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Tourists visiting Derry have expressed shock and dismay at the high levels of vandalism suffered by the historic city walls, which have been identified as the most vandalized monument in Northern Ireland. New figures from the Department for Communities reveal a staggering 193 incidents of vandalism have been recorded on the walls between April 2021 and April 2025, accounting for 65% of all incidents recorded at historic monuments across Northern Ireland during the same period.
John Anderson from the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society has highlighted the vulnerability of the walls due to their accessibility, making them an easy target for vandals. He labeled the acts of vandalism as criminal and stressed the importance of preserving built heritage for future generations. Anderson criticized the chronic underfunding of the heritage sector in Northern Ireland, emphasizing the need for leadership to protect and uphold the cultural significance of such landmarks.
Geraldine Henderson and Patricia Mundy, tourists from Glasgow and Leeds respectively, expressed their disappointment at the vandalism of the walls, considering them an integral part of Derry’s heritage. They emphasized the importance of respecting and preserving historical sites, citing the walls as a key attraction for visitors from around the world. Janice McNeilly echoed these sentiments, noting the vibrancy and historical value of the walls, which hold significant appeal for tourists and locals alike.
SDLP councillor John Boyle highlighted the sheer scale and significance of Derry’s walls, measuring a mile in length and towering up to 40ft in height in some areas. Despite the distressing levels of vandalism, Boyle urged the public to cherish and protect the city’s heritage as they would their own property. The figures on vandalism were brought to light through an assembly question posed by SDLP MLA Justin McNulty, prompting calls for greater efforts to safeguard and preserve Derry’s historic walls
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