We actually saw some sun today too! It just made everything so much prettier. The greenery lush country side is so beautiful when you can see it. I love the stone fences and castles dotted all around along with the classic Irish houses in the country and rows of colourful terraced houses in every little town.
Derry/Londonderry is very interesting with its political history. We walked the completely intact inner city walls, which were built in 1613–1619 by 'The Honourable The Irish Society' as defences for early 17th century settlers from England and Scotland.
There were many troubles in the city, particularly from the late 1960s during the civil rights movements and it was the scene of 'Bloody Sunday' (and many other well known incidents).
From one of the gates, we walked down to Bogside to view the murals painted by the people of Bogside, including the now famous slogan; 'You are now entering Free Derry'. This reminded me of Checkpoint Charlie. Same situation, different set of people.
I was left feeling very blessed about my own time and circumstance of birth!
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| Our journey; sadly we didn't have time to see all the sights we'd have liked to see so we will come back in a different season next time, and with more time! |
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| Typical lush countryside and stone walled fences. The castle in the background is Classibawn Castle, viewed on the way to Mullaghmore fishing village |
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| A closeup view |
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| A scene in Donegal with some of Donegal castle |
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| Donegal town centre |
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| Scene from the wall in Derry/Londonderry |
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| Mural in Bogside |
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| Mural in Bogside |
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| The Governor Walker memorial where the toll column and statue once stood, bombed by the IRA in 1973 |
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| Free Derry Corner (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Derry_Corner) |
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| Bogside mural |
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| Bogside mural and activist signs |
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| The 'Peace Bridge' intended to improve relations between the largely unionist 'Waterside' with the largely nationalist 'Cityside'. |
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| Barry on the city wall looking out to the statues/war memorial in the Diamond (inner city center) |
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| Not English Breakfast 😂 |
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| Very Christmassy in the Foyleside Mall |
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