SSAFA Northern Ireland’s ‘Siege of Derry’ tour

01 August 2023

A caseworker for the Northern Ireland branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity with a keen interest in history recently took fellow volunteers on a “Siege of Derry’ tour.

The Siege of Londonderry of 1689 is arguably one of the most significant events in British and Irish history, and its consequences still shape the history of both Britain and Ireland.

Don Bigger, SSAFA NI Caseworker Londonderry, led the informative and enjoyable day out, which included a walk around the City Walls with a very knowledgeable commentary on the history of events surrounding the Siege.

Don, who hosts historic and military tours in NI and Europe, also took the group to Culmore Point from where those on the walk could see the jetty remains at Lisahally, which received the surrender of more than 50 German U-boats in May 1945 signalling the end of WWII’s Battle of the Atlantic.

But the walk included more thoroughly modern sights, too, including the now-famous mural – on the side of Badger's Bar and Restaurant, opposite the Foyleside shopping centre – inspired by the hit Channel 4 sitcom Derry Girls.

The day finished off with a visit to the former military base of Ebrington Barracks, which is now part of a huge regeneration site for the City. It is also home to The International Sailor, a poignant memorial that commemorates the effort to keep open transatlantic supply lines during WWII.

A good day was had by all despite the non-appearance of the famous, but elusive Culmore otters.