Let’s take a look at why the Irish get annoyed when Derry is called Londonderry.
County Derry, officially known as County Londonderry, is one of the 32 counties of Ireland, one of the nine counties of Ulster, and one of the six counties of Northern Ireland. Over the years, the Irish people have become annoyed when Derry is called Londonderry. Why is this so?
The Derry/Londonderry dispute is one that has been a subject of contention in the north for decades. So much so that when an event takes place in the region, posters, announcements, and more will share the news of the event taking place in ‘Derry/Londonderry’ to keep the peace.
So why do the Irish get annoyed when Derry is called Londonderry? Let’s dive in.
The history of Derry – going way back
The earliest references to this Irish county date back to the sixth century when a monastery was founded there. The name Derry comes from the Old Irish word ‘Daire’, now known as ‘Doire’, meaning ‘oak grove’ or ‘oak wood.’
After the Irish partition, Derry was one of six counties in Ireland that formed the new Northern Ireland in 1921, effectively dividing the province of Ulster.
At the time, unionists feared that if the region included too many Catholics and Irish nationalists, the state would become unviable.
As such, Armagh, Antrim, Down, Derry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh comprised the maximum area unionists believed they would be able to dominate. However, it was long before the Irish partition that Derry became known as Londonderry.
Establishing Londonderry – 1613
Throughout the second half of the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I’s military leaders tried to conquer the province of Ulster on many occasions.
During the nine-year war against the Gaelic O’Neill and O’Donnell earls, the English managed to hold on to Derry. When the war came to a close, a small trading settlement was established and given the legal status of the city.
However, during the 1608 O’Doherty’s Rebellion, the settlement was effectively wiped out by the Irish chieftain of Inishowen, Sir Cahir O’Doherty.
So, the new King of London, James I, decided on a revolutionary plan to take down and subordinate Ulster once and for all. The Plantation of Ulster required the colonising of the area by loyal English and Scottish migrants of the Protestant religion.
A part of this colonisation was to be organised by the ancient and wealthy livery companies of the city of London.
As such, in 1613, the new county and its fortified city, which was built across the River Foyle, were renamed Londonderry in recognition of the London investors.
READ MORE: Why is DERRY sometimes called LONDONDERRY? The name dispute EXPLAINED.
Derry/Londonderry – who says what
Londonderry is the legal name for the city and county of this region. However, you will find that only some people call it so, while others steadfastly refer to it as Derry.
Irish nationalists prefer to refer to the city or the county as Derry. Meanwhile, the British unionists prefer the term Londonderry.
When driving around Northern Ireland, you will often see the ‘London’ part of the word scribbled out or spray-painted over on road signs throughout the region.
Furthermore, the joke, ‘Londonderry is the only word in the English language with six silent letters,’ is one that everyone in Ireland knows well.
However, interestingly, the region, which was called the Londonderry, went by largely without contention for centuries. It was only during the Troubles that the Derry/Londonderry debate became divisive and rooted in sectarianism.
Why do the Irish get annoyed when Derry is called Londonderry? – rooted in history
Before the Troubles, referring to the region as Derry was common with everyone around the country, no matter what religious background, because it was simply a way to shorten the name.
However, the mention of either name became highly politicised during this dark time in Ireland’s history.
The mention of either name became a defining factor in which side or community you belonged to in Northern Ireland.
So, why do the Irish get annoyed when Derry is called Londonderry? It’s primarily because Irish nationalists favour the old, historical name for the city and county. Calling the region Derry is embedded in a sense of Irishness and defending it.
The contention comes from each side insisting on calling the place something different to define who you are or where you come from.
Today, there is not so much contention around the Derry/Londonderry debate. But you will still find hard defenders of both. Say either, say both; times have thankfully changed and progressed, even if just a little bit.
