Today we took an hour long drive to the city of Londonderry, where my grandmother grew up. The city was the central location for English expansion into Northern Ireland, and the site of many of the troubles between Northern and Southern Ireland.
Upon entering the city we drove around to see where my grandmother grew up, stopping outside of her old house, and taking a walk through the downtown. Much of the city has changed since she left, with many shops being torn down and others being built.
The older parts of the city, such as the walls, guildhall, and even some churches have been converted mostly into historical museums. We got to explore part of the 400 year old walls, which have never been breached. We then visited the guildhall, or town hall, where my grandmother used to go to dance, and 60 years ago welcomed in the New Year as Londonderry’s Ms. Civic Queen.
We were than able to meet with some relatives: my grandmother’s second cousin, June, and her husband, Freddy. They met us for tea and coffee, and we shared stories, and learned about our family back in Ireland.
My grandmother was also able to reconnect with a couple of her old friends and coworkers, Ethel and Phylis. They were able to reminisce on the times gone by, which of their friends were still alive, and what each other has been up to in the last 50 or so years.
We then drove back to our little cottage in the dark, stopping along the way for Fish-and-Chips. I would have liked to have spent more time exploring Londonderry and its historical sites, but the days here are short during the winter, and it was very nice to meet some of my grandmother’s friends and family. Perhaps I will have time to go back and explore Londonderry more in the future.