Derry - Londonderry - The Walled City of Culture

The City of Londonderry also known as Derry, has a very busy schedule this year. With being crowned City of Culture for 2013, several events and celebrations are to take place throughout the walled city and one more major festival has been added to the list. For the first time in its 60 year existence, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Éireann shall celebrate Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann north of the border in Derry City.

With the Fleadh being the biggest celebration of Traditional Irish Music, the event will see as many as 300,000 people visit Derry City over an eight day period from 11th - 18th August. There will rarely be a moment's rest with sessions being played from pubs to streets. Fun-days, pageants, marching bands, competitions, ceili bands, concerts and singing will all be the norm over the eight day celebrations.

As always, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri have provided a stellar line-up for this years Fleadh. Nobel Peace Prize winner and renowned poet Seamus Heaney will be joined by piper Liam O'Flynn while Cara Dillon will be accompanied by the Orchestra of Ireland. Other acts such as Dervish, Lorcán Mac Mathuna, Liz Carrol and Flook will feature throughout the festival also.

While we recommend not missing the Fleadh this year, for the first time ever Fleadh Cheoil 2013 will turn digital with a new website streaming Fleadh Live, an online show that will feature intimate performances from a selection of artists appearing around Derry.

Over the eight days we suggest a trip around the City of Derry to discover the wonders this place has to offer. Derry is the only completed walled city in Ireland and with this comes a fine historical background fit to catch anyone's interest.

First port of call must be a walk along the wall while taking in the old town. This gives you the chance to explore the streets and shops. A trip to The Tower Museum is also an excellent museum which displays two interesting exhibitions bringing you right through the history of Derry from monastic times to present day. The other exhibition is an Armada Shipwreck which sank off the Donegal coast in 1588. For the architectural enthusiasts paying a visit to St. Columb's Cathedral is the perfect choice. St. Columb's is the oldest and most historic building within the walled City of Derry. Finally no trip to Derry would be complete without taking a stroll over the new Peace Bridge. This beautifully constructed bridge in the heart of Derry was first open in 2011 and is fast becoming a major landmark for the city.

With 300,000 people expected to travel to Derry, it is advisable to pre-book your accommodation before arrival. You can find accommodation in Derry and the surrounding areas of Donegal, Tyrone and Antrim. Bed and Breakfast's are an great choice and are excellent value for money.