Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has visited the Derry Walls to promote the historic free-to-use site, which stands as the largest upstanding monument in State Care in Northern Ireland.

The major tourist attraction, encapsulating 412 years of history with seven gates and 24 cannon, offers downloadable guides and illustrated signage for visitors worldwide.

Minister Lyons highlighted the Walls' popularity: "This free to-use monument is among the top 10 most visited sites in Northern Ireland. Stretched along a one-mile circuit it holds so much history, and visitors can also visit the many historic buildings and arts venues on the route." He emphasised the Walls' advanced design for their time, built low and wide to withstand cannon fire, and their historical significance in enduring three sieges, including the 105-day Great Siege of 1689. The monument also encloses an 'ideal city plan' that influenced later American settlements, with its mathematically perfect market square at its commercial heart.

Minister Lyons also praised the ongoing partnership for maintaining the monument, which attracts thousands of tourists annually. He announced an update to the Walls Management Plan, reflecting the strong collaboration between his Department and various agencies, including the city council, The Honourable The Irish Society, and Visit Derry, among others. He also acknowledged the volunteer efforts of the Friends of the monument for promoting its rich history.