As I walked atop the walls of Derry I wondered why it had taken me this long to visit the city. Yes, it’s quite a drive at nearly five hours from Connemara but it wasn’t just that. Growing up my knowledge of Derry was based on news reports during the Troubles.

I remember watching scenes of people running from the British army, young lads throwing stones, army jeeps in the streets. My only connection with the city was belting out a few verses of The town I loved so well after a few drinks.

Over three days in April I discovered what I had been missing. Firstly, it’s a very walkable city. The famous Derry walls are about one mile in circumference and are fully accessible by foot. You can look over the city from the top of the walls and spot lots of important landmarks. Along the way there are gates, cannons and information boards on their history. I loved strolling along the walls, looking down at the city, across to the River Foyle and people going about their business.

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As a tour guide, I always try to do a tour of places I visit.

The Bogside walking tour was definitely a tour with a difference. We were very fortunate to have Jimmy Toye as our guide. Jimmy grew up in the Bogside during the Troubles. As we walked and talked he shared his personal experiences.

He pulled no punches, and at times, it was hard to listen to. He showed us streets, shopfronts and alleyways that I remember watching on television. He was on the streets on Bloody Sunday. His experiences on the day affected him deeply.

This was evident as he spoke to us, but also in his testimony at the Saville Inquiry. He spoke at length about the inquiry and the Good Friday Agreement. When asked about peace and the future, he was very clear, “No one here will ever want to go back to violence. Peace is all we want”.

It seemed appropriate that after that tour we would walk across the Peace Bridge. The bridge, for pedestrians and cyclists, over the river was opened in 2011. It is a winding bridge symbolising the road to peace is not a straight one. Great architecture can tell a story through structures and the Peace Bridge certainly does that. I have to admit it made me a little emotional.

While there were many, like myself, who were visiting the bridge, it was full of local people going about their day. It is indeed a bridge that connects communities.

It seemed appropriate that after that tour we would walk across the Peace Bridge. The bridge, for pedestrians and cyclists, over the river was opened in 2011. It is a winding bridge symbolising the road to peace is not a straight one

The city also has lots of references to the role of the linen industry in its history. I loved the giant bronze ‘Derry Spools’ honouring the women who worked in the shirt factories.

I even found a pub called Stitch & Weave, who very kindly gave me beer mats for my next gathering of sewing and weaving friends. I also found a great craft village to spend a few pounds on local crafts.

Walking around Derry you can’t miss the wall murals. Some depict scenes from the Troubles such as the iconic waving of a bloody handkerchief by priest Edward Daly. Another recognises the Nobel Peace Prize winners. Just to note John Hume’s Nobel Peace Prize medal is on display in the Guildhall.

There are also murals recognising some of its famous people including the Undertones, and of course, the cast of Derry Girls.

I love good food and I admit I went up north without great expectations in that area. Once again, I was surprised. While the hotel food was poor, a problem that is unfortunately common in many hotels, outside of that I found some great venues.

I had asked a local expert, Emily McCorkell, from Lo & Slo BBQ, for recommendations and she was spot on every time. From delicious scones to local ice cream, to a cookie pop-up we enjoyed lots of great local food.

I loved sitting in a double-decker bus enjoying a great burger and a fabulous supper at a family-owned Lebanese restaurant.

We stayed close to the Diamond in the centre of Derry, and I have to say Derry is indeed a diamond, one that I will return to.