Derry (Northern Ireland)

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County Derry (or County Londonderry) is one of the traditional counties of Ireland. It is located within the province of Ulster and is part of Northern Ireland. It was named after its main town – and later city and administrative centre – Derry , which lies in the north-western corner of the county. It is one of four counties in Northern Ireland which presently has a majority of the population from a Catholic community background, according to the 2001 census.

The highest point in the county is the summit of Sawel Mountain (678m) on the border with County Tyrone. Sawel is part of the Sperrin Mountains, which dominate the southern part of the county. To the east and west, the land falls into the valleys of the Bann and Foyle rivers respectively; in the south-east, the county touches the shore of Lough Neagh, which is the largest lake in Ireland; the north of the county is distinguished by the steep cliffs, dune systems and remarkable beaches of the Atlantic coast.

Derry is mainly a hilly county, with scenic hills, glens and river valleys. To the south the Sperrin mountains, culminating in Sawel (2,240 feet), mass along the border with County Tyrone; in the north is the Atlantic coast, fringed with magnificent beaches of surf-washed sand. Derry city, on a commanding hill overlooking a broad tidal curve of the River Foyle, is an ancient and historic town. On the northern coast are the seaside resorts of Portstewart and Castlerock, and throughout the county there are numerous tourist attractions.

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Population: 1.724.400
Languages: English, Welsh, Scots Gaelic
Currency: British pound
Currency code: GBP
Local Times:
U.K. - Northern Ireland - Belfast

Country Dialling Code: +44
Voltage: 230V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
3 large flat prongs

Northern Ireland is a land of blue mountains and forest parks, mazy lakes and windswept moors, white Atlantic sands, an inland sea. Dozens of small towns are hidden away down among the green places of the countryside, and fishing villages string out along the shores. The towers and steeples of parish churches mark the high ground beyond trimmed hedgerows.

The heritage of Northern Ireland is largely rural. Ulster people are outdoor people. They spend their leisure time pottering around the coast or going on family expeditions to the mountains at weekends. The rivers are full of fish , with friendly hotels and B&Bs along the banks to welcome anglers at the end of the day, and lively musical evenings in nearby hostelries. For golfers there are the famous fairways of championship courses and whole series of lovely links, many in enchanting cliff-top settings.

Dozens of small towns are hidden away down among the green places of the countryside, and fishing villages string out along the shores. The towers and steeples of parish churches mark the high ground beyond trimmed hedgerows. The country's turbulent past, which still resonates today, has also helped shape the landscape.

The weather can be fickle but the rain keeps the land a magical emerald green and, when the wind blows the clouds away to sea, the sky like the mountains is blue. The air is clean - and so sweet that you will want to open the car windows to let the breezes in.

There are 50 miles of cruising waters on Lough Erne , sailing on Lough Neagh - the biggest lake in the British Isles - sea fishing off Strangford and the Antrim coast , and many other Water sports. You can go cycling and pony trekking along the seashore and backpacking in the Mournes.

some places to visit;

The three historic cities of Belfast , Derry and Armagh .

The Mountains of Mourne and the sea lough of Strangford .

The Causeway Coast and the Glens of Antrim .

The Fermanagh Lakeland in the south-west.

The Sperrin Mountains and the empty moors of western Ulster