FAMILIES took to the City Walls on Sunday as Derry Walls Day awakened a curiosity in their history as part of National Heritage Week.

With a focus on the Great Northern Plot of 1615, Derry Walls Day captured the drama of the trial of Rory O’Cahan, the experience of Kings James 1 Royal court and the thrill of an interactive Treasure Hunt across seven participating city museums.

Derry Walls Day was funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council, with support from the Heritage Council of Ireland and the Friends of the Derry Walls.

Speaking after the event the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, said: “Our investment in Derry Walls Day encourages an interest in the history of the City Walls through innovative engagement and events.

“Living history draws audiences into an era in a way that is both meaningful and fun.

“The quality of the performances, costumes and themes of the Treasure Hunt, at Derry Walls Day, were excellent and created a fantastic free family day out in the city”

Each year during the quadri-centennial of the building of the Derry Walls 2013-2018, the Council and Friends choose an annual theme for Derry Walls Day which unpacks the events which were happening in the city 400 years ago.

The historical focus for 2015 was the discovery of the Great Northern Plot of 1615 which accelerated the building of the City Walls.

“The strength of Derry Walls Day was the partnership that helped showcase the City Walls, presenting an opportunity to share the untold stories around the building of the Walls while creating the connections for future events and celebrations.”

Derry City and Strabane District Council and Friends of the Derry Walls would like to thank the Guildhall, Tower Museum, First Derry, St Augustine’s, Siege Museum, St Columb’s Cathedral and Museum of Free Derry; the participants from Past Pleasures, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the funding from Heritage Council Ireland which all contributed to making Derry Walls Day a successful city experience.