Cheap Self Catering in County Londonderry

County Londonderry has a land area of 2,075 sq km (800 sq miles) and is bounded to the north by the massive Lough Foyle. A largely agricultural county with rolling hills, fertile river valleys and a spectacular coastline, in the north the Carntogher Mountains reach a height of 462 m (1,516 feet), and in the south the Sperrin Mountains rise to 682 m (2,236 feet).

Initially settled by prehistoric tribes then European Celts, Ireland never became part of the Roman Empire. In the 5th century St Patrick began converting the inhabitants to Christianity, and his cause was continued in the 6th century when many monasteries were founded. During the 8th and 10th centuries Vikings invaded the area, and by the 13th century various Anglo-Norman explorers had firmly established themselves there. Begun by the English King James I in 1607, the Ulster Plantation saw many English and Scottish people settle in the area, and the town of Derry was given to the City of London, hence the name Londonderry.

Agriculture and linen making were mainstays of the economy, but the tourist industry is now rapidly expanding, making use of the county's rolling hills, moorlands, sandy beaches, exceptional coastline, and small picturesque seaside resorts.