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The Irish Sun

Find peace with relaxing staycation in 400-year-old fully walled Irish city steeped in history that inspired hit TV show

DERRY is 'embracing peace' as it becomes a tourism hotspot, the tour guide told me when I recently visited. Gone are the days when the city was associated with the violence of the Troubles, thanks to a Advertisement 15 Derry has become a tourism hotspot Credit: Getty Images - Getty 15 The city inspired the hit show Derry Girls Credit: Alamy 15 Ann Mooney's took in the sights along the city's walls Credit: Collect 15 Derry's Peace Bridge opened in 2011 Credit: Collect Today it is a vibrant, unique and interesting place to visit, a place where the past is not hidden and instead is embraced, cherished and immortalised by its people. 'Things are definitely on the move. This city was a war zone in the 70s and tourism is our builder now. Over the years the city has transformed and is peaceful. We all love our city and we have learned to share it. People are leading by example here by embracing peace, sharing Derry and its charms with visitors and we are getting on with it.' The words were spoken by our wonderful guide John McNulty who brought us on a tour of It is officially the only fully walled city in Advertisement Read more in Travel John, a guide with Martin McCrossan City Walking Tours didn't attempt to colour over or avoid talking about the Troubles and the suffering of the people of Derry. We heard about the events of The walls are 20ft high, complete with battlements, gates, watchtowers and original cannons which date back to 1642 and are inscribed with the names of the The Fishmongers' cannon is nicknamed Roaring Meg because of her size and the fact it took up to six men to fire her. Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun Exclusive We strolled listening to John pointing out the many iconic landmarks that can be seen from the walls, including churches and cathedrals and a great view of the Bogside with its iconic murals. I had never watched the 15 The Ebrington Hotel is located in old army barracks Credit: Collect 15 The Peacemakers Museum is located in the Bogside Credit: Collect Advertisement 15 An Irish breakfast is hard to beat Credit: Collect 15 The Walled City brewery offers signature brews created on site Credit: Collect I headed to Badger's Bar where the mural depicting the group of pals — four girls, Erin, Michelle, Clare, Orla and a wee English lad named James — is a landmark. I had the obligatory picture taken, as so many visitors have done since it was unveiled. Fans of the show just love the Derry Girls tour. Advertisement While other spots might hide their past, or brush over it, Derry has embraced it. There's the Peacemakers Museum, located in the Bogside, the area that witnessed many of the key events. LIVING HISTORY This is a place dedicated to keeping the memories of what happened alive, exploring the period from August 1972 to May 2007 and culminating in the evolution of the conflict into the peace process. And it has locals recalling their memories of the conflict. It features the key role played by peacemakers Advertisement There are many museums in the city and a visit to the Museum of Free Derry with its multimedia exhibition on the civil rights movement and the establishment of Free Derry in the 60s and 70s is also an experience. The Guildhall is an amazing and beautiful Neogothic-style building near the Peace Bridge. Free to enter, and originally built in 1887, it has been restored and has become a backdrop for many events in the city. PEACEMAKER Here, peacemaker John Hume is honoured. A special collection of the world-renowned peace accolades awarded to him are on display. The collection includes the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize, jointly awarded to John Hume and David Trimble for their role in the Advertisement 15 Some of the tasty treats on offer in the Walled City Brewery Credit: Collect 15 They brew around 500 different beers Credit: Collect 15 Derry is officially the only fully walled city in Ireland Credit: Collect Located in the square, it has been developed into a place of peace and tranquillity with restaurants and bars. It's where families come with their children and people gather to enjoy a drink, a meal and the craic. Advertisement The Peace Bridge stretches from here across to the other side of the Foyle River, bringing the mainly Unionist east side of Derry closer to the largely nationalist west side. During my stay, I went to the Walled City Brewery in Ebrington Square for lunch. PLENTY ON OFFER This award-winning brewhouse and restaurant is housed in an historic military barracks in the Intelligence room. And you won't be short for choice, as I was amazed to learn they brew around 500 different beers. The Walled City brewery offers signature brews created on site — some inspired by the hit show Derry Girls are a firm favourite! Try a Sexy Priest, Wee English Fella or Craic Killer. From the food menu, flavours of the North West are at the forefront. Advertisement This area housed one of the biggest army barracks in the North and I was interested to hear that many of the British soldiers based in Derry return on holidays. It's a long way from my home in GO: DERRY STAY THERE: The Ebrington Hotel and Spa, where modern luxury and Georgian splendour combine to create a unique ambience. There is a hydrotherapy pool and thermal suite here. There are many different offers available, but bed and breakfast for two adults can cost €300pn. Ann also stayed in Newforge House in Co Armagh to break up the drive back to Cork. Accommodation is around €220 pn. PLACES TO CHECK OUT: Peadar O'Donnell's for live music, and Grand Central for a drink, or try the Wig Champagne Bar. Bennigans is a bar with its own art gallery, record shop and live music seven nights a week. If you are getting the bus to Derry, check out Blackbird next door for a coffee or a cocktail. Follow in my footsteps and have a bite to eat and a drink in the Walled City Brewery. Try dinner in Browns, which is an award-winning restaurant, and lunch in Pyke N' Pommes. And, of course, get a pic with the Derry Girls and their Wee English Fella at Badger's Bar. For more information on Derry visit And it was made that bit easier by booking a night's stay at the fabulous five-star Newforge House near Craigavon, County This Georgian country house is run by John and Lou Mathers and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and green fields. Advertisement Here there is genuine Irish hospitality and superb food. The food is just delicious but is only available for residents. There are just six bedrooms, all with their own unique decor. This is an adults-only hotel, but the lovely Mathers are putting their land to great use as they have opened a dog meadow, where people can bring their doggy pals to a place where they can run and play to their hearts' delight. 15 The city is steeped in history Credit: Collect 15 Browns is an award-winning restaurant in the area Credit: Collect Advertisement 15 The Peacemakers Museum explores the period of conflict in the area Credit: Collect 15 Derry has a thriving food scene Credit: Collect