County Londonderry

County Londonderry
Island_of_Ireland_location_map.svg: *Ireland_location_map.svg: NordNordWest Nort · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	County Londonderry
Native name	Contae Dhoire
Settlement type	County
Coordinates	54, 55, N, 6...
Subdivision type	Sovereign state
Subdivision name	United Kingdom
Subdivision type1	Constituent country
Subdivision name1	Northern Ireland
Subdivision type2	Province
Subdivision name2	Ulster
Seat type	County town
Seat	Derry
Area total km2	2075
Population total	252,231
Population as of	2021
Population density km2	auto
Blank name sec1	Districts
Blank info sec1	Derry City and Strabane, Causeway Coast and Glens
Iso code	GB-DRY

County Londonderry. It is one of the six counties of Northern Ireland, part of the historic Ulster province. The county is bordered by Lough Foyle, the River Bann, and County Antrim, with its landscape ranging from the Sperrin Mountains to the scenic Causeway Coast. Its administrative and cultural heart is the city of Derry, one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe.

Geography

The county's terrain is diverse, featuring the inland peaks of the Sperrin Mountains and the dramatic Atlantic coastline of the Causeway Coast. Major waterways include the River Foyle, which flows into Lough Foyle, and the lower River Bann, which forms part of its eastern border with County Antrim. Notable natural features are the Binevenagh plateau, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the expansive beaches near Portstewart and Castlerock. The county also contains parts of Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles.

History

The region's early history is marked by the influential monastic settlement founded by Saint Columba at Derry in the 6th century. Following the Tudor conquest of Ireland, the area was seized by the English Crown and became the focus of the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century, administered by the City of London livery companies, hence the name Londonderry. The city withstood the Siege of Derry in 1689, a pivotal event in the Williamite War in Ireland. The county was formally created in 1613, with its boundaries largely solidified by the Ulster Plantation. The 20th century was dominated by the Partition of Ireland and the The Troubles, during which events like Bloody Sunday in Derry gained international notoriety.

Demographics

According to the 2021 United Kingdom census, the county has a population of approximately 252,231. The largest urban area is the Derry city, with other significant towns including Coleraine, Limavady, and Portstewart. The population is diverse in terms of national identity and community background, with significant numbers identifying as Irish, British, or Northern Irish. The county has a higher proportion of people from a Catholic community background compared to the Northern Ireland average, particularly in the Derry City and Strabane district.

Economy

Historically centered on linen production and shipbuilding, the county's economy has diversified. Agriculture remains important, especially in the rural hinterlands. Manufacturing and engineering sectors are supported by companies like Seagate Technology in Derry. The tourism industry is a major employer, driven by attractions such as the Giant's Causeway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Old Bushmills Distillery, and the Mussenden Temple. Higher education is provided by Ulster University's campus in Coleraine, which contributes significantly to the local economy.

Culture and landmarks

The county is rich in cultural heritage, from the ancient Grianán of Aileach stone fort to the complete Derry city walls. It is famously associated with the poet Seamus Heaney, who was born near Bellaghy. Annual events include the Derry Halloween festival, one of the largest in Europe, and the North West 200 motorcycle race. Key landmarks include the Peace Bridge across the River Foyle, the Guildhall, and the Museum of Free Derry. The University of Ulster at Coleraine is a center for the arts, housing the Irish and British Academy-award winning Civic Arts Theatre.

Governance

For local government, the county is split between two districts: Derry City and Strabane District Council and Causeway Coast and Glens District Council. It is represented in the Parliament of the United Kingdom by constituencies such as Foyle and East Londonderry. In the Northern Ireland Assembly, it corresponds to the Foyle, East Londonderry, and Mid Ulster constituencies. The Lord Lieutenant of Londonderry is the British monarch's representative in the county.

Category:Counties of Northern Ireland Category:County Londonderry Category:Ulster