Derry calling Bailieborough

Need something to look forward to as the recession deepens? How about a night away bang in the middle of summer? This year"s Bailieborough Arts & Cultural Centre"s summer cultural tour will be to Derry City from Sunday to Monday, June 21 to 22. The tour begins with a guided walking tour of the 17th Century Derry City Walls and St Columb"s Cathedral, which was built between 1614 and 1619. These original walls are almost perfectly preserved today, making Derry one of the finest examples of a Walled City in Europe. Free time Then there is free time to explore the city"s many shops. The Richmond Centre and Foyleside have a huge range of high street stores while the craft village specialises in local craft and unique gifts such as crystal and glassware. Or why not visit Austin"s, the world oldest department store, preceding Harrod"s of London and Macy"s of New York. Accommodation will be at Di Vivci"s Hotel for one night B&B and one evening meal. After dinner drinks, music and craic in the Di Vivci"s Bar. On day two there will be a visit to the award-winning Tower Museum, a recently refurbished museum, which houses two state of the art exhibitions: The Story of Derry and The Armada Shipwreck. There will also be a chance to visit the newly opened Museum of Free Derry, where you can discover the people"s story of their struggle for civil rights, the battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday. Dining will be in one of Derry"s many fantastic restaurants, before heading home sweet home to Bailieborough. *For further information, contact Niamh Smyth at 042-9666666.