- Seamus Heaney (1939-2013) A world-renowned poet, playwright, and translator, Heaney is considered one of Ireland’s greatest poets. Born near Castledawson in County Derry, he chronicled themes of nature, history, and the Troubles in the six counties. His works include Death of a Naturalist (1966), North (1975), and a translation of Beowulf (1999). He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1995 for his “works of lyrical beauty and ethical depth.” Heaney was a professor at Oxford and Harvard and emphasized his Irish identity.
- Robert Greacen (1920-2008) A poet and editor born in Derry, Greacen spent his youth in Belfast and later lived in London. He co-edited the anthology Contemporary Irish Poetry (1949) with Valentin Iremonger, contributing to the promotion of Irish poetry. His Collected Poems (1995) won the Irish Times Prize for Poetry, and he was elected a member of Aosdána. His work often reflected personal and cultural themes.
- Joyce Cary (1888-1957) A novelist born in Derry, Cary is best known for his novels The Horse’s Mouth (1944) and Mister Johnson (1939), both adapted into films. His works often explored themes of displacement and identity, reflecting his family’s loss of property due to the Irish Land Act. Cary moved to England and later Nigeria, where his experiences as a Red Cross orderly and colonial officer informed his writing.
- James Burke (1936-) A science historian and writer born in Derry, Burke is known for his documentaries and books on the history of science and technology. He worked for the BBC, hosting programs like Tomorrow’s World and serving as chief reporter for the Apollo missions. His books include Connections and The Day the Universe Changed, blending historical analysis with engaging narratives.
- Nell McCafferty (1944-2024) A journalist, playwright, and feminist born in Derry, McCafferty was a prominent voice in Irish civil rights and women’s rights movements. Her works include A Woman to Blame (1985) and Nell (2004), a memoir reflecting on her life and activism during the Troubles. Her journalism, often published in the Irish Times, addressed social justice and gender issues.
- Lisa McGee (1980-) A writer and producer born in Derry, McGee is best known for creating the acclaimed sitcom Derry Girls (2018), which humorously depicts life in Derry during the 1990s, set against the backdrop of the Troubles. Her work captures the unique cultural and historical context of the region, earning her international recognition.
- Phil Coulter (1942-) A songwriter, composer, and musician born in Derry, Coulter is known for writing music and lyrics, including hits like Puppet on a String and Congratulations. He received the Gold Badge from the British Academy of Songwriters in 2009
Writers
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Derry:
Ireland’s county Derry offers a rich historical tapestry, with the city’s 17th-century walls providing a walkable journey through its past. The Guildhall and Tower Museum explore Derry’s maritime and political history, while the Peace Bridge offers scenic views over the River Foyle. Derry is Ireland’s 15th largest county by size (2,067 square km) and sixth largest by population (252,231). Population previously peaked at 222,174 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 139,693 in 1926. In terms of hospitality, Derry is Ireland’s 16th most visited tourist county with around 135,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – New – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards– Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
