Republican Murals: 68-96

As you descend from the city walls towards the Bogside the republican murals adorn many of the gable ends of the houses. They are amazing and offer a real insight into the social history of the area, especially around The Troubles.
The Girl in a Schhol Uniform is especially sad. It depicts Annette McGettigan, a 14 year old girl who was the 100th victim of the troubles.
Another depicts the 14 victims of Bloody Sunday arranged in a circle with the yougest in the middle and 14 oak leaves, the symbol of Derry, around the edge.
There is another one dedicated to the women involved in the civil rights movement, most especially Bernadette Devlin.
One of the most iconic depicts a local priest waving a bloodied white handkerchief as a group tries to bring a stricken victim of the troubles towards medical attention.
Many more depict the likes of Bobby Sands and the one of the Petrol Bomber is especially arresting.
Another mural depicts various figures from the civil rights movement with John Hume prominent at the front.
Free Derry Corner is perhaps the best know, the table end remains of a row of houses that once stood there where at the height if the troubles the sentence 'm" You are now entering Free Derry" was famously scrawled.
It is fascinating to wander around them. Plenty of tours are available and you'll learn so much.

My sister and I visited Derry early on a Sunday morning in November, 2012. We were overwhelmed by the murals and the very sad reason for their existence. The fact that it was Nov. and very early on a Sunday morning we encountered no problems with traffic and parking. After walking in the Bogside we walked the very short distance to the old city wall which has the claim as the oldest intact walled city in Europe. We walked the whole wall which I believe is only about 1 mile. From the wall one can see not only the original city within the walls but also the entire city which has grown to form the City of Derry. The people of Derry were very friendly and helpful. When we asked a couple for directions they offered to walk with us so we wouldn't get lost. We refused as they we going in the opposite direction but appreciated the thought. Gerry from Derry also was very kind by spending time giving us special insight of this special city. This was my third trip to Ireland and my sister's fourth. She said Derry was her favorite stop on our trip. There is a lot if history here. I wish I had read more about Derry before our trip. We probably would have allotted more time here if I had.