Londonderry Walking Tour & Pub Visit

OVERVIEW

Walk atop the 17th-century walls that enclose the Old Town, stopping to visit iconic Saint Columb’s Cathedral and a local pub. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a picturesque drive along the inland Foyle Bay and up the Foyle River to Londonderry, more commonly known as Derry. Arriving in the original city, you will walk along the top of the towering 26-feet-high walls, which were built between 1613 and 1618 and remain among the best-preserved fortified walls in Europe. From this vantage point, you can easily make out Londonderrry’s medieval city plan, with the principal streets radiating from the center to the old gateways. Another point of interest is Guildhall, a late Gothic administrative building with 23 stained-glass windows that depict guilds for carpenters, musicians and others. Then, it’s on to Saint Columb’s Cathedral, which when erected in 1633 was the first cathedral built in the British Isles after the Reformation. While you tour, the organist will play the Irish favorite “Londonderry Air,” familiar to some as “Danny Boy.” It’s a fine prelude to visiting the cathedral’s Chapter House Museum, which holds rare artifacts such as the huge padlocks to Derry’s original gates. Later, at a local pub, you will celebrate the day with a drink before heading out on your own to explore further. You are sure to see plenty of reminders of the city's past and perhaps the neo-classical courthouse and shopping opportunities exist nearby. After almost one hour, you will rejoin your coach and travel back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk atop towering Old City walls considered some of the best-preserved in Europe.
• See and learn about Londonderry’s medieval streets and landmarks from an excellent vantage point.
• Visit iconic Saint Columb’s Cathedral and hear an Irish classic played by its organist.
• Stop in to a friendly pub for a sip of Irish drink, then take time to explore further at your leisure.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.