Mayor praises success of Walled City Alive Programme
10 July 2026
The Mayor of Derry and Strabane today acknowledged the success of this year’s Walled City Alive programme, which brought the city’s rich heritage to life through more than 200 events and activities delivered throughout the month of June.
The programme, which is supported by the Honourable the Irish Society, attracted visitors from across the North West and beyond, offering a diverse range of tours, talks, performances, living history experiences, family activities and cultural events that showcased the unique stories and heritage of the Walled City.
In partnership with Visit Derry, a targeted digital campaign helped extend the programme’s reach to potential visitors, generating more than 1.7 million social media views and reaching over 365,000 people. The campaign also drove strong interest in Derry’s heritage offering, attracting almost 35,000 users to the Heritage webpage and encouraging audiences to explore and plan a visit to the city.
One of the most memorable features of the programme was the series of interactive heritage encounters on the City Walls, where visitors were delighted to meet historical figures such as pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart and discover the fascinating story of her connection to the city.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, said the programme had once again demonstrated the power of heritage to connect people with place. “The Walled City Alive programme has been a tremendous success and showcases exactly why Derry is recognised as one of Ireland’s most unique and historic destinations. Over the course of the month, residents and visitors alike had the opportunity to experience our history in engaging and creative ways.
“It was particularly encouraging to see such a diverse audience taking part, from younger visitors and families to older generations with a deep appreciation for our heritage. Programmes like this help us celebrate our shared stories, strengthen community pride and ensure that our remarkable history continues to be accessible and relevant for everyone.”
Council’s Tourism Manager, Jennifer O’Donnell, said the programme continues to play an important role in enhancing the city’s tourism offering and encouraging visitors to engage more deeply with Derry’s heritage.
“The response to this year’s Walled City Alive programme has been exceptional. Delivering more than 200 events over the month provided countless opportunities for people to explore the city’s history and heritage in new and engaging ways.
“The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with visitors commenting on the creativity of the programme and the unique experiences on offer. Walled City Alive continues to be a key part of our cultural tourism programme, helping to attract visitors, support local businesses and celebrate the stories that make the Walled City such a special destination.”
The success of the programme further reinforces Derry’s reputation as a leading heritage destination, and just last month statistics from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency revealed significant increases in visitor numbers, overnight stays and tourism spending. Derry and Strabane Council area rated as the fastest growing tourism destination in N. Ireland.