Bogside from the Walls

We soon realised that it was possible to enjoy a fine walk all around the city walls so we decided this was how we would spend the rest of the morning.

There were information boards every few steps and, as there was so much history to read about, our progress was fairly slow, but did that matter? - no, we were carefree bears, making the last day of our holiday last as long as possible.


As well as stopping to read the information boards we also stopped frequently to take in the views over the different part of the city. Not far to the left of where are looking in our picture was the green hill which inspired the hymn writer Cecil Alexander to write the famous hymn, There is a Green Hill Far Away.

However, the focus of our attention at the time the picture was taken, was the famous area of Bogside. It looked quite peaceful as we gazed across it and we found it hard to believe that it had witnessed so much of the troubles in the city since 1969. We certainly felt very safe even though we were sitting in quite an exposed postion. We were fascinated by the artwork depicting the toubles appearing as huge murals on the sides of buildings. There are about 11 of them and we think we spotted them all.

It was so peaceful now that we could have stayed there all day, but Patrick reminded us there was more to see and led the way to the next interesting sight.

Lots of love, Patrick, Eddie, George & Yorkie xxx

Climbing the Walls (cheerfully)

It seems a long time since we started relating our Irish adventures and no doubt you'll find it hard to believe our holiday was only a week long.

However, for us, the last full day of our holiday came around all too soon. We were offered a day out in Londonderry and thought it would be a very fine way to spend our last day especially with such a fine and knowledgeable guide as Patrick.


As you can see we travelled from Ballymoney to Londonderry by Northern Ireland Rail. It is such a spectacular route, all along the coast, that even if you have cars available, it is best to leave them at home and sit back and enjoy the scenery. At one point we were so close to the beach and the crashing waves that we were quite glad the train had a non-opening window otherwise sitting where we were, we would have got very wet.

Once disembarked we strolled into the city centre and being bears who appreciate history and culture, we made for the historic city walls.


We knew we were in the right place when we found ourselves at this information board. We climbed up onto the walls intending to take in the views over the city. However, we quickly found ourselves distracted by some wonderful old artillery. The cannons were in such fine fettle that we were convinced that if only we had a cannonball to hand we could have really brought this city to life. The only problem was that we don't often travel with a cannonball in our pocket!


There was lots more to see from the walls as you'll find out soon.

Lots of love, Eddie, Patrick, George & Yorkie