Exploring Ulster

The usual platitudes straight from the research file. I have to take up the case for not only Derry City but Inishowen and the North-West or Ireland generally: Our built heritage, with a history going back to 546 (the early sixth century) include the Walled City: Ireland’s oldest Cathedral St. Columb’s, a history which dates back to St. Columba and our position as Ireland’s first plantation City. Then we have The Museum of Free Derry, the Guildhall and our relationship with the London Guilds, the Apprentice Boys of Derry, all combining to contribute significantly to our cultural offerings. One single example - St Columba's Church Long Tower. Although there has been a house of religion on the spot of Long Tower since the year 546, there was a time from about 1550 until 1786 when all that existed was a ruin, and Catholics had to worship in the open, exposed to the elements. From 1786 there has been a church here and in 1907 this was rebuilt and stands today as a most beautiful place of worship. There are 5 graveyards with the earliest known gravestone dating to 1758.This precinct is a must to visit for all visitors especially those wishing to trace their Roman Catholic ancestors from the city of Derry. At times reading your submissions, one feels there is a desperate attempt to air-brush Derry City from the tourist map. Why your editorials ignore the indigenous readership in the USA, is hard to understand. Don’t take my word for it - Google it yourself! Have a look at the part Derry played in World Ward Two and how welcome they made the Troops of all colours coming from the USA to fight the war. In the same item pertaining to Belfast, the revise sub appears to have a need to jump back and forth to include that city in virtually every other paragraph - or is it just me being paranoid?

Nice to see something about Co. Cavan and Co. Monaghan, where my Irish roots are. I would not be an understatement to say that these counties are not big tourist places. When I was in southeast Co. Cavan and southwest Co. Monaghan with another American cousin in 2005 my cousin had a hard time finding postcards. I would recommend the Co. Cavan Museum in Ballyjamesduff, in a former convent. The sections in Co. Cavan Museum on banners of various organizations and on Co. Cavan sport history is most interesting.