This is an easy one to miss and I must admit I just happened on it by chance, or was it the Sherlock Holmes in me! Continue reading “Sally Forth from the Sally Port”
Ferryquay Gate – Shutting of the Gates Ceremony
Ferryquay is one of the four original City gates and overlooked the ferry quay on the River Foyle. It originally had a drawbridge over a dry moat and a tower. The original gate was significantly widened in 1795 and rebuilt in its present form in 1866. The keystones on this gate represent the Reverend George Walker, Episcopalian Minister and Governor during the Siege of Derry, and the Reverend James Gordon, Presbyterian Minister during the Siege. Continue reading “Ferryquay Gate – Shutting of the Gates Ceremony”
Past, Present and Future from a local
City Walking Tour
I had not visited Derry for a number of years and this time I was with someone who had not been there before. Perchance I made an idiot of myself by not knowing my way around, I decided to call into the Tourist Office (at 44 Foyle Street, along the River Foyle) and procure a tourist map of the city. Prior to getting into the office I was “accosted” outside the door by a gentleman who was most insistent we join his city walking tour. Continue reading “Past, Present and Future from a local”
Walk Old Derry’s Walls
In 2013 Derry celebrated as the UK’s first City of Culture. 2013 also marked the 400th anniversary of the commissioning of its City Walls. Continue reading “Walk Old Derry’s Walls”
Do not be afraid – just be careful
Over the years Northern Ireland, in general, has been considered an unsafe and indeed downright dangerous place for visitors. Belfast, Derry and the border areas, in particular, have been perceived as especially dangerous. Continue reading “Do not be afraid – just be careful”
The City on the Foyle
What’s in a name?
Firstly let me deal with the issue of the name of the city. Officially it is Londonderry though the majority of citizens refer to it as Derry. Continue reading “The City on the Foyle”
Art Nouveau in the Old City
Riga is justifiably famous for its Art Nouveau buildings and decorations, the most spectacular, flamboyant and ornate of which can be seen in Alberta and Elizabetes ielas and surrounding streets, a short walk to the north east from the Old City. Continue reading “Art Nouveau in the Old City”
The Three Brothers
Tucked away in Mazā Pils iela you will find the Three Brothers – three Medieval to Baroque period houses, in a terrace like format. In medieval times houses at this location would have been on the outskirts of the city and home to craftsmen and their families. Today, the houses are home to the Latvian Museum of Architecture (No 19 – the centre house) and the State Inspectorate for Heritage Protection which you likely would not have cause to visit. Continue reading “The Three Brothers”
‘Graffiti’ in the Old City
Of late I have taken a liking to street art – aka graffiti. Lest my Reader think that I have developed anti-social tendencies in my advancing years, I assure you I am absolutely against wanton destruction of public or private property by tasteless tagging and the like. Continue reading “‘Graffiti’ in the Old City”
Swedish Gate
Riga’s medieval city walls had eight gates. Today only one of those gates, that giving access to Jacob’s Barracks from the Old City, Swedish Gate, remains. Continue reading “Swedish Gate”
The Rambling Wombat 