Historical 15th-Century Castle in Storied Irish Country

Legend has it that the haunting Irish ballad "Danny Boy" can be traced back to the tune of "O'Cahan's Lament," also known as "The Derry Air" for its place of origin. Its alleged composer was a harpist and descendant of Northern Ireland's O'Cahan clan, the region's ruling family between the 12th and 17th centuries whose ancestral home still stands today. Located in County Derry, the four-star Dungiven Castle sits on 22 acres of landscaped gardens in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains. The castle's sophisticated guest rooms with antique furniture preserve the bed and breakfast's historical charm.

During a city tour, guides lead visitors on a one-hour walking expedition through Ireland’s only completely walled city. Attractions such as the Bloody Sunday Memorial, St. Augustine's Church, and Amelia Earhart College help to elucidate the city's history from its sixth-century monastic settlement to its modern-day resurgence. Back at the castle, a four-course dinner at the Longhorn Grill showcases the restaurant's diverse menu ranging from hand-cut steaks and lamb shanks to stone-baked pizzas and barbecue ribs.

Perched up in the wings, the castle's deluxe double rooms blend Old-World furniture and elegant décor. Laura Ashley fabrics dress intricate bed frames, and floral drapes frame windows with mountain views. Arranged on hardwood floors, handcrafted 16th-century furniture such as white-wood dressers and armoires are dwarfed by soaring ceilings.

Derry, Ireland: Riverside City with Breathtaking Landscapes and Historical Monuments

Derry is located in Northern Ireland on the west bank of the River Foyle. Steep hills and church towers define the city's silhouette, and narrow, winding streets slope down to the water's edge. Aside from its rugged landscape, the city's greatest charm is its famous 17th-century walls, which form a continuous 1-mile promenade around the town center. At 35 feet, the peak of the wall offers striking views of the city's Renaissance-style street plan, medieval architecture, and Olympic-size hopscotch court.

As one of the oldest cities in the country, Derry has been the site of many noteworthy events in Irish history, including the Siege of Derry from 1688 to 1689 and the culmination of the North's civil-rights movement in 1972 infamously known as the Bloody Sunday massacre. Fortunately the days of religious strife—called the Troubles—are over, and the city has emerged as a vibrant cultural center as evidenced by a burgeoning live-music scene, a premier shopping district, and a symbolic Hands Across the Divide sculpture.

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