Northern Ireland

The Peace Bridge was opened in Derry, Northern Ireland in June 2011 and has swiftly become a major feature of the city. It sits astride the River Foyle and is intended for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge is designed to bring together Derry’s divided geography and communities.

This contemporary structure with its graceful pinnacles and curves is a draw to the photographer. The city looks weathered against the bridge, which enjoys a steady stream of human traffic. Reflections of the Peace Bridge in the water it crosses and its own detail make it a joy to capture.

Click the first image to launch the full size gallery

: View across Derry

: Bridge strut

: Peace Bridge detail

: The bridge in use

: The city and Peace Bridge

: Peace Bridge reflection

: Dual struts

: Mechanics up close

This bridge has been elevated to one of the best I have visited and photographed. The sense that this has brought a new lease of life to the fabric of Derry came across quite palpably.

The city of Derry (sometimes referred to as Londonderry) in Northern Ireland is a far-flung corner of the United Kingdom, very close to the border with the Republic of Ireland. It has endured a troubled recent history, which you can still see today in its stark political murals. The cluster painted on the walls of the city’s Bogside area document Irish nationalism and its struggles.

The famous “You are now entering Free Derry” slogan is on the surviving end wall of a house and has been painted dozens of times. It was even turned pink for a recent gay pride.

Others feature nationalist politician Bernadette Devlin and even Che Guevara complete with his Irish birth surname Lynch. While this wall art is now a tourist attraction, its careful preservation reflects a difficult history which is really not so far away.