In Northern Ireland, there’s a city with two distinct names: Derry or Londonderry. Located in the north-west of Northern Ireland, it is at the heart of a name controversy that is symbolic of the political and cultural tensions that have marked the region’s history. And I might as well warn you, this is another controversial subject! It’s a subject that’s as divisive as it is confusing, but one that you’ll need to master if you want to travel to Northern Ireland… if only to avoid a social faux pas!
The city of Derry is one of Ireland’s oldest and most historically rich. To understand why Derry is sometimes called Londonderry, we need to delve into the past, to grasp the historical, political and cultural reasons for this duality of names.
Derry was originally the town’s first name. Its Irish name is “Doire”, meaning oak grove. This name comes from the large oak forest that populated the area in the early days of the town.
Over the centuries, Derry has grown into an influential city, renowned for its trading port.
However, things really got complicated in the 17th century. At the time, Ireland was under English colonialism. And Derry was no exception, especially since King James I wanted to intensify settlement in the north of Ireland.
At this time, he set out to colonize Ulster with British Protestant settlers to reinforce English control over this predominantly Catholic region.
For Derry, everything changed in 1613, when the town was granted to the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers of London and other guilds in the City of London. In recognition of the financial and administrative involvement of these guilds in the rebuilding and development of the town, it was renamed Londonderry by royal decree.
A very official reminder that Derry is now under the management of the Crown, and more specifically of London.
English and Scottish settlers built ramparts (still intact today and known as the Derry Walls), buildings and infrastructure, profoundly transforming the face of the town.
If the change of Derry’s name to Londonderry didn’t go unnoticed, it was mainly because it was seen as a profound lack of respect from the English towards the Irish.
With this name change, Londonderry became a symbol of British settlement and Protestant dominance in a predominantly Catholic Irish region.
It’s a thumbing of the nose that has enabled the English to assert their control over a territory that was initially foreign to them.
The town’s name took on an even more political connotation over the following centuries, particularly during the Troubles (1968-1998), a period of identity conflict in Northern Ireland.
For the Catholic and nationalist community, who identify more with Ireland and often want the island to be reunited, the name “Derry” is preferred. It was seen as a rejection of British imperialism and an affirmation of Irish identity.
On the other hand, for the Protestant and Unionist community, which considers itself British and wishes to maintain its union with the United Kingdom, the name “Londonderry” is significant. It recalls the historical and cultural links with Great Britain and underlines the importance of British identity in Northern Ireland.
This division is reflected in the city’s institutions and daily life. Officially, the name “Londonderry” is used in legal documents, official maps and administrative references in the UK.
For example, the name of the surrounding county is “County Londonderry”. However, in everyday conversation and in local publications, the name “Derry” is frequently used, particularly by nationalists.
Worse still, the debate over the name is so intense that it has even reached the courts. In 1984, the High Court in Belfast ruled that the town’s official name is “Londonderry”. However, in 2009, the city council voted to change the city’s name to simply “Derry”, although this did not change the official status, as the change required legislation at national level.
For visitors and tourists alike, the duality of the name Derry or Londonderry can be confusing, but it also offers a unique window into the region’s complex history.
Tour guides and locals often use the two names interchangeably, while being aware of the sensitivities associated with each. The city walls, museums and monuments tell the story of Derry/Londonderry and reflect its cross-cultural influences.
The city also hosts numerous cultural events and commemorations that embody this duality. For example, every year the Apprentice Boys of Derry celebrate the 1689 Siege of Derry, a crucial event for the Protestant community, but highly reviled by Irish Catholics.
Despite the controversy over the name, Derry/Londonderry has made significant progress towards reconciliation and peaceful coexistence. The peace process in Northern Ireland, symbolized by the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, has enabled the city to begin to overcome sectarian divisions.
Local initiatives encourage intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, and the city has become an example of resilience and renewal.
The Peace Bridge, inaugurated in 2011, is a powerful symbol of this desire to bring communities together. This pedestrian and cycle bridge, which links the city’s Nationalist and Unionist districts, is a constant reminder that, despite historical and political differences, the people of Derry/Londonderry share a common future.
As you can see, the choice between the two names for the town is a complex and potentially tricky one.
As a traveler, it can be difficult to know which one to use.
Our advice: it all depends on the context! You’ll need to adapt to the person you’re talking to and the signals they’re sending you!
Rest assured, you don’t need to be a mentalist to do this. The rule is even easy to implement.
Clearly, prefer Derry if you’re talking to an Irish Catholic, and prefer Londonderry if you’re dealing with a Protestant.
If you’re in doubt, play the imitation card: use the name used by the person with whom you’re conversing. Above all, take into account the person’s sensitivity, and be gentle with your words.
For official or administrative purposes, the term Londonderry is preferred.
Last but not least, avoid any discussion of the city’s history and politics… unless you’re invited! The people of Northern Ireland can be quick to turn up the heat on such sensitive issues. The best thing to do is to stay neutral!
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