if I understand it all. When we asked someone who he was, all she said was hew had been in prison.


I still can't believe this amazing little town is only a 50 minute train ride away. I am so glad we visited and can't wait to go back!!

*Stay tuned for my blog on our trip to Amsterdam! It was awesome!!