There the north is the south | Dunfanaghy to Londonderry

Where does it start? Dunfanaghy

Where does it end? Londonderry

How long is it?  98 miles

Why is it great?

This is your only chance to confuse your friends that you’ve been to the most northerly point in Ireland; and that it’s in the south. You see, Malin Head, that northernmost point, is in the Republic of Ireland, which locals call the South, as opposed to Northern Ireland, or the North.

Still confused? Don’t worry: if you’re not bothered with geography, just get to Londonderry and be more confused, since Protestants tend to call it Londonderry, and Catholics Derry. Just call it Derry, since most locals do.

Either way, the roads are empty apart from the occasional sheep, allowing you to enjoy the wild and lonely scenery of Ireland’s most rural county.

What do I need to know?

Derry is the oldest walled city in Europe, and the birthplace of the Civil Rights movement for Catholic equality which led to the 30 years of mayhem locals call the Troubles.

If you’d like to know more, the Tower Museum has two fascinating permanent exhibitions, one on the city history, including the siege which changed the course of European history, and the story of La Trinidad Valencera, one of the largest ships in the Spanish Armada. In 1588, it foundered in a storm off the Donegal coast, and was discovered nearly 400 years later by local divers.

Anything Else?

In Londonderry, stay at The Merchant’s House, a beautifully restored Georgian town house within walking distance of the city centre, with great communal breakfasts around a big table.

For dinner, eat at Browns in my view the best restaurant in Northern Ireland, but still with reasonable prices.

If you prefer pubs, Peadar O’Donnell’s, with three separate bars and live music every night, is always jumping.