In October 1968 rioting broke out in the Bogside area of Derry. Most now see this as the trigger event of the 'Troubles' in the north of Ireland. The Bogside would subsequently become the first area to declare itself as a no-go area for security forces in the north when it declared itself as 'Free Derry' in January 1969. It later bore witness to the famous Battle of the Bogside, internment and most notably  'Bloody Sunday' in January 1972. Two of its residents would later die on the 1981 Hunger Strike whilst Nobel laureate John Hume and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness still reside in the area.

In essence, a visit to the Bogside is a must for any visitor interested in the origins of the 'Troubles' and the events of the last 40 years. Free Derry Tours is a local community initiative which aims to explain all of these issues from the perspective of local guides who have been directly affected by the conflict. All guides are fully trained and accredited and have delivered tours to thousands of satisfied tourists and school groups. If you want to learn the political history of the Bogside and 'Free Derry' then Free Derry Tours is a must.