Derry (also known as Londonderry) surrounded by 17th century walls, is one of the oldest inhabited places in Ireland and one of the few remaining walled cities in Europe; and a very good base from which to explore the whole north-east. As the capital of the north-west region, it is a centre of culture and creativity.

The city has been re-born since the Second World War. Schools and universities focus on Information Technology to accommodate the demands of new digital industries which are replacing traditional textiles and shirt-making companies.

Huge investment is being made in the industrial, commercial, domestic and cultural architecture. New hotels, theatre, port, airport, museums, galleries and shopping facilities offer a high quality of life with massive potential for growth.

The area around Limavady was once important for linen-manufacturing and the town's claim to fame is that the song 'Danny Boy' or the 'Londonderry Air' was composed here by Jane Ross.

The roads are excellent, with miles of motorway and dual carriageway, and you are never much more than half an hour from the sea. Many beautiful beaches include those at Portstewart, a picturesque seaside town. Minor roads are well signposted and there are convenient places for picnics and sites for caravanning or camping.

In the summer the marchers can be heard, with their pipes and drums and brilliant banners, marching to a festival in town.

County Derry, one of Northern Ireland's most northerly counties is bordered by Donegal, Tyrone and Antrim. Derry derived its name from the Irish word 'doire', meaning oak grove, particularly an oak grove on an island totally or partly surrounded by water or peat bog. In early years, the area was called 'Doire Colmcille', as St.Colmcille founded a monastery there in the 6th century.

The beautiful Sperrin Mountains are bounded by the towns of Strabane, Dungiven, Magherafelt and Newtownstewart. A section of the range drops south towards Omagh over the Owenkillew river. In a mild winter the whin, or gorse, is in perpetual flower, with the blossoms smelling like coconut. The poet, Seámus Heaney, grew up on the edge of the Sperrins and they no doubt provided inspiration for some of his work.

From here you can get a History of Derry , Demographics of the Northwest Region and Derry, as well as some useful links.