An engraving of the city walls from 1665.

TOP

TOP

TOP

TOP

TOP

TOP

Murals have gained much attention from the media and subsequently from tourists in the last few years and indeed specifically since the peace process began in September 1994. The messages expressed by murals in Derry are intrinsically linked to their geographical location and the cultural and religious majorities living in those areas; therefore they not only reflect the current political climate but represent invaluable testaments to the city's turbulent history.

FREE DERRY CORNER

The Pat Finucane Centre’s Political Guide to Derry describes Free Derry Corner as ‘a symbol of popular resistance to injustices and an affirmation of freedom throughout the world and is the most famous landmark in the city.’
Situated at the junction of Fahan Street and Rossville Street, the Wall marks a symbolic entry to the Bogside. It was originally painted in 1969 by local man the late John ‘Caker’ Casey with the words ‘You are now entering Free Derry’ during rioting after the Burntollet attack on a civil rights march. The Wall is seen as a dynamic art form as well as a focal point for the community and has undergone a number of changes over the years.
It has marked such diverse events as the release of Johnny Walker, one of the Birmingham Six, from prison, and Derry’s victory in the All-Ireland Gaelic Football final in 1993. The rear of the Wall regularly carries election campaign and other political boards. A photographic publication illustrating the diversity of images and messages displayed, and changes to the Wall over the decades, is planned for summer 2004.

Free Derry Corner

THE FOUNTAIN

The Fountain Estate is roughly bordered by Bishop Street, Upper Bennett Street, Abercorn Road and Hawkin Street and is the one remaining Protestant/Loyalist stronghold in a predominantly Catholic/Nationalist Cityside. The murals and kerb paintings in this area reflect its strong Unionist tradition and depict images of King William, the Red Hand of Ulster and Union Jacks. (Other Loyalist murals may be found in the Waterside, specifically in Bond Street and Irish Street.)

Mural depicting the Battle of the Boyne
and the Relief of Derry

BLOODY SUNDAY MEMORIAL

This memorial, situated in Rossville Street, commemorates Sunday 30 January 1972 when British paratroopers shot dead fourteen civilians during a Civil Rights march. Representations of the victims of what became known as Bloody Sunday were painted on the wall of a block of flats in Westland Street, although the original mural was replaced in January 1999. Both these memorials serve as a constant reminder to local people and to visitors that those killed have not yet been vindicated. A smaller memorial stands at Central Drive/Bishop's Field in Creggan.

Bloody Sunday Memorial

HUNGER STRIKE MEMORIAL

The Hunger Strike Memorial on Rossville Street, dedicated to the ten republican prisoners who died on hunger strike for political status in 1981, was officially unveiled on 5 May 2001, the twentieth anniversary of the death of Bobby Sands. The memorial is in the shape of an ‘H’, to represent the H-Blocks in which the prisoners were held, broken in the middle to symbolise their perceived victory over the prison regime. The symbol of the dove and the barbed wire is taken from one of Sands’s prison poems. The memorial has already been the cause of some controversy. It was built without official planning permission, and, during its construction, the DUP Minister for Regional Development, Gregory Campbell, threatened to have it demolished. Ten oak trees are also planted at the site to represent those who died.

SEAN KEENAN MEMORIAL

Situated about 100 yards to the east of Free Derry Corner is a memorial to prominent local republican and civil rights activist Seán Keenan, who died in 1993. Despite never having been convicted in any court, Keenan spent fifteen years in prison during three separate spells of internment without trial in the 1940s, 1950s and 1970s.

CARLISLE SQUARE SCULPTURE

This sculpture, situated at the Cityside end of Craigavon Bridge and unveiled in July 1992, shows two men reaching out to each other. It represents friendship and reconciliation and is the artistic embodiment of the 'hands across the divide' aspiration.

Carlisle Square Sculpture