A brand new walking tour around Derry city centre has been created to shine a light on many of the inspiring women who came from the city.
David Douglas of 'Derrie Danders' has a number of specialised Derry city tours, revolving around the Shirt Factory heritage of the city, the music talents of Derry natives and a Blue Plaque tour.
During his research for these tours, David began to notice how many notable figures were women, and decided that they needed a specialised tour of their own.
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Speaking to MyDerry about this new tour, launching in time for International Women's Day, David said: "I felt there was an opportunity to do a full and dedicated women’s history tour of the city, and my wife and daughter were keen on the idea, so I then started researching this.
"I also started dropping the idea to some tour operators who bring groups to the city, and they are all expressed an interest in this too.
"I wanted to cover not just the historical figures featured on the Blue Plaques such as Mabel Colhoun, a leading 20th century Irish Archaeologist and Historian, Cecil Francis Alexander, a Renowned Hymnwriter, but also to cover some modern women such as Jeanette Warke, Bridget Bond and Pat Hume for their community work.
"I also wanted to mention the success of the Derry Girls and in Lisa McGee becoming the first woman to get freedom of the city in December 2022, and the importance of actresses and musicians from the city such as Dana.
"I could not forget the 'real Derry Girls', the shirt factory girls and the modern organization the Friends of the Factories who are keeping this legacy alive.
"Women politicians are covered too including the first and latest Mayors, and also Margaret Cousins and her little known role as an Irish suffragette.
"The struggle was who to leave out as many other women from the city have come to prominence in literature, comedy and even the use of an Air Fryer in recent years, but I expect the tour will evolve over time depending on guests feedback on the tour. I will add in new characters and then leave some out – or I will have to increase the tour length to 4 hours!
"The tour will initially be available only as a private group tour up to 15 people. Larger groups by negotiation, as I want to keep the quality of the experience high for my guests, and this is sometimes only possible in smaller groups.
"Initially it will be offered once a day on the website, but if people want to contact me by e-mail at david@derriedanders.co.uk or 07799693789, I can be flexible about other dates and times."
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