Londonderry | History, Name, & Map (2024)

FAQs

Why does Derry Londonderry have two names? ›

The name Derry is preferred by nationalists and it is broadly used throughout Northern Ireland's Catholic community, as well as that of the Republic of Ireland, whereas many unionists prefer Londonderry; however, in everyday conversation Derry is used by most Protestant residents of the city.

Finally, after much political rancor and ill will, the division was approved by the state government and signed into law on July 2, 1827. A new town was born which took the name of Derry - the original name of Londonderry in Northern Ireland which means a hill covered with oak trees.

Religious Segregation

Although Derry was originally an almost exclusively Protestant city, it has become increasingly Catholic over recent centuries.

The name Derry comes from the Irish word doire, meaning “oak grove.” “London” was appended as a prefix to the name in 1613 when King James I granted the city a royal charter.

Facing civil war in Ireland, Britain partitioned the island in 1920, with separate parliaments in the predominantly Protestant northeast and predominantly Catholic south and northwest.

County Derry (Londonderry) Most common names: Doherty, McLaughlin, Gallagher, McCloskey, Kane, Kelly, Coyle, Moore, Bradley and Campbell. County Down Most common names: Smith, Johnston, Thompson, Wilson, Campbell, Stewart, Robinson, Bell, Brown and Boyd.

While "Londonderry" was the official and formal name, most people in Northern Ireland called it "Derry" in informal speech. The name became a shibboleth when sectarian tensions increased.

Yes. Northern Ireland has the second lowest crime rate in Europe. Even during the years of civil unrest tourists were rarely directly affected.

Derry has become known worldwide on account of the Troubles. Less well-known is its reputation voted by the Civic Trust in London as one of the ten best cities of its kind to live in, in the United Kingdom.

Derry has a long history of sectarian tension and violence. In particular, the city became a refuge for Protestants during the 1641 Rebellion when thousands of Protestants were massacred by Catholics.

Why were Catholics not allowed to live inside the walls of Derry? ›

According to R.F. Foster, “The famous walls of Derry were completed in 1618 after four years of building, making it one of Ireland's principal fortresses… Catholics were not allowed to settle inside Derry, as a threatening majority; they colonized the Bogside outside the walls” (74).

The teenagers understand Catholicism—they pray before a statue of the Virgin Mary for help on a test—but religion makes no claims on their conduct or worldview. As can happen in any church group, even within their Catholic community they do not have fully Christian community.

Derry sayings are unique and we have compiled a list of some of our favourite sayings and, of course, a translation for non 'Derry wans': Yes hi = hello. Yer a slabber = you are a loudmouth.

This is a city so divided that it is not even possible to mention its name without choosing sides. Protestant loyalists call it Londonderry, and so it is called on maps. Roman Catholic nationalists, including the majority on the city council, cut London out of the name and call it Derry.

The fifth member of the gang is James, Michelle's cousin, who grew up in England but has been sent back to Ireland to live with his aunt. So a running gag of the show is that one of the five Derry Girls, attending the same Catholic all-girls' school, is actually an Englishman.

Generally, although not always, nationalists favour using the name Derry, and unionists Londonderry. Legally, the city and county are called "Londonderry", while the local government district containing the city is called "Derry City and Strabane".

In early January 1969, as police attacked the Bogside, the slogan 'You Are Now Entering Free Derry' was first written on the gable wall. It was inspired by the sit-in protests in Berkeley University, California.

County Londonderry (Ulster-Scots: Coontie Lunnonderrie), also known as County Derry (Irish: Contae Dhoire), is one of the six counties of Northern Ireland, one of the thirty-two counties of Ireland and one of the nine counties of Ulster.

The Waterside is a mainly Protestant and unionist area, while the rest of Derry City is mainly Irish Catholic and nationalist. During the Troubles, the Waterside's Protestant population grew, probably as a result of Protestants moving there from the west side of the river.