New Claddagh mural joins Derry’s famed street art trail

A new mural has been added to Creggan’s now-famous ‘outdoor gallery’ on Central Drive, completed by Féile in partnership with local street art collective Peaball.

The latest artwork features the traditional Irish Claddagh ring, representing love, friendship and loyalty, accompanied by two native birds.

It joins together two existing pieces completed in 2023 by acclaimed street artists Emic and Friz.

‘Derry Dryad’ was inspired by ‘Doire’ (the oak grove) and the tree spirits in Greek mythology, said to be protectors of trees and forests.

‘Younger Days’ features a young person walking in nature and draws inspiration from the poem ‘Blackberry Picking’ by Seamus Heaney.

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Several new nature and environmental murals have also been completed in recent months with the creative help of local primary school children, sparking conversation in the community about Creggan’s wildlife and natural heritage.

Residents have spoken about the “transformation” of walls, electric generators and community and play facilities across the neighbourhood, with bright, modern artwork replacing unsightly graffiti.

The project forms part of Féile’s Graffiti on the Walls initiative, funded by the Executive Office’s Communities in Transition programme, which supports improvements to the physical landscape in Creggan and the Brandywell.