Derry is an attractive modern city, of great historic interest, in surroundings of outstanding natural beauty.

In 1999, Cork in the Republic of Ireland hosted one of the most well attended BGS Spring Meetings in the Society’s history. It is now the turn of Northern Ireland, specifically Derry. Derry is one of the longest continuously inhabited places in Ireland (the earliest references date to the sixth century A.D.) Its name derives from the old Irish word meaning an oak grove on an island totally or partly, surrounded by water or peat bog.

In 1613, King James I of England, granted a charter to London companies which changed the name to Londonderry. The name has been divisive ever since, some seeing ‘Londonderry’ as a symbol of British history and heritage, others as an unwelcome reminder of a colonial past. The issue has been defused by a local broadcaster who refers to the city as Derry/Londonderry (pronounced “Derry-stroke-Londonderry”), and shortens it to “stroke-city”, a suitable venue, one might think, for a BGS meeting. Most people, not trying to make a political point, tend to use the shorter name, a policy which will be adopted here.

Lying across the border from Donegal, Derry is famously friendly. Dubbed “the prettiest looking town I have seen in Ireland”, by the Scottish historian, Thomas Carlyle, Derry is situated on the River Foyle. It has seen a renaissance in community activity, especially in the arts. The 20ft city walls, complete with watch-towers and cannon are marvellously intact. Having had to withstand some serious sieges (as city walls do), two failed sieges in the 17th century earned Derry the name “maiden city”.1

Apart from the excellent programme being planned by the 2004 Spring Meeting organising committee (more on this to follow in future issues), Derry is the gateway to County Donegal, one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland. Whether your pleasure is castles, ancient (12th century) ruins, museums or long walks in woodlands or on beach, Derry has something to please.

So watch this space and diarise 22-24 April 2004.

Prof Bob Stout

1. Insight Guide - Ireland