Derry Tour

<< back

Derry~Londonderry is the premier cruise destination for the North West of Ireland. Situated in a central accessible location of Lough Foyle. Derry is the ideal gateway for visitors to discover the cultural heritage of Ireland's 16th century walled city, and the heartland of the Irish Chieftans. Along with the delights of the North Antrim Coast, the Giant's Causeway and the rugged beauty and hinterland of County Donegal. Other options include the home distillery of Bushmills and the natural geological feature known as the Giant's Causeway. Or pay a private visit to Baronscourt Estate, to meet the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn.

Baronscourt

The home of the Duke of Abercon's family since 1612, Baronscourt is among that handful of old family estates which combine great historical architexture interst with a landscape of outstanding natural beauty. After hurricane Debbie in 1961, 110 acres of the estate were converted into an 18-hole golf course, laid out in an attractive parkland setting and now recognised as being one of the best inland golf courses in Ulster.

Bushmills Distillery

The Old Bushmills Distillery makes its home in the north of Ireland, a place of rugged, untamed beauty. The Old Bushmills Distillery is the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery with a licence to distill from 1608. It uses age-old skill and craft to produce some of Ireland's finest whiskeys.

Giants Causeway

For countless centuries visitors have marveled at the mystery of the Giants Causeway in Antrim. At the heart of one of Europe's most magnificent coastlines, its unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns never fails to intrigue and inspire our visitors. To stroll on the giants Causeway is voyage back in time.

Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park is situated on the eastern side of the Derryveagh Mountains in northwest County Donegal. The Park contains 14,000 hectares of mountain, raised bog land, lakes and woodlands and is dissected by the valley which gives the park its name, Glenveagh (*Gleann Bheatha*) meaning Glen of the Birches.

Grianan of Aileach

Also known as The Greenan, and Grianán Ailighe, this is one of several monuments to be (latterly, at any rate) associated with the sun ("Grian" in Irish). Around the imposing stone wall (up to 4.5 metres thick and 5 metres high) are the remains of 3 earthworks which presumably pre-date the fort, which may have been built as late as the 6th century. The walls were only 1.8 metres high before enthusiastic restoration was carried out.

St. Columbs Cathedral

St. Columbs was built in 1633. It is the mother church of the Diocese of Derry and the vibrant parish church of Templemore. Dedicated to name of Saint Columba who established a Christian settlement here in the sixth century, the cathedral's primary purpose is the worship of Almighty God. In addition to Sunday services there is an act of worship each day and the cathedral is open daily to welcome visitors from far and near.

Tower Museum

The Tower Museum contains a permanent exhibition outlining the history and development of the ancient City of Derry from geological times to present day. Located in Union Hall Place, Derry, the Tower Museum has a fine collection of weapons, costumes and textiles, archaeology, archives, coins and medals and many more antiquities.

Walls of Derry

Built between 1614 and 1619, these were the last complete set of city walls built in Europe. They enclosed the new settlement of Londonderry, the 'jewel in the crown' of the Ulster plantation. For nationalists, this represented the final triumph of English colonialism over the Irish nation. Londonderry - designed and built by merchants from London - imposed English rule on Ulster as the last Irish chieftains fled in the 'Flight of the Earls'.

Golf - Royal Portrush

One of three 'Royal' courses in Northern Ireland, Portrush is steeped in history both golfing and otherwise, being overlooked by the ruins of Dunluce Castle. The only course in Ireland to have hosted the Open Championship (1951, when Max Faulkner won) it is on everybody's short-list of top Irish courses being a great test of any golfer's shot-making and nerve.


back to top